The well-known Russian rapper Big Baby Tape, whose real name is Egor Rakitin, is at the center of a high-profile legal dispute that has drawn attention across the music scene and legal circles. The dispute centers on a claim for compensation amounting to 185 million rubles, which the artist seeks from Warner Music in connection with his departure from Russia. The allegation and the size of the claim have sparked widespread discussion, with coverage emerging from a variety of media channels including a Telegram outlet that reported the development for audiences following the case closely.
According to published reports, Rakitin filed a case with the Moscow Arbitration Court, asserting that he had not been paid under a contract that remained active until 2022. The move indicates a contractual dispute arising from the artist’s exit from the Russian market and the terms encountered by both the performer and the record label during and after his departure. The arbitration filing demonstrates the complexity of talent agreements that cross borders and involve cross-border protections as the music industry adapts to changing regulatory and commercial environments.
Earlier in the year, in early March 2022, Warner Music announced a suspension of its activities within Russia. The label stated that it would continue to fulfill its obligations to employees, artists, and songwriters as the situation evolved. This commitment highlighted the challenges faced by multinational music companies during periods of political and economic disruption, and it raised questions about how ongoing contractual duties are managed when operations are paused or altered due to external circumstances.
In late October, new developments emerged as reports indicated that Big Baby Tape was being examined for online drug propaganda. A lawsuit was filed against the musician within the framework of allegations tied to the promotion of illegal substances on the internet. At the time of reporting, details about the date of the first court hearing had not been disclosed, leaving the case in a phase where procedural steps and evidentiary considerations would shape the next moves for both sides. The attention around these charges reflects the heightened scrutiny that public figures may face when their online content intersects with evolving public policy and law enforcement priorities.
The case drew the attention of Ekaterina Mizulina, the president of the Secure Internet Association, who urged law enforcement authorities to examine the matter in relation to drug propaganda concerns. Her call underscored how advocacy groups focused on internet safety and online content moderation can influence legal and regulatory responses to provocative or illegal material in the digital space. The intersection of entertainment, online activity, and public policy remains a hot topic as officials balance artistic expression with safeguards for the internet audience, particularly in contexts where youth and impressionable viewers might encounter such content.
Meanwhile, in broader entertainment news, there were previously widespread rumors involving other public figures. In particular, Meladze addressed speculation about a rumored divorce involving his sister and a well-known public personality Brezhneva. This other story illustrates how the media landscape often runs multiple narratives at once, especially in communities where celebrity news and industry updates frequently cross paths. Observers noted that conversations around personal lives can intersect with professional trajectories, sometimes influencing public perception and media coverage of the artists involved.
As this case progresses, observers in the United States and Canada—where Warner Music also operates in various capacities—watch closely how arbitration procedures unfold in Moscow, how contractual obligations are interpreted in cross-border contexts, and how regulatory responses to online content may affect artists and labels alike. The evolving situation offers a lens into how the music business navigates geopolitical shifts, digital platform dynamics, and the legal frameworks that govern talent agreements in today’s global market. The outcome could have implications for international artists seeking to manage contracts under different legal jurisdictions while maintaining visibility in major markets across North America and beyond.