Nobody ever wants to be sued by their heroes, especially when they’re as successful and influential as Jay-Z. However for one Australian author that’s exactly what’s happened.
Australian author Jessica Chiha has been sued by the rapper for using his likeness in her 2017 children’s book A B to Jay-Z.
If you have ever had nightmares about your hero Jay-Z suing you, that is exactly what has happened to one Australian author.
The world’s first billionaire rapper has stated that the company Little Homie made “a deliberate and knowing attempt to trade off the reputation and good will”.
The book repurposes Jay-Z’s lyrics from his hit song 99 Problems in its Amazon listing, “I Got 99 Problems but my children learning their ABC’s ain’t one! This hip-hop inspired book is designed to pump up your child’s alphabet game.” The book uses the likeness of many rappers from Kanye West through to Eminem.
At the end of the listing, it explicitly states, “Any reference contained in this book to musical artists or their works does not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation or approval of those artists.” Even with this descriptor, Jay-Z and his team have sent multiple cease-and-desist letters to Chiha and Little Homie.
There have been multiple controversies surrounding the book. This includes accusations of racism and cultural appropriation. For a children’s book, there seems to be far too more problems than actual teaching and learning.
Chiha has responded by saying, “We are unbelievably disappointed to find ourselves caught in a legal battle with someone whose music we love and adore.”
Sadly, it looks like Chiha has 99 problems and being sued by Jay Z is one.
