I'm hopin' this is a just a rumor 'cause if it's not, it's an incredibly stupid, bitch move that would set a very bad precedent for hip hop and cause Jay-Z to lose a helluva lot of street credibility --- Rob.

Nevertheless, we hear. . .

Brooklyn rap star, Jay-Z has astounded fans and foes alike when he announced his plans to sue rival rapper Nas for libelous comments made last year. Both had feuded throughout 2001. The battle culminated in Nas's release of Stillmatic and Ether, in which made references to Jay-Z as being homosexual. Homophobia and threatening anti-gay violence will be a part of the suit, according to Jay-Z's lawyear Mathew Winters.

Jay-Z is claiming career and and lifestyle damage. From 98 to 2001, Soundscan had Jay established as the industry's top rapper. But sales of his records and Rocawear were down almost 40% in 2002. Nas, on the other hand as boasted increased publicity and platinum sales in the last year. Jay-Z's legal team is claiming that Nas not only intended to damage Jay's career but also to launch his own defaming statements. The hip hop world has already responded with shock. Haitain rapper/singer Wyclef Jean responded, saying "Battling is the essence of hip hop, its been its basis for years". He went on to say, "Hip hop started with battles in the park. What [Jay-Z] is doing with his suit is ridiculous and is further[evidence] that hip hop is dying as an art form". Ridiculous or not, Jay-Z's suit is unprecedented and will undoubtedly usher in a new era of lawsuits.

Paul Vaugner
Associated Press