A recent interview with the legendary EPMD member has stirred up past issues and accusations made by the late Bishop Brigante against Erick Sermon and OVO Gordo (Dave Strickland) over unpaid royalties. An interivew with Bagfuel by the producer has come under renewed scrutiny in light of Brigante’s death in 2025. The dispute centers around a song hook Brigante co-wrote with Nate Dogg, which Brigante claims was used without proper credit or compensation.

Brigante’s Death and Legacy

Bishop Brigante, born Nickolas Parra, passed away March 30, 2025, following a battle with colorectal cancer, according to multiple reports. His son, Lito (also known as Carlito), announced his father’s passing and described it as peaceful and surrounded by love.

Brigante’s diagnosis was made public in October 2023, after which he became vocal about the importance of early screening and advocated for lowering the colonoscopy screening age in Ontario from 50 to 30.

His contributions to Canadian hip-hop and the battle rap scene are widely recognized. He was a pioneer in Toronto’s battle rap circuit, gained notoriety on BET’s 106 & Park, and released several songs including “It’s Fo’ Twenty” (with Nate Dogg) and

The Royalty Dispute Uncovered

 

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The video explains that Brigante and Nate Dogg wrote a hook using a beat initially intended for Kardinal Offishall’s “Dangerous.” Although the original track was never released, Brigante claims that Erick Sermon and Dave Strickland later used that same hook in a newer project — without giving Brigante his rightful royalties or publishing share.

Brigante charged that Sermon and Strickland misled Nate Dogg’s estate to clear the sample and that they promised him payment and publishing rights, but those promises were never honored.

When Brigante was later offered a small settlement, he declined, arguing that accepting would imply he consented to unfair terms.

Conflict, Legacy & Posthumous Questions

Erick Sermon explains his side of the story on how he acquired the unreleased Nate Dogg vocals in the Bagfeul video below. Sermon expresses his disappointment with friends and industry peers who believed the accusations without verifying with him, leading him to change his phone number.

Brigante’s passing adds layers of gravity to an already contentious situation. Now, many believe that the dispute over royalties may not just be a professional conflict, but part of a broader legacy fight over his contributions to music.

Legal resolution now more urgent: With Brigante gone, any litigation or claim to royalties would fall to his estate, which may lack the resources or bargaining power he once wielded.

Reputational stakes: Sermon’s alleged refusal to settle or even engage publicly may now be viewed more harshly in light of Brigante’s death, as fans and peers reflect on what he contributed to hip-hop and how he was treated.

Legacy protection: Brigante’s advocacy for colon cancer awareness and his role as a mentor and pioneer in Canadian rap could gain renewed attention, as supporters rally not just for financial justice, but for honoring his memory.