Biz Markie’s widow sues rapper’s manager over royalties, company control

An artist paints a portrait for late rapper Marcel Theo Hall, acknowledged by his phase title Biz Markie, upcoming to his casket all through the funeral support in Patchogue, New York, U.S., August 2, 2021. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

(Reuters) – Rapper Biz Markie’s widow is suing his previous business supervisor in Washington, D.C., federal court over popular alleged intellectual residence violations, including promises the supervisor stole track royalties and marketed unauthorized products.

Tara Hall also accused Jennifer Izumi in the Wednesday lawsuit of having management of Markie’s licensing business Biz Markie Inc shortly before the rapper’s dying previous 12 months, and asked the courtroom to award her the corporation, its income, and revenue damages.

Izumi said in a statement Thursday that she “vehemently” denied the allegations and looked ahead to proving them “completely fake and defamatory.”

Attorneys for Hall did not straight away answer to a request for remark.

Biz Markie, whose supplied identify was Marcel Corridor, was a rapper, actor, DJ, and music producer greatest recognised for his 1989 strike track “Just A Buddy.” He married Tara Corridor in 2018 and
died previous calendar year from Variety-2 diabetes difficulties.

According to the lawsuit, Izumi, who experienced the ideal to manage some financial matters on Markie’s behalf, wrongly gave herself the majority of Markie’s profits and command of his company throughout the last many years of his everyday living. Hall claimed Izumi also took command of the company financial institution account and Markie’s individual e-mail and social media accounts while he was incapacitated and blocked her from accessing them right after he died.

Izumi also allegedly commenced selling Biz Markie goods like clothing, clocks, footwear, and other “collectibles” devoid of his permission whilst he was in the healthcare facility and never compensated Markie or Hall from the proceeds.

The lawsuit stated Izumi is also redirecting royalties from his songs to her corporation instead of his estate and accused her of seeking to register a new federal “Biz Markie” trademark without having Hall’s consent.

The scenario is Corridor v. Biz Markie Inc, U.S. District Courtroom for the District of Columbia, No. 1:22-cv-00806.

For Corridor: Benjamin Horowitz of Venable LLP, Alan Clarke of Greenspoon Marder

For Izumi: Dayna Cooper of Cooper Legal

(Be aware: This story has been current with comment from Jennifer Izumi.)

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Have faith in Principles.