Testimony ends in trial over Jay Z’s rap hit ‘Big Pimpin”

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Testimony has concluded in a copyright infringement case against rapper Jay Z over his 1999 hit “Big Pimpin’.”

Lawyers for the rap superstar played deposition testimony Tuesday from a former lawyer for the heir of an Egyptian composer who wrote flute notes included in the song. He was the trial’s final witness.

The notes are from a 1957 love ballad written by composer Baligh Hamdi and appear throughout “Big Pimpin’,” which was Jay Z’s first major hit. Producer Timbaland paid $100,000 in 2001 to settle a claim about its usage.

Lawyers for Hamdi’s nephew, Osama Ahmed Fahmy, contend that Jay Z and Timbaland do not have a valid right to use the song.

Closing arguments are tentatively scheduled to begin Wednesday but the judge must settle several issues first.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)