Mary J. BligeĀ is being sued by longtime friend and stylistĀ Misa Hylton, over allegedly derailingĀ Vadoā€˜s career and forcing him to back out of a management deal.

According to the docs, Hylton and Vado signed their deal in July 2023, which reportedly granted her company 20 percent of the Harlem rapper’s earnings. He then signed a distribution deal for his music in October of that year with Mary’s Beautiful Life Productions. By July of 2024, he had reportedly finished his album – but Hylton alleges that Mary then threatened to shelve it and block his touring opportunities if he didn’t break his management contract. She also alleges Mary persuaded him to break the deal by courting him on private yachts, at exclusive events and more, and that the main reason was because Mary’s security chief (who is also named as her boyfriend in the suit) wanted to manage Vado himself.

Hylton alleges she has evidence in the form of private messages from Mary to Vado and argues that the singer’s actions left Vado in ā€œeconomic servitude,ā€ unable to earn income or repay advances tied to his recording deal. She’s seeking $5 million in damages for breach of contract, emotional distress and interference with business relationships, as well as an injunction to prevent further disruption from Blige or her company.