Former Bad Boy Records boy band 112 were once sitting on top of the R&B world making hits and touring the globe, but after members decided to branch off and release solo projects in the late 2000s, the group faded out of existence. Their singles including "Cupid" and "Peaches And Cream" along with collaborations with artists like Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Monica, Mobb Deep, Ludacris, and Faith Evans were jams that helped the quartet earn multiple platinum albums. However, according to Bossip's exclusive with lead singer Slim, things haven't been on the up and up lately.
According to the publication, Slim has sued two other members of 112, Daron and Q, for using the group's name to book appearances and make music. Slim states that he owns the rights to the name 112 so he's taking them to court over trademark infringement, false advertising, and deceptive trade practices.
“It breaks my heart to have to engage in a lengthy, costly legal battle against the former members of the group,” Slim told Bossip. “However, countless promoters and agencies have notified us that Q and Daron, and their handlers, keep advertising the ‘112’ Name, despite knowing we own the mark and have humbly asked them to stop using it.” He goes on to say that his fellow 112 members are well aware that he owns the trademark and have ignored cease and desist letters sent by his lawyer.
Slim’s lawyer James Walker compared the situation to The Jackson Five, reportedly saying it is the equivalent to Tito and Jackie Jackson attempting to perform and cash in on the name without Michael. “Q doesn’t seem to understand that he was the Tito of the group and Slim is the lead singer and owner of the mark – so move on with your career and respect the law and respect (Slim) as the owner,” Walker said. “We should not be in court, but for the continued false advertising, breach, infringement and bad faith of the defendants in using this mark on their advertisements.”
Slim is asking for a judge to order Daron and Q to stop using the name "112" when they advertise, perform, or book appearances. He is also seeking monetary damages. Meanwhile, Q has filed bankruptcy, claiming he only has $1,000 in his bank account.