Legendary rapper Lil Wayne has emerged victorious in a long-running legal battle with his former attorney, bringing an end to nearly seven years of courtroom tussles and taking a significant weight off his shoulders. 

The Dispute & Court Ruling

At the heart of the conflict was a verbal contingency-fee arrangement Wayne signed with his ex-lawyer, Ron Sweeney, which stipulated a 10 % fee on certain future earnings. Wayne contended that the agreement was never formalized and argued the rate was far above industry norms. Sweeney counter-sued, claiming entitlement to millions tied to later earnings, including deals involving Cash Money Records and Universal Music Group. 

On October 14, 2025, a New York judge agreed with Wayne’s position, ruling that the contingency-fee agreement was void and prevented Sweeney from probing Wayne’s post-termination finances. While Sweeney may still seek reasonable fees for prior services, the bulk of his claim—potentially up to $20 million—was dismissed. 

Wayne’s Reaction & Next Moves

The rapper expressed relief and gratitude, calling himself “thankful” in the wake of the decision. With this legal cloud cleared, he’s now free to focus on his creative ventures, business interests and legacy without the looming threat of a massive payout. 

For many in the music industry, this case underlines key issues around artists’ rights, attorney-payment structures and the long-term consequences of informal agreements. Wayne’s win may set a precedent for other high-profile acts seeking to revisit old legal terms. Additionally, with one of hip-hop’s most influential figures now relieved of significant financial risk, attention turns back to his music and brand.