By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – New York, NY – Chicago-based rapper Lucki, known for his distinctive lo-fi hip-hop sound and prolific output, is now embroiled in a significant legal battle. His former manager, Mark Buol, has initiated a lawsuit seeking a substantial $5.9 million in damages, citing alleged breaches of contract, unreimbursed financial advances, and a pattern of financial misconduct during their professional relationship. The legal complaint, filed on September 8th in the New York court system, details a contentious end to a business partnership that began in 2021.
According to the extensive 19-page filing obtained by HangupsMusic.com, Buol’s tenure as Lucki’s manager was governed by a contract that stipulated a 15 percent commission on all income generated from the rapper’s entertainment ventures. Buol asserts that over the course of their five-year collaboration, he played a pivotal role in advancing Lucki’s music career. This included not only financial support for tours but also the disbursement of funds to resolve a third-party claim, effectively "bankrolling" the rapper’s operational and business needs. The lawsuit contends that this financial backing was a critical component of their agreement, enabling Lucki to maintain and grow his professional standing in the highly competitive music industry.
The crux of Buol’s legal argument rests on Lucki’s alleged failure to uphold the terms of their contract. Specifically, the complaint details accusations of Lucki repeatedly diverting commissions that were contractually owed to Buol. Furthermore, Buol claims that Lucki neglected to reimburse him for significant expenses incurred during various tours and promotional activities. These unreimbursed costs, the lawsuit alleges, extended to substantial damages inflicted upon hotel rooms across the country during these engagements. This alleged negligence and failure to compensate has placed Buol in a precarious financial position, according to the legal documents.
The lawsuit paints a stark picture of the financial strain Buol claims to have endured as a result of Lucki’s alleged actions. The complaint states, "Through this ongoing pattern of deliberate misconduct, Defendant has inflicted substantial financial harm upon Plaintiff, damaged his professional reputation and exposed him to significant financial risk from creditors." The legal filing further elaborates on the personal financial toll, asserting that Lucki’s alleged breaches of contract have "substantially depleting [Defendant’s] liquid savings and maxing out his personal credit cards." This suggests a level of financial entanglement and alleged mismanagement that has had a profound and detrimental impact on Buol’s personal finances and professional standing.
The legal action taken by Mark Buol is not merely a request for overdue payments but a comprehensive claim for damages that reflects the alleged full scope of financial harm and reputational damage. The $5.9 million sought by Buol encompasses not only the unpaid commissions and unreimbursed expenses but also compensation for the broader financial and professional consequences he claims to have suffered. The inclusion of a request for a jury trial indicates Buol’s determination to have his case heard and decided by a panel, suggesting a belief that the evidence will strongly support his claims.
HangupsMusic.com has reached out to representatives for Lucki for a statement regarding the allegations made in the lawsuit. As of this report, no official comment has been provided by Lucki’s team. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the New York court system, where both parties will have the opportunity to present their evidence and arguments. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for Lucki’s career and his financial future, as well as setting a precedent for managerial agreements within the music industry. The court documents, detailing the specifics of Buol’s claims against the rapper, offer a detailed look into the alleged breakdown of their professional relationship. This case underscores the complex financial and contractual relationships that exist behind the scenes in the music industry and the potential legal ramifications when these agreements are perceived to be violated. The music world will be watching closely as this substantial legal dispute progresses.
