The family of Ol’ Dirty Bastard has sent warning shots to Lil Wayne.
According to The Blast, ODB’s estate recently issued a cease-and-desist letter to Weezy and Young Money Entertainment over the use of “New Dirty Bastard.” Wayne reportedly filed to trademark the term about a month ago for “entertainment-related services”; Dirty’s family claims the filing will not only cause confusion among consumers, it also violates trademark law. The estate is now asking the “New Dirty Bastard” applications to be withdrawn, or it “will be forced to take appropriate legal action.”
Though Wayne and Co. have not revealed what they plan to do with phrase, ODB’s family argues it could damage upcoming projects related to the late Wu-Tang member, who died nearly 14 years ago. The rapper’s family initially said they were willing to work with Young Money on “an artistic level”; however, they now claim Wayne did not respond to their inquiries regarding the “New Dirty Bastard” mark.
ODB’s widow Icelene Jones told the publication the family will “not stand” for anyone attempting to exploit the Ol' Dirty's name and legacy. Wayne’s team has yet to respond.
News of the dispute arrives as fans becoming increasingly anxious for Weezy’s Tha Carter V album. Though we haven't received a release date, anticipation increased Wednesday when a full version of Wayne's “Third Strike” surfaced on YouTube. Just hours before, a purported image of the Tha Carter V's promotional billboard began circulating on social media; however, it was later revealed that the picture was Photoshopped.
