Roc Nation vs Volcom

It is not unheard of to sample other musicians music in hip hop, but how is it looked when you “sample” a logo design and make it your own.

Jay-Z's company Roc Nation has been slapped with a trademark infringement lawsuit, over the diamond shaped logo the brand uses.

Volcom, better known to the general public as a “skater type” brand that manufactures street wear, denim and other clothing accessories, filed the lawsuit against Roc Nation in the Central District of California on March 29th.

Volcom claims to own the exclusive trademark rights for the logo. According to the complaint, Roc Nation's logo is too close to their own, which they have been using in trade since 1991. Volcom claims the logo could create confusion in the marketplace, since their label Volcom Entertainment, also uses a similar, registered trademark.

"While Roc Nation appears to have initially used the diamond only in combination with the words 'Roc Nation' it is now using the diamond log on its own, causing a likelihood of confusion among consumers," Volcom's complaint reads.

Volcom's complaint says they notified Roc Nation that the logo infringed on their trademark rights, but the company ignored the requests to stop using it.

The company is seeking to prevent Roc Nation from using the logo, which is popping up in clothing, on records and on Skullcandy Roc Nation Aviator headphones.

Volcom seeks an injunction against Roc Nation from using the logo and is seeking to have all product bearing similar trademarks to be destroyed. The lawsuit claims Volcom has invested over $100,000,000 in marketing their logo, although the lawsuit specify the amount of damages being sought.

Roc Nation is being sued for trademark infringement, false designation of origin, trademark dilution, unfair competition and other charges.

Talib goes on Tour

Hip Hop Icon Talib Kweli kicked off his nationwide tour in Seattle last night (March 30th), to promote his latest album “Gutter Rainbows”.

Kweli will be performing in 34 cities throughout the US, he is definitely returning to his hometown New Your City in late April, and ending the tour in Orlando, Florida in May.

Rapper Fashawn, who represents Fresno, California, will be touring with Kweli in select cities. However the official dates for when he will be performing have not been confirmed.

It hasn't yet been confirmed yet if members of his group Black Star or his Reflection Eternal partner DJ Hi-Tek will be joining him on future tour dates.

Orlando can be expecting him on May 07 at Firestone Live!

Jim Jones Arrested

Rapper Jim Jones was released from police custody after being arrested in New York City for driving with a suspended license. TMZ.com reports that Jones was busted on March 30th for driving his 2011 Bentley with a suspended license, to add insult to injury he was driving in the bus lane. According to the rapper, the New York Police Department showed him the utmost respect during the process, leading him to praise the officers. "I'm just an entertainer trying to make a living," the rapper told the Daily News. "They showed me total respect. Every officer in there is a gentleman."

Nate Dogg Dies at 41

Nathaniel D. Hale most popluar known to the hip hop audience as Nate Dogg has died at the age of 41. Tuesday March 15th, 2011 the Long Beach native’s life ended due to health issues. Hale had struggled with serious health issues recently, including suffering a massive stroke in 2007 that left him partially paralyzed and another the following year.

Following news of Nate's passing, a number of his hip-hop brethren reflected on their fallen comrade. The news appeared to hit both Snoop Dogg and DPG member Daz the hardest. Nate was one of the hardest working artist in the industry and his smooth sound had rappers lining up to work with him. He will be remembered as a great man and contributor to the hip hop genre.

August 19, 1969- March 15, 2011

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