Jay-Z Files Trademark & Copyright Lawsuit Against Company Over “AB to Jay-Z” Children’s Book

Jay-Z

Jay-Z Files Trademark And Copyright Lawsuit Against Australian Company Over Children’s Book

Jay-Z has reportedly taken legal action against an Australian retailer that publishes Hip-Hop inspired children’s books.

According to reports, the rapper and entrepreneur has taken issue with The Little Homie’s A B to Jay-Z book. The book not only include’s a play on his name in the title, but also switched up the quotes to his hit “99 Problems” to a kid-friendly alphabet version.

Jay-Z raps in the song,

“If you’re having girl problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but a b**** ain’t one.”

The book reads,

“If you’re having alphabet problems I feel bad for your son, I got 99 problems but my ABCs ain’t one.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z-xP7E_zMU

Jay-Z isn’t the only rapper referenced in the book. It also uses the likeness of other Hip-Hop artists including Notorious B.IG. and Eminem. 

In his lawsuit, Jay-Z claims there was“a deliberate and knowing attempt to trade off the reputation and goodwill” to profit off of his likeness “for their own commercial gain.”

Interestingly enough, the rapper has reportedly been sending the publisher cease-and-desist letters since 2017.

The owner of The Little Homie, Jessica Chiha said back then,

“We are unbelievably disappointed to find ourselves caught in a legal battle with someone whose music we love and adore.”

Meanwhile, Jay-Z isn’t the only one calling out The Little Homie. A petition on Change.org claims that it appropriates Black culture.

Jessica Chiha, an Australian woman who allegedly goes by “J-Pain,” is accused of stating in her Kickstarter campaign that her book is for

“the next generation of hood rats.”

The publisher also shared a meme of a child with the caption “Hip Hop N***a” to promote the book in question. Her husband, Danny Chiha, has also been accused of regularly taking part in blackface.

See the petition here.

Do you think Jay-Z should have sued? Tell us in the comments!