'Living the Life or living the LIE'? ATL producers not paying their DEBTS?

Chart-topping music, mega hits, and millions of your dollars made.  But for some recording engineers responsible for some of your favorite hits, the dollar signs are like distant mirages in the desert--non-existent. 
CBS-Atlanta and Jeff Chirico conducted an investigative report on a few big time Atlanta producers responsible for hits like 'Forever' by Chris Brown, 'Love in this Club' by Usher, and hits by Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy.  The producers in question were Phalon Alexander better known as Jazze Pha, and Polow Da Don.

Recording engineers who have worked with these producers on sweetening and fine tuning hit music have gone unpaid for their hours of hardwork.
These engineers have provided CBS Atlanta with unpaid invoices and court judgments going back years. These unpaid debts have caused many a ripple in business dealings with studios, producers and the artists.


According to a Gwinnett County court judgment provided by recording engineer Tony Terrebonne, mega hit producer Polow Da Don owes more than $20,000 in unpaid studio services and attorneys fees.

Terrebonne said $8,0000 of that is for his work on the Chris Brown hit “Forever.”
Tony Terrebonne said he has stopped working for Polow Da Don because he was owed $50,000 at one point.

“It's a lot of hard work, I'll be up for three days straight and I won't get paid for it. It's insane,” said Terrebonne who moved in with his parents and sold his car.

Invoices and judgments clearly show singer and producer Jazze Pha owing more than $135,000 to four studios including Zac Recording.

The music celebs “are out partying on my money,” said Jim Zumpano owner of Zac Recording. “I'm looking for that money to help me run my business.”

The clear question is why aren't these producers paying for services rendered?  Are these just accountant shortcomings or just blatant disregard for the engineers' time and effort?
We can see these stars living the lavish life, partying around the city and worldwide, but why can't they pay their bills?  There must be a reason for this.

Since the investigative report, some engineers have been paid, but still others have not provided payment or reasons for the debts.

Zone 4, Polow Da Don's company issued this statement:
“Polow always handles all of his business vendors with the utmost respect and timely payment, but this situation is a unique private dispute and as such Polow will not dignify any celebrity smear campaign by comment.”

An editor, I can relate to the problem the engineers are facing.  I've worked on countless pieces where the artists or companies that work for the artist have failed to pay for services, or there is a delay or 'red tape' involved before I am paid.  Sometimes its clerical error, or an oversight, but more times than I like to admit to,some agencies are trying to acquire work for free or for a low price in order to save money in their budgets.

(for more info and documents, go to cbsatlanta.com)