LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14 (UPI) — Rapper Jay-Z will testify in a copyright infringement case surrounding his popular 1999 single “Big Pimpin’” in Los Angeles Wednesday.
Accused of using a melody from Egyptian songwriter Baligh Hamdi’s 1957 song “Khosara Khosara,” both the rapper, also known as Shawn Carter, and producer Timbaland, say they acquired the proper permission before moving forward with the tune.
According to BBC, Hamdi’s nephew, Osama Ahmed Fahmy, has stuck with the case since first filing the lawsuit in 2007. Timbaland’s lawyer, Christine Lepera, claims Fahmy’s effort in the case is one “to get an undeserved income,” from the artists.
The outlet says Fahmy’s attorney, Peter Ross, claims Carter “purposefully avoided,” obtaining permission because they were aware their song’s lyrics would not be approved by Hamdi’s reps.
“You have to go to the composer himself, or his heirs, play the work, and get his approval,” Ross said. “That he never did.”
Carter will testify Wednesday alongside an expert in Egyptian music.
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