Jay Z (real name Shawn Carter, 50) has taken issue with Melbourne based writer Jessica Chiha who he has accused of infringing his trademarks.

Jessica Chiha paraphrased the lyrics of his iconic 2004 single 99 Problems in a picture book titled AB to Jay-Z which uses details of a number of rappers to illustrate the alphabet. Jay-Z's 2004 song 99 Problem famously opened with 'if you're having girl problems, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but a b***h ain't one.'

Jessica Chiha and her business The Little Homie are named in a Federal Court lawsuit by the billionaire, legally named Shawn Carter, who claims his trademarks have been infringed. Ms Jessica Chiha started out with the picture book 'AB to Jay-Z' - which refers to well-known rappers to teach the alphabet - but has expanded to include a colouring book and clothing since her 2017 launch.

The book includes the line 'ZZ is for Jay-Z and he has 99 problems, but his ABCs ain't one,' while the back cover includes the quote 'if you're having alphabet problems I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but my ABCs ain't one.'

Lawyers working on behalf of Jessica have branded Jay-Z’s legal case as “embarrassing” and highlight the fact that the rap star himself lifted the lines for his song from the 1993 album Home Invasion by Ice-T and his song 99 Problems.