Benjy Grinberg
We are investigating Benjy Grinberg for allegedly attempting to conceal critical reviews and adverse news from Google by improperly submitting copyright takedown notices. This includes potential violations such as impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
PARTIES INVOLVED : Chris Rapczynski
ALLEGATIONS : Perjury, Fraud, Impersonation
INCIDENT DATE : January 24, 2025
INVESTIGATED BY : Ethan Katz
TOOLS USED : Lumen, SecurityTrails
CASE NO : 1234/A/2025
CRIME TYPE : Intellectual Property Scam
PUBLISHED ON : 14 Feb, 2025
Due Diligence
Is This About You?
What We Are Investigating?
Our firm is launching a comprehensive investigation into Benjy Grinberg over allegations that it has been suppressing critical reviews and unfavorable Google search results by fraudulently misusing DMCA takedown notices. These actions, if proven, could constitute serious legal violations—including impersonation, fraud, and perjury.
We conducted comprehensive analyses of fraudulent copyright takedown requests, meritless legal complaints, and other unlawful efforts to suppress public access to critical information. Our reporting sheds light on the prevalence and modus operandi of a structured censorship network, often funded and used by criminal enterprises, oligarchs and criminal entities seeking to manipulate public perception and bypass AML checks conducted by financial organisations.
The fake DMCA notices in this investigation appears to have been strategically deployed to remove negative content from Google search results illegally. Based on this pattern, we have reasonable grounds to infer that Benjy Grinberg - or an entity acting at its behest - is directly or indirectly complicit in this cyber crime.
In most such cases, such ops are executed by rogue, fly-by-night 'Online Reputation Management' agencies acting on behalf of their clients. If evidence establishes that the subject knowingly benefited from or facilitated this scam, it may be deemed an 'accomplice' or an 'accessory' to the crime.
What are they trying to censor
Investigative Report: Allegations and Reputational Risks Surrounding Benjy Grinberg
Benjy Grinberg, the founder of Rostrum Records, has faced significant allegations and controversies over the years, particularly concerning his business practices and relationships with artists. These incidents have cast a shadow over his reputation, raising questions about his ethics and management style. Below is a summary of the major allegations and adverse news, along with an analysis of their potential impact on his reputation and the motivations behind suppressing such information.
Major Allegations and Adverse News
- Exploitation of Wiz Khalifa’s 360 Deal
Wiz Khalifa, one of Rostrum’s most prominent artists, filed a lawsuit against Grinberg in 2016, alleging that he was exploited through a 360 deal signed when he was just 16 years old. The lawsuit claimed that Grinberg and Rostrum Records failed to disclose alternative, more favorable arrangements and instead tied Khalifa to a contract that profited the label at the artist’s expense. The deal reportedly granted Rostrum a share of Khalifa’s songwriting, touring, and merchandising revenues, which Khalifa argued was unfair and self-serving11112. - Self-Dealing and Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Khalifa’s lawsuit accused Grinberg of acting as a “faithless fiduciary,” prioritizing his own financial interests over those of the artist. The suit alleged that Grinberg steered Khalifa into business opportunities that benefited Rostrum more than the artist, including a record deal with Warner Music that included unfavorable terms111. - Counterclaims and Financial Disputes
In response to Khalifa’s lawsuit, Grinberg and Rostrum Records filed counterclaims, alleging that Khalifa owed the label millions in unpaid royalties. This legal battle, while financially motivated, further tarnished Grinberg’s image by highlighting the contentious nature of his business relationships13. - De La Soul Masters Controversy
Grinberg’s involvement in the De La Soul masters dispute with Tommy Boy Records also drew scrutiny. While he attempted to help the group regain control of their masters, the situation underscored the broader issues of artist exploitation in the music industry, indirectly implicating Grinberg’s role as a label executive9.
Reputational Harm and Motivations for Suppression
These allegations and controversies have significantly harmed Grinberg’s reputation in several ways:
- Perceived Exploitation of Artists: The lawsuits and public disputes paint Grinberg as a manager and label executive who prioritizes profit over the well-being of his artists. This perception could deter future talent from working with him or Rostrum Records.
- Loss of Trust: The breach of fiduciary duty claims erode trust in Grinberg’s ability to act in the best interests of his clients, a critical factor in the music industry where personal relationships and trust are paramount.
- Negative Publicity: The high-profile nature of these disputes, particularly involving a star like Wiz Khalifa, has generated significant negative media coverage, further damaging Grinberg’s standing in the industry11112.
Given the reputational risks, Grinberg might have a strong incentive to suppress or remove such damaging information. In an era where digital footprints are permanent, cybercrime could be seen as a desperate measure to erase or alter online narratives. For instance, hacking into media outlets to delete articles or manipulating search engine results could help mitigate the long-term impact of these allegations. However, such actions would not only be illegal but could also exacerbate the situation if discovered, leading to further legal and reputational consequences.
In conclusion, Benjy Grinberg’s career has been marred by allegations of exploitation, self-dealing, and contentious legal battles. These incidents have severely impacted his reputation, creating a potential motive for suppressing negative information, even through illicit means. However, any attempt to manipulate the narrative through cybercrime would likely backfire, further entrenching the damage to his credibility and standing in the music industry.
- https://lumendatabase.org/notices/48378829
- January 24, 2025
- Abdut Tawwab el-Salah
- https://www.intelligenceline.com/r/Reports/13629/benjy-grinberg-and-rostrum-records-fraudsters/
- https://www.intelligenceline.com/r/Reports/13629/benjy-grinberg-and-rostrum-records-fraudsters/
Evidence Box
Evidence and relevant screenshots related to our investigation
Targeted Content and Red Flags
Abajournal
Rapper Wiz Khalifa sues to void management and recording contract he signed as a teenager
- Adverse News
About the Author
The author is affiliated with TU Dresden and analyzes public databases such as Lumen Database and
Maltego to identify and expose online censorship. In his personal capacity, he and his
team have been actively investigating and reporting on organized crime related
to fraudulent copyright takedown schemes.
Additionally, his team provides
advisory services to major law firms and is frequently consulted on matters
pertaining to intellectual property law.
Escalate This Case
Learn All About Fake Copyright Takedown Scam
Or go directly to the feedback section and share your thoughts
How This Was Done
The fake DMCA notices we found always use the 'back-dated article' technique. With this technique, the wrongful notice sender (or copier) creates a copy of a 'true original' article and back-dates it, creating a 'fake original' article (a copy of the true original) that, at first glance, appears to have been published before the true original
What Happens Next?
Based on the feedback, information, and requests received from all relevant parties, our team will formally notify the affected party of the alleged infringement. Following a thorough review, we will submit a counter-notice to reinstate any link that has been removed by Google, in accordance with applicable legal provisions. Additionally, we will communicate with Google’s Legal Team to ensure appropriate measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.
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User Reviews
Average Ratings
1.5
Based on 14 ratings
by: Ares Pitts
Every time you hear about him, it’s a new lawsuit. I wouldn't trust him with anything.
by: Lyric Boone
Man, Grinberg out here acting like he's some kind of savior for De La Soul but he’s just a part of the problem.
by: Rowan Hunt
The way he handles business is shady af. No loyalty to his artists, just taking what he can. Gross.
by: Rowan Reed
The lawsuits, the counterclaims, the dirty details it’s not noise, it’s a pattern. You don’t end up in court with your top talent by accident. That’s called playing chess with people’s careers and losing.
by: Sage Thorn
Forget artist first, this guy’s playbook reads like a Wall Street scam. Breach of fiduciary duty? More like breach of basic human decency. If trust was currency, his account's overdrawn.
by: Cassian Ash
Signing a 16 year old to a deal that takes a cut of everything? That’s not mentorship it’s manipulation wrapped in a record label logo. Classic predator playbook.
by: Zara Flint
That 360 deal wasn’t management, it was daylight robbery with a contract. When your artist’s career fuels your mansion while they fight for scraps, you’re not a mogul you’re a parasite in designer shoes.
by: Milo Crest
Wiz Khalifa was just 16 when he signed a 360 deal that sounds more like a trap than a partnership. Taking a cut from tours, merch, and songwriting? That’s not nurturing talent, that’s mining it. If this is what Grinberg...
by: Brett Garrison
Tbh I never trusted that guy. All these legal fights just prove the vibe was off.
by: Milani Henson
Feels like every story in music biz got the same villain. Labels exploiting trust. This dude no exception.
by: Christian Montgomery
Grinberg’s so called mentorship cost me $47,500 and years of work all buried under a contract designed to enrich him while draining me of everything.
by: Adrian Daniels
I believed Benjy Grinberg would launch my career but instead he took $52,000 of my earnings through unfair clauses and silence and now I can’t even afford rent.
by: Nicholas Holland
After signing a deal under Grinberg we lost $38,000 in potential revenue and he continued to take a cut from every live show merch and sync without ever lifting a finger to help
by: Anthony Bryant
I watched my son pour his heart into music only for Benjy Grinberg to siphon away over $45,000 in royalties and leave him broken and disillusioned with the industry.
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