Hip-hop producer Madlib doesn’t own rights to his animated alter ego, suit claims

Famed hip-hop DJ and producer Madlib is facing legal action from the artist who drew his animated alter ego.

Keith Griego claims the animated character known as Lord Quas was created specifically for the cover of Madlib’s 1999 single “Microphone Mathematics,” though it’s since been used on “further album covers, music videos, and merchandise,” Griego’s attorneys said in the suit filed on April 19. Seamus Hughes’ Court Watch was first to report the suit.

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In the 25 years since the release of “Microphone Mathematics,” Lord Quas has become a prominent part of the artistry of the Oxnard-born Madlib, who was born Otis Jackson Jr.

Madlib is known for his collaborative projects with artists like MF Doom, Freddie Gibbs and J Dilla, as well as one called Quasimoto created with the Lord Quas character, who raps with a pitched-shifted version of Madlib’s own voice.

Even outside of Quasimoto, Lord Quas is regularly depicted on the covers of Madlib projects, such as 2019’s “Bandana” with Freddie Gibbs, which shows Lord Quas atop a zebra as they look out over the Hollywood sign to see burning buildings below.

Lord Quas even has his own Instagram account featuring not only album covers but also drawings and other illustrations for evens like Halloween and Record Store Day. Interestingly, one post features Mickey Mouse and celebrates the expiration of Disney’s copyright on the character.

With the exception of “Microphone Mathematics,” Madlib has “used Lord Quas anyway, without giving Mr. Greigo compensation or credit,” the suit said. The producer even filed for his own trademark for Lord Quas, even though he and his partners “knew they did not have rights to Lord Quas,” the suit added.

“Mr. Griego brings this action to seek compensation for Defendants’ intentional copyright infringement and to obtain an injunction against their further infringement of his copyright,” the suit said.

If Griego is victorious, Madlib’s copyright on Lord Quas will be invalidated and he will have to repay Griego for the lost income and attorneys’ fees.

Madlib and his representatives did not immediately return a request for comment.

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