Fashion icon and music executive Misa Hylton is taking Mary J. Blige to court, claiming the R&B legend intentionally sabotaged rapper Vado’s career in a high-stakes battle over control and loyalty.

According to a lawsuit filed by Hylton and Vado, Blige and her company, Beautiful Life Productions, are accused of withholding Vado’s completed album as leverage, pressuring him to sever ties with Hylton’s M.I.S.A. Management, which had a valid contract entitling them to 20% of his earnings.

The suit, revealed by AllHipHop, details that Blige allegedly enticed Vado with exclusive invites to yacht parties, luxury hotel meetups, and high-level industry events—all while excluding Hylton. The plaintiffs claim this was a calculated effort to sway the rapper away from his management deal. Vado was also reportedly warned by Blige’s security chief that his career opportunities would be limited if he stayed with M.I.S.A.

Timeline-wise, Vado signed with Hylton’s company in July 2023, followed by a deal with Blige’s label in October 2023. The two later collaborated on the single “Still Believe in Love.” By July 2024, Vado had reportedly completed his album—yet Blige allegedly refused to release it, insisting she wouldn’t move forward with it unless he dropped M.I.S.A. completely.

Hylton is calling the situation a form of “economic servitude,” and is demanding $5 million in damages for breach of contract, emotional distress, and interference with business relationships.

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Mary J. Blige, who once publicly referred to Vado as “family,” has not commented on the lawsuit. The legal drama surfaces as Blige continues headlining her For My Fans Tour, where she’s been sharing the stage with Ne-Yo and Mario across North America.

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