Madlib Sues Ex-Manager Eothen 'Egon' Alapatt Over 'Mismanagement'

Madlib has waged a legal battle against his former manager, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt.

According to documents filed Thursday in a Los Angeles court, the longtime producer is suing Alapatt over “persistent and pervasive mismanagement,” as well as the abuse of his varied business roles. The complaint states Madlib (legal name Otis Lee Jackson, Jr.) had hired Alapatt to help operate the Rapp Catts record store and the Madicine Show, specifically overseeing the “financial, legal, and business aspects” of the entities. However, the suit alleges Alapatt not only failed to perform his duties but was also “engaged in rank self-dealing, concealing information from and repeatedly breaching his duties to Madlib.”

Alapatt is accused of using his Now-Again record label as a “middleman” between Madlib and their Madecine Show company. The plaintiff claims this setup has allowed Alapatt to “take a fee off the top of any income generated by the sale or other distribution” of the Madecine Show music, most of which was recorded by Madlib.

“[Alapatt] has refused to account to Madlib regarding how he and Now-Again have been compensated in that connection or to proffer any written agreement between the two entities,” the lawsuit read. “[Alapatt] directed a single lawyer and single accountant to represent him, Madlib, Madecine Show, Rapp Cats, and Now-Again, all without any informed consent from Madlib let alone a written and signed conflict wavier.”

The suit also alleges that Alapatt ordered said attorney and account to not cooperate with Madlib’s new team or provide them with any information.

Furthermore, Madlib claims he commissioned a forensic accounting of Rapp Cats and the Madecine Show, and recently discovered several “irregularities.” He said the analysis, which focused on the period between 2018 and mid-2022, revealed there was no “backup documentation” for payments made to Alapatt and co-defendant Jeff Jank “as ‘consulting,’ ‘commissions,’ ‘fees’ or ‘reimbursements’ (totaling in the several hundred thousands of dollars.”

Madlib claims Alapatt’s mismanagement and reckless disregard for his rights have entitled him to punitive and exemplary damages.

The filing fell on the fourth anniversary of MF DOOM’s death. The late rapper’s widow, Jasmine Dumile Thompson, sued Alapatt in 2023, claiming he stole dozens of private rhyme books belonging to DOOM.