Jay Z Takes Stand in LA Court for 'Big Pimpin' Copyright Infringement Suit

Entertainment mogul, Shawn 'Jay Z' Carter takes the stand in a LA court for "Big Pimpin'" copyright infringe suit on Wednesday for the second day in a decade old dispute between Egyptian composer Balign Hamdi's nephew, Osama Ahmed Fahmy, the plaintiff, with co-defendents, Timothy 'Timbaland' Mosely, Universal Music Group and Paramount Pictures. According to NBC News, Jay Z, the defendant in a copyright infringement lawsuit for 1999 hit single, is represented by attorney Andrew Bart.

The rapper approached the witness stand yesterday during what the New York Daily News describes as an hour and a half of calm, often humorous testimony and told jurors he had no idea that the hook in the song was a sample from a famous Egyptian composer but whose sample was actually cleared by the proper music publishing and licensing company.

Jay Z reportedly told jurors, "Timba is known for not using samples. I didn't think a sample was in it at all. Timbaland presented me with a track and I thought it was a track Timbaland created," he said.

Under questioning, Jay Z's attorney asked him to list his current businesses. He named his record label, entertainment and sports management company, restaurant ventures and almost forgot to mention his latest acquisition, music streaming company, Tidal. The Scandanavian company has had a challenging start after the music mogul bought 90% of the company's shares. Top executives have quit the company within months of new ownership.

Fahmy's attorney, Peter Ross said Egyptian law requires an obligation to get direct approval from Hamdi or his estate, before overlaying the sample with what the plaintiff's attorney described as "vulgar lyrics."

"The case is about moral rights, here and in Egypt," says Ross.

The rapper maintained that licensing was secured for the "Khosara, Khosara" sample when the claim was made. The trial will proceed throughout the week but is expected to wrap up in a week or two.