Mo3 estate wins copyright battle over music catalog

A Victory for Mo3’s Legacy

The estate of Melvin Noble Jr., known professionally as Mo3, has emerged victorious in a significant copyright dispute, securing sole ownership of the late rapper’s music catalog. On April 28, 2025, a federal jury in Sherman, Texas, ruled in favor of Mo3’s estate after a week-long trial, rejecting claims by former sound engineer Ray Gene Bollin Jr. This legal battle, which centered on 78 released and 51 unreleased vocal recordings, underscores the importance of protecting an artist’s creative legacy.

Mo3’s Legacy: A Rising Star Cut Short

To understand Mo3’s musical impact, it’s essential to highlight his contributions to music. Born Melvin Abdul Noble Jr. on May 31, 1992, in McKinney, Texas, Mo3 rose to prominence in Dallas’s rap scene. His 2014 debut mixtape, Shottaz, and the single “Hold Ya Tongue” garnered regional buzz, leading to collaborations with artists like Boosie Badazz. His 2020 single “Broken Love,” remixed with Kevin Gates, earned double platinum certification from the RIAA, while his posthumous album Shottaz 4Eva (2021) reached number 36 on the Billboard 200. Mo3’s raw lyricism and storytelling resonated with fans, cementing his status as a rising star.

Tragically, Mo3’s life was cut short on November 11, 2020, when he was shot and killed on Interstate 35 in Dallas at age 28. The incident, involving suspects Kewon Dontrell White and Devin Maurice Brown, was later linked to a murder-for-hire plot allegedly orchestrated by rapper Yella Beezy (Markies Conway), who was indicted in March 2025. For users exploring Mo3’s story, this context underscores the stakes of preserving his legacy for his children.

The Legal Battle: Mo3 Estate vs. Ray Gene Bollin

The case, The Estate of Melvin Noble, Jr. v. Ray Gene Bollin, Jr., was filed on August 10, 2023, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas (Civil Action No. 4:23-cv-00716). The dispute arose when Bollin, owner of Absolut Production Recording Studios, claimed co-ownership and copyright interests in Mo3’s recordings, asserting “significant” contributions as an audio engineer and producer. Bollin’s claims included 78 previously released tracks and 51 unreleased recordings, which he copyrighted between 2021 and 2024 without the estate’s consent. He also alleged that Mo3 owed unpaid studio fees, further complicating the dispute.

The estate countered that Bollin’s role was strictly technical, limited to tasks like setting up microphones and pressing record under Mo3’s direct supervision. Court documents reveal a contentious meeting on August 24, 2023, where Bollin’s purported business manager, Purlie Gates (P.G.), allegedly pressured Jasmine Moore, the mother of one of Mo3’s children, to relinquish rights to the vocal tracks in exchange for future payments. The estate labeled this a “shakedown,” prompting the lawsuit to protect Mo3’s legacy for his three minor children.

The Jury’s Verdict: Affirming Mo3’s Sole Ownership

After a week-long trial and less than two hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a decisive verdict on April 28, 2025, ruling that Bollin was neither a joint author nor co-owner of any recordings featuring Mo3’s vocal performances. The final judgment, filed on May 12, 2025, ordered Bollin to surrender all of Mo3’s vocal files, cancel his unauthorized copyright registrations, and pay monetary damages to the estate. This ruling reaffirmed Mo3’s sole ownership, ensuring that his music remains under the control of his family and heirs.

The verdict is a significant win for the estate, as it prevents Bollin from profiting off Mo3’s work or asserting future claims. For users researching the outcome, the jury’s swift decision highlights the strength of the estate’s case and the court’s commitment to protecting artists’ rights. The ruling also sets a precedent for similar disputes, emphasizing the importance of clear ownership in creative works.

The Broader Implications: Protecting Artists’ Rights

The Mo3 estate’s victory resonates beyond this case, addressing curiosity about its impact on the music industry. The jury’s rejection of Bollin’s claims reinforces the principle that technical contributors, like sound engineers, do not automatically gain ownership rights without explicit agreements. The estate’s press release emphasized that the ruling is “a pivotal moment in the fight for protecting the rights of all musical artists and creators against unauthorized claims.” This sentiment, echoed in posts on X, highlights the case’s significance for artists’ intellectual property rights.

For low-wage or independent artists, such disputes can threaten their financial security and creative control. Mo3’s estate, supported by Empire Records and a skilled legal team from Bell Nunnally and Harper & Bates LLP, navigated these challenges to secure justice. Users searching for insights into music industry practices will find this case a compelling example of the need for clear contracts and vigilance against opportunistic claims.

The Role of Empire Records: Supporting Mo3’s Legacy

Mo3’s partnership with Empire Records, his distribution label since 2019, played a crucial role in sustaining his legacy. The estate acknowledged Empire’s “unwavering, long-term support” in a press release. Further noting its efforts to ensure Mo3’s music continues to reach global audiences. Albums like the deluxe version of Legend (2024) and Shottaz 4Eva reflect Empire’s commitment to promoting Mo3’s work posthumously. For fans interested in how Mo3’s music remains accessible, Empire’s involvement highlights the importance of reliable distribution partners. Especially, when preserving an artist’s catalog.

This collaboration also ensured that proceeds from Mo3’s music benefit his three minor children, aligning with the estate’s mission to honor his memory. The label’s role in this case offers a positive counterpoint to the legal dispute, addressing user curiosity about the stakeholders supporting Mo3’s legacy.

What’s Next: The Future of Mo3’s Music

With the copyright dispute resolved, Mo3’s estate can focus on managing his catalog and expanding his influence. Fans on social media celebrated the victory. With posts noting that Mo3’s children now fully own his masters, ensuring long-term financial benefits. The estate’s commitment to releasing new music, such as the 2024 deluxe Legend album, suggests more posthumous projects may follow. For users seeking updates, this ruling clears the way for unhindered creative and commercial opportunities.

The case also draws attention to ongoing legal matters, including the murder-for-hire case against Yella Beezy. Which may yield further developments. Users following Mo3’s story will appreciate this forward-looking perspective. Which balances the legal victory with the broader context of his legacy.

A Triumph for Mo3’s Family and Fans

The Mo3 estate’s legal victory in the copyright dispute against Ray Gene Bollin Jr. marks a significant milestone. Specificially, in preserving the rapper’s legacy. By securing sole ownership of his music catalog, the estate ensures that Mo3’s creative contributions benefit his children. In addition to inspiring fans worldwide. This case, rooted in a commitment to artists’ rights, offers valuable lessons for the music industry. While also highlighting the importance of protecting intellectual property.