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Jay-Z sues Australian retailer over use of his name and lyrcis

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Hip hop superstar Jay-Z is suing a small online Australian retailer for profiting from the use of his name and hit song “99 Problems” in books that teach children the alphabet.

Shawn Carter, best known by his stage name Jay-Z, filed a lawsuit with the Federal Court of Australia on November 22 claiming Australian brand “The Little Homie” had infringed on his intellectual property.

The Age newspaper reported on Tuesday that, according to the American rapper’s lawyers, the company traded on his likeness and infringed on the copyright of the lyrics to “99 Problems”.

The Little Homie advertises on its website a “hip-hop inspired” children’s book called “A B to Jay-Z” for Au$34.95, as well as a colouring book of the same name for Au$19.95.

The back pages of the books riff off the lyrics to “99 Problems” — “If you’re having alphabet problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my ABC’s ain’t one!” — a photo posted on The Little Homie’s website showed.

The lawsuit said Jay-Z asked the company to stop selling the books in March 2018 but it continued to “deliberately and knowingly” use his likeness and lyrics in a “flagrant, glaring” manner, according to The Age.

The use of the rapper’s name, image and lyrics was “calculated to injure, has injured and is continuing to injure the reputation and goodwill of Mr Carter,” it continued.

Jessica Chiha, the founder of The Little Homie, is named as a respondent in the case.

Chiha raised Au$8,000 on Kickstarter in 2017 for the book — which teaches the alphabet using an A-Z of hip hop artists — that she described as being designed for “the next generation of hood rats”.

Her online store also stocks titles such as “1 2 3 With the Notorious B.I.G.” and is promoting the forthcoming “First 50 Words With 50 Cent”.

The Little Homie has not yet filed a defence to the claims and its lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Jay-Z’s Australian lawyers declined to comment.

The case is scheduled for an initial hearing on December 6.

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CELEBRITIES NEWS

Iyanya, has shared the reality of Nigerian musicians, and the most vulnerable experiences they go through.

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In a recent chat with popular media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Iyanya stated that many of his colleagues are depressed, but are pretending to be happy and fulfilled online.

 

Prior to this, Iyanya had earlier opened up about his difficulties in a series of Twitter posts.

The ‘Kukere’ crooner recounted his struggles to land shows in December 2021, and how he even had to beg to perform at shows just to get visibility.

In recounting his struggles and return to the spotlight in the chat with Chude, the singer stated that his tweets inspired many people.

“It is the reality of the game, you know. When you are out for a while coming back is even harder. Most people don’t even come back. When you come back like that you have to let people know that sharing our stories inspires so many people.

“So many people reached out to me to say ‘thank you for that tweet you made. You’ve inspired me,” he said.

Iyanya further expressed how difficult it is for most Nigerian musicians, and how they create a facade to hide their struggles.

“A lot [of musicians are depressed]. A whole lot. The people who you see out there making you feel like things is good, they are the ones going through worst things. So, they try to make you feel like they are right. People are going through a lot. So, you have to be vulnerable with your experiences,” he added.

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CELEBRITIES NEWS

Davido buys new Lamborghini with millions

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Nigerian superstar Davido treated himself to a new luxurious ride by splashing millions of naira on a brand-new Lamborghini. The 30 BG Boss had been absent from social media for a few months following the tragic loss of his son, Ifeanyi. However, he made a comeback a few days ago, which caused a stir among his fans and loved ones.

Upon his return, Davido surprised many by deleting over 4,000 photos on his social media page, leaving only four. Fans and industry insiders speculated that his comeback was to announce the release of his new album, and their hunch proved to be right as Davido has officially announced the release of his new album, which is set to drop on the 31st of March.

But that’s not all! The Nigerian singer has also reportedly splurged on a brand new Lamborghini. The flashy car, which is known for its sleek design and high-performance capabilities, has been making rounds on social media.

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BIOGRAPHY

Dolly HP Photos

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Coming from the depths of Lagos/Ogun State, Nigeria and making name for himself for quite some time, Dolly HP has established himself as one of the viable acts that’s been grinding at a high level.

After coming off the successful release of his project, “The Grace Arrived” and receiving love from his fans, he looks to make even more of a bigger impact with his next Album labelled “Don’t Come Late”

Dolly HP Photos

 

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