Mary J. Blige’s former stylist and longtime friend, Misa Hylton, has filed a lawsuit against her for allegedly derailing rapper Vado’s career and refusing to drop his album until he cut ties with the fashion professional.
In the $5 million lawsuit filed in New York, Hylton claims Mary J. Blige sabotaged their business relationship to sever Vado’s management contract with Hylton’s agency, M.I.S.A Management Company.
MBJ is also accused of using her company, Beautiful Life Productions, to interfere with Vado and Hylton’s signed management agreement, which would entitle the fashion stylist to 20% of the rapper’s earnings.
Court documents obtained by AllHipHop also claim that Blige, 54, allegedly persuaded Vado to abandon Hylton during “private yacht gatherings, hotel meetings and exclusive events,” where the fashion stylist and her M.I.S.A. Management representatives were “intentionally left out.”
The lawsuit also claims Blige’s security chief, described as her boyfriend, also wanted to sign Vado and warned him that he’d “lose out on opportunities” if he stayed loyal to Hylton.
Blige and Vado collaborated on “Still Believe in Love” in 2023, but despite the rapper completing an album in July 2024, the lawsuit alleges the Grammy winner said she wouldn’t release his album or allow him to tour “as long as he stayed with M.I.S.A.”
The plaintiffs claim MBJ left Vado in “economic servitude,” unable to repay advances tied to his recording deal or make any real money for himself. They are therefore seeking damages for breach of contract, emotional distress, and interference with business relationships.
