I have to start by saying I think this book, by Australian retailer Little Homie, is amazing. I love it. But laws are laws.
Jay Z claims the firm has breached his intellectual property, including in a children’s book titled AB to Jay-Z.
The book draws on lyrics from his hit song 99 Problems.
An advertisement for AB to Jay-Z reads: “If you’re having alphabet problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my ABC’s ain’t one!”
The song lyrics are also referenced on the back cover of the book, which teaches letters by referring to the names of other famous rappers including Snoop Dogg and Biggie Smalls.
The Little Homie did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Mr Carter filed the lawsuit with the Federal Court of Australia on November 22nd.
It claims the company traded on his likeness and infringed the copyright of the lyrics to 99 Problems, according to the Australian newspaper The Age. Which it does. But come on. It’s FOR KIDS! TO LEARN!
I say Jay needs to back off this one? Agreed?
