Jay Z Testifies In Dispute Over Hit Song 'Big Pimpin'

LOS ANGELES (AP) — 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'."

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