Maverick City Music: Ex-Manager Sues Over Buyout

A lawsuit filed by Tony Brown, co-founder of Maverick City Music, against the Grammy-winning collective and its CEO Norman Gyamfi has been dismissed by a Georgia judge. Brown alleged racketeering and coercion, claiming he was threatened into signing an unfavorable buyout agreement in 2023. Judge Paige Reese Whitaker ruled that the dispute must be resolved in New York due to a jurisdiction clause in the agreement.

Brown had accused Gyamfi of hiring an individual to threaten him with "character assassination" and debt if he didn't sign the deal. Maverick City and its holding company, Insignia Assets, have denied these claims, stating the agreement was freely negotiated with legal counsel. The company is pleased the dismissal upheld the negotiated agreement, though Brown may refile in New York.

Maverick City has also countersued Brown, alleging he violated a non-compete clause by launching a new music project. These claims are pending in New York. This legal battle follows other recent litigation involving the group, including a departure and royalty dispute with a flagship member.

Brown co-founded Maverick City in 2018, and the group has since won five Grammy Awards. Gyamfi joined around 2021 and helped expand the collective's reach before buying out Brown for an undisclosed sum in 2023. Brown's lawsuit was filed in 2024, initially over alleged non-payment of installment installments, later adding racketeering claims.