Someone filed a FOIA with the FBI to try to get them to release it: https://twitter.com/wisemana/status/677510714236510209

Seems like it's unlikely that you can just FOIA arbitrary data from a CD or hard drive that's been seized during an investigation though.

Hahahha that is fucking brilliant.

I love people who actually do this sort of thing, in the same way I love the people that send John Oliver actual 50 pound bags of seed.

Sadly they haven't got it: https://twitter.com/NewYorkFBI/status/677597263540191232

The request was invalid from the start and OP probably knows it.

FOIA is not used to obtain information contained in the seized material, but information that arose during the investigation. If for some reason, the information created in the investigation contained the actual recording from the album, then you could at least theoretically ask for that information. If not, then there was no information to ask for in the first place.

What can I ask for under the FOIA?

A FOIA request can be made for any agency record. You can also specify the format in which you wish to receive the records (for example, printed or electronic form). The FOIA does not require agencies to create new records or to conduct research, analyze data, or answer questions when responding to requests.

I hope for Wu-Tang's sake that they cashed the check already.

They cashed it, and once they found out how much of a dickbag he is, gave most of it to charity.

I hope they get the album back and re-sell it to an honest buyer, instead of keeping stolen money.

Will be slightly scratched. He used it as a beer coaster. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upxrrHQ6sXY

This guy _must_ be a performance artist. I can't explain his act otherwise.

As part of the contract they have the right to steal it back at any time, so they very well could get the album back.

IIRC, there are two interesting clauses in the purchase contract:

1. It cannot be sold. Given away, yes, but the current owner doesn't seem like someone who will just release the tracks for the world to enjoy for free.

2. It can be stolen back. By Wu-Tang Clan. Or by Bill Murray.