In a powerful legal move aimed at correcting what it calls long-standing injustices, the estate of the late Dr. Khalid Abdul Muhammad has filed three federal lawsuits in California targeting the unauthorized use of his voice in major musical works by hip hop and R&B icons. Among those named in the suits are Tupac Shakur’s estate and label, legendary rap group Public Enemy, and soul artist D’Angelo.
“These lawsuits are not an attack on Public Enemy, Tupac’s family, or D’Angelo,” said attorney Malik Zulu Shabazz, who represents the estate. “They are about accountability. Music corporations and record labels have profited off the powerful voice and legacy of Dr. Khalid Muhammad without acknowledgment, credit, or compensation; just as they’ve done to many Black artists throughout history.”
At the heart of the legal complaints are three tracks: Tupac’s “White Man’z World” from his posthumous Makaveli album, Public Enemy’s “Night of the Living Baseheads,” and D’Angelo’s “1000 Deaths” from his 2014 Black Messiah album. Each contains excerpts of Dr. Muhammad’s fiery oratory, yet according to the estate, none were cleared or licensed.
“This is about Tupac Shakur’s label—the one run by Tom Whalley,” said Gloria Valson, Muhammad’s 79-year-old sister, in an exclusive statement. “That’s the man who profited from my brother’s voice without giving him or our family the dignity of credit or compensation.”
Valson made it clear she believes Tupac himself, who was murdered before the release of The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, would have supported recognition and restitution. “Let’s be clear—Tupac didn’t do this. But the people who’ve controlled his music since his death have used my brother’s voice without respect.”
The lawsuit also takes aim at D’Angelo for using more than a minute of Muhammad’s speech in “1000 Deaths.” “With a name like Black Messiah, you should know better,” Valson said. “Not one second of Khalid Muhammad’s voice should’ve been used without permission. You owe the family. Pay what you owe.”
In addition to seeking $5 million per instance of infringement, the estate is asking for legal fees and a permanent injunction to halt any further unauthorized use of Muhammad’s voice and likeness. Legal notices have also been sent to Ice Cube and Common, requesting documentation of any licenses related to the use of Muhammad’s speeches in their past work.
“This is disgraceful,” Valson added. “We’re not only seeking justice for Khalid Muhammad, but for the mission he gave his life to. We intend to use any awarded restitution to build a museum and institutions dedicated to Black studies, in his honor.”
Dr. Khalid Muhammad, born Harold Moore Jr., was a provocative and polarizing figure in the 1990s. Once the National Spokesman of the Nation of Islam under the Hon. Louis Farrakhan, he gained national attention through fiery appearances on mainstream programs like The Phil Donahue Show. Following his censure by Congress in 1993 and the controversial “Million Youth March” in 2000, Muhammad was later dismissed from the NOI. He remained politically active until his death from a brain aneurysm in 2001 at age 53.
With these lawsuits, the estate hopes to reframe Khalid Muhammad’s legacy in a way that ensures he is not only remembered, but respected, credited, and rightfully compensated for his cultural impact.