2 Live Crew Member Files Lawsuit Against Jay-Z & Ice-T Over ‘99 Problems’

November 16th, 2005 | By Administrator

Mark ?Brother Marquis? Ross, formerly of pioneering Miami, Florida rap group 2 Live Crew, hit Ice-T and Jay-Z with a lawsuit over the lyrics to Jay-Z?s hit song ?99 Problems.?

The original version of the song was featured on Ice-T?s classic 1993 album Home Invasion, with a cameo from Brother Marquis.

In his lawsuit, which was filed in Manhattan Federal Court, Brother Marquis claims he?s been paid just $10,000 in royalties, despite being prominently featured on the original version.

Furthermore, Brother Marquis claims that Jay-Z owes him royalties after recording an updated version of ?99 Problems,? which was produced by Rick Rubin and featured on Jay-Z?s blockbuster, The Black Album.

Jay-Z also shot a critically acclaimed video for the song, which was shot by veteran director Mark Romanek.

After leaving 2 Live Crew around 1996, Brother Marquis had a spiritual awakening and entered the church, but still tours with a reincarnation of the group.