And The Update Is… Rap Lyrics Banned in Court, AI Deals Stalling, and a $64B UMG Bombshell

Every week, And the Writer Is brings you the most important news moving through the music industry — straight, sharp, and no fluff. This week: Maryland just passed the RAP Act, making it illegal to use rap lyrics as courtroom evidence, potentially setting the stage for federal law. Suno's licensing negotiations with Sony and Universal have stalled, leaving major AI royalty questions unresolved. And Pershing Square submitted a $64 billion bid for Universal Music Group, revealing just how undervalued the music industry is to outside investors. Plus: Ticketmaster's face value integration, HYBE's new Indian girl group audition, and moves at Warner. Follow us on socials and don't miss our new episodes every Tuesday — the hottest conversations in music, with the people making it.This week:Maryland passes the RAP Act — rap lyrics can no longer be used as courtroom evidencePershing Square submits a $64B bid for Universal Music GroupSuno's licensing talks with Sony and Universal stall over AI royaltiesTicketmaster partners with Cash or Trade on face value resale integrationHYBE auditions for a new Indian girl group as Asian streaming dominance growsMyles Gersh promoted at Warner — the exec who signed Zach BryanTaylor Swift resigns with Warner ChappellLasso signs to Interscope Records Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.