The feud between Jay-Z and Dame Dash has taken a new turn now that New York City is involved.
Many questions have arisen regarding the auction of the copyrights to Jay-Z’s debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.” An attorney for the New York City Department of Social Services has alleged that Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, is interfering in the auction process.
On Instagram, Dash, whose real name is Damon Anthony Dash, shared details from official documents criticizing the rapper, according to city records.
“The state of New York has stepped in and filed the following lawsuit… Jay-Z’s statements to the press have damaged the auction environment. He claims that he has the right to terminate under the Copyright Act and that the rights to Reasonable Doubt will revert to him after six years,” he wrote.
The city’s legal representative has filed charges against Beyoncé’s husband for intentionally devaluing an auction that would ultimately benefit the city.
According to a letter to the judge from attorney Gerald Singleton, “The auction will generate enough money to pay all current child support and secure future child support.”
According to TMZ, the city accuses Jay-Z of misrepresenting the value of Dash’s one-third stake in Roc-A-Fella Records, including the copyright to the song “Reasonable Doubt.”
Jay-Z’s request that Dash’s share of the album be returned to him in 2031 was opposed by the city of New York in a court filing.
Singleton stressed the importance of maintaining previous legal rulings that have highlighted the need for public auctions to be conducted in an environment that optimises potential sale prices: “The auction must be conducted in a manner that results in the highest price that is beneficial to the affected creditors.”
A recent statement revealed that Jay-Z’s deal with Roc-A-Fella describes his “Reasonable Doubt” album as a “work for hire,” potentially granting the record label — and any future owners of Dash’s shares — copyright ownership until 2098.
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Court documents indicate that Jay-Z’s deal with Roc-A-Fella describes “Reasonable Doubt” as a “work made for hire,” potentially granting the record label — and any future owners of Dash’s stake — copyright ownership until 2098.
According to city records, New York City predicted that closing bids at the auction could reach up to ten times the estimated value if the copyright term were to extend closer to the next century instead of just seven years.
TMZ reports that the Department of Social Services stands to benefit from this lucrative auction, especially given Dash’s outstanding child support debt of $193,000.
The auction is set for August 29, with a starting price of $1.2 million. The auctioneer is reportedly asking for a $240,000 deposit to participate.
Jay-Z’s attorney, Alex Spiro, has denied the allegations and the request from New York City.
A recent statement emphasized that the City of New York does not hold any stake in the copyright to “Reasonable Doubt.” The statement emphasized that anyone considering bidding on the copyright should be aware that ownership will likely revert to Jay-Z in 2031.
Spiro further commented that discussions regarding a notice of termination were premature and advised the city not to seek an advisory opinion from a judge.
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Jay-Z, Dame Dash Card