If nothing else, things will get a lot more interesting for Jay-Z during the fourth quarter. BET.com‘s Nile “Low Key” Ivey reports, via the network’s “Sound Off” blog, that Jay has decided on Dec. 2 as the release date for Blueprint 3. The rumor mill began circulating after Jay-Z and Kanye West leaked “Jockin’ Jay-Z (Dope Boy Fresh)” in August. The album will be Jay-Z‘s last contractual obligation under his current agreement. Def Jam has not responded to requests to confirm the news.
Jay-Z has confirmed the rumor that he is working on his own version of “Swagger Like Us.” He originally appeared with Lil Wayne, Kanye West and T.I. on the original, which is featured on T.I.‘s upcoming Paper Trail. Guest verses from Young Jeezy, Nas and Andre 3000 have already been recorded for the Blueprint 3 version.
Additionally, HipHopDX has obtained documents naming Jay-Z in an intellectual property lawsuit. Reggie Evans, CEO of I Will Not Lose, LLC, is attempting to sue the multi-platinum rapper over the use of the phrase “I Will Not Lose.” The suit lists Shawn Corey Carter and Iconix Brand Group, Inc., who purchased Rocawear in 2007 for $204 million.
The court documents, which were originally filed on Sept. 18, accuse Jay-Z and Iconix of intellectual property and copyright infringement. Jay-Z began prominently using the phrase “I Will Not Lose” in 2000, after releasing The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. Evans‘ camp maintains that they sent multiple unanswered notices to Jay-Z and Iconix in 2007 after trademarking the phrase.
