Jay Z Attends Start of Trial Over 1999 Git ‘Big Pimpin'’

Jay Z and Timbaland are accused of unauthorized use of Hamdi’s 1957 hit, “Khosara Khosara.” (photo: Getty)

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A copyright-infringement trial over Jay Z’s hit song “Big Pimpin’ ” has begun in Los Angeles.

The rap superstar and music producer Timbaland are accused of violating the rights of an Egyptian composer to create the 1999 hit “Big Pimpin.”

Jay Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, listened as a lawyer for the heirs of Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi accused him and Timbaland of violating rights to Hamdi’s 1957 hit, “Khosara Khosara.”

Attorneys for Timbaland, whose real name is Timothy Mosely, and Carter say they have secured the rights to “Khosara Khosara,” and Hamdi’s heirs have been repeatedly paid for its usage. Timbaland’s lawyer also told jurors Tuesday that “Big Pimpin’ ” includes many elements that aren’t copyrightable.

The trial will resume Wednesday with testimony from an expert on Egyptian music.