The Battle Over ‘Gang Starr’: Solar’s Second Strike Against DJ Premier

For a second time, the “Most Evil Man in Hip-Hop” strikes again, coming after the late Guru and DJ Premier, who for nearly two decades performed under the group name “Gang Starr” (one of my first ever CDs ever purchased).

Solar filed a new SDNY lawsuit against DJ Premier (Christopher Martin), Ill Kid Music Inc., and Guru Productions Inc., seeking to stop their use of the “Gang Starr” name/logo and to claim a share of related earnings. He alleges trademark and copyright infringement, asserting the defendants used his works and marks without authorization and failed to pay royalties. Solar bases his claims on collaborations with the late Guru (who died from cancer back in 2010), saying he co-wrote/produced/performed on “The Ownerz,” “One of the Best Yet,” and the track “Battle” from the 8 Mile soundtrack.

The dispute traces back to post-2010 fights over the late Guru’s intellectual property after his passing. A 2014 state-court ruling favored Guru’s estate, finding Solar had no rights to the Gang Starr and Jazzmatazz marks and enjoining his use; an appellate court later modified parts of the order but left core trademark findings intact. In December 2024, an SDNY judge dismissed Solar’s trademark and copyright claims with prejudice; that ruling is on appeal. Despite that history, Solar is again seeking damages, injunctive relief, and attorney’s fees in this new case.

Given the result of his prior lawsuit being dismissed with prejudice, I find this case to be another dubious lawsuit taking advantage of the sporadic nature of Guru’s intellectual property since his passing.

Akiba Law PLLC is a boutique law firm based in Miami, Florida. The firm represents artists, creators, brands, entrepreneurs, collectors, galleries, and businesses in matters involving art law, intellectual property, trademark protection, copyright, contracts, business disputes, and brand enforcement.