Jay Z tells jury he believes he has license for Egyptian music used in his hit “Big Pimpin”

Jay Z (Photo from Jay Z’s official Facebook page)

LOS ANGELES – Jay Z says he believes he has a valid license to use the Arabic music featured on his 1999 hit “Big Pimpin’” that is now the subject of a copyright infringement trial.

The rap superstar told a federal jury on Wednesday that he has never asked music producer Timbaland about the origins of the music, which includes elements of the 1957 Egyptian hit song “Khosara Khosara.

”

The rapper, whose real name is Shawn Carter, says his belief that he has valid rights to the music is supported by the liner notes in a CD that contains the song, which credit “Khosara Khosara.”

Jay Z and Timbaland are being sued by the heirs of Egyptian composer Baligh Hamdi, who say the artists don’t have the rights to include “Khosara Khosara” on “Big Pimpin’.”