Jay-Z sues author who wrote ‘99 problems but my ABCs ain’t one’ children’s book
Book described as written for ‘next generation of hood rats’
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Your support makes all the difference.Jay-Z has sued an Australian author for publishing a children’s picture book titled AB to Jay-Z.
The rapper and mogul has filed suit in US federal court against Jessica Chiha and her company The Little Homie, with Chiha writing in a statement that she will fight the claims of infringing on Jay-Z’s intellectual property.
“We are unbelievably disappointed to find ourselves caught in a legal battle with someone whose music we love and adore,” Chiha said.
She continued, “To have someone like Jay-Z file legal proceedings is daunting beyond belief and hugely dispiriting. We maintain we have done nothing wrong and intend to give it everything we’ve got for common sense and common good to prevail, to the extent we can fight the fight.”
Funded via Kickstarter, AB to Jay-Z was described in its campaign as a book written for “the next generation of hood rats”. “Who is going to make sure their rap game is strong when they start school?” the book’s campaign page asked.
Chiha’s book previously sparked controversy in 2017 when social media users asked whether anyone who worked for The Little Homie was black. A Change.org petition, which accused Chiha of cultural appropriation and attempting to profit off black culture, was also launched.
The book uses illustrations of famous rappers including Notorious BIG, Snoop Dogg and Eminem to teach children the alphabet. The “AB to Jay-Z” brand has since expanded to include colouring books and clothing.
The back of the book features the quote, “If you’re having alphabet problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my ABCs ain’t one.” The quote references Jay-Z’s famed 2004 track “99 Problems”, which features the lyrics: “If you’re having girl problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but a bitch ain’t one.”
According to court documents, lawyers for Jay-Z requested Chiha cease publication of the book in March 2018 and July 2019. The lawsuit, filed in September, alleges that the retailer and director deliberately and knowingly attempted to trade off the reputation of the rapper.
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