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Aussie author being sued by Jay-Z pleas for 'common sense'

An Australian children's author currently being sued by global rap superstar Jay-Z has said the ongoing legal action is "daunting beyond belief".
Jessica Chiha, founder of book and clothing retailer "The Little Homie", received legal action from Shawn Carter – better known as Jay-Z – who argued her brand is "deliberately and knowingly" profiting from his brand and likeness, according to documents filed in Victoria's Federal Court last Friday sighted by The Age.
The Little Homie offers an array of children's books and T-shirts inspired by popular culture, with picture book "AB to Jay-Z" at the centre of the legal proceedings.
Jessica Chiha, founder of book and clothing retailer "The Little Homie". (Linkedin)
Ms Chiha told Nine.com.au in a statement that the brand was "unbelievably disappointed to find ourselves caught in a legal battle with someone whose music we love and adore".
"The Little Homie was founded around three things: 1) Finding a way for parents to connect with their children around something they love to help bridge the gap with their transition to parenthood; 2) the recognition that literacy today, globally, should be way ahead of where it is; and 3) my love of hip-hop and the artists I grew up listening to," said Ms Chiha.
"I created these books as a fun and different way for mums and dads, aunts, uncles, godparents and even grandparents, to try something new with their kids – for me, it was with my kid – and to engage them on a different level with something that resonates."
Jay-Z hasn't taken too kindly to the
The children's book is designed to teach the alphabet using several well-known rappers, with the project produced after a 2017 Kickstarter campaign which raised $8000.
"This hip-hop inspired book is designed to pump up your child's alphabet game. Let Jay-Z, Biggie Smalls, Eminem, Pharrell, Snoop Dog and more, teach your little homie their ABCs. Relive some of the greatest Rap, Hip Hop, and R&B musicians of our time, while teaching your children where it's at," the website explains.
Jay-Z claims the book also contains "flagrant" copyright of his hit single "99 Problems" on the rear description which reads: "If you're having alphabet problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my ABCs ain't one".
The quote on the rear of the book is eerily similar to Jay-Z hit track 99 Problems (Supplied)
The hook to the rapper's single says: "If you have girl problems, I feel bad for you son / I got ninety-nine problems but a b---h ain't one".
Court documents claim the retailer has continued to sell infringing items despite a March 2018 request from Jay-Z's legal team to cease selling the products.
Ms Chiha has said she intends to fight the action.
"We refer to a whole host of hip-hop artists in the books, but to have someone like Jay-Z file legal proceedings is daunting beyond belief and hugely dispiriting," said Ms Chiha.
"We maintain we have done nothing wrong and intend to give it everything we've got for common sense and common good to prevail, to the extent we can fight the fight."
However, the billionaire rapper's legal team argue the infringement "has injured and is continuing to injure the reputation and goodwill of Mr Carter". 
A case management hearing on the matter is scheduled for December 6.
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