Jay-Z sues Australian company over kids’ book ‘A B to Jay-Z’

When the children’s book“A B to Jay-Z” was released by a small Australian online retailer more than two years ago, the company said it sold out within days. But it also drew criticism on social media as an example of cultural appropriation. The book, created by a company calling itself the Little Homie, featured likenesses of hip-hop artists in the hope of inspiring, as the retailer put it, “the next generation of hood rats.” It borrowed from famous lyrics, including one of Jay-Z’s: “If you’re having alphabet problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my ABCs ain’t one.”

The Little Homie says this was in celebration of hip-hop. Jay-Z, who has spoken out about black identity and equality, says it was theft. He has now sued the company, alleging trademark and copyright infringement. The use of his name, likeness and references to “99 problems” in the book and other Little Homie products is “a deliberate and knowing attempt to trade off the reputation and goodwill” of Jay-Z and use his intellectual property“for their own commercial gain,” according to his complaint.

Since 2017, the artist’s lawyers have sent several cease-anddesist letters to the Little Homie, according to the complaint. It also alleges the company made a“false and misleading representation” that Jay-Z had approved and was affiliated with the book. The Little Homie said it did nothing wrong and intends to fight the case. “We are unbelievably disappointed to find ourselves caught in a legal battle with someone whose music we love and adore,”Jessica Chiha, the company’s owner, said.