US rapper accuses Rockstar of stealing his songs for Grand Theft Auto 5

Two tracks recorded by West Coast rapper Daz Dillinger have appeared in GTA

James Vincent
Friday 11 October 2013 11:16 BST
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The option to spend real-life money in GTA V Online means it could be pricey
The option to spend real-life money in GTA V Online means it could be pricey (Rockstar Games)

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A US rapper named Daz Dillinger has sent games developer Rockstar a cease and desist letter demanding that all unsold copies of Grand Theft Auto 5 be recalled and destroyed.

Dillinger has accused Rockstar of using his songs “C-Walk” and “Nothing’ but the Cavi’ Hit” without his permission.

According to reports from celebrity gossip site TMZ, Dillinger was approached for the rights to his music but rejected an “offensively low offer of $4,271.00 for both songs.”

However, the two tracks have still found their way into the game, appearing on the playlists for Los Santos’s West Coast Classics radio station.

Dillinger, who is a member of Tha Dogg Pound and is known for his work with the legendary Death Row Records, told TMZ that he is demanding a “better offer” from Rockstar within 14 days and that the case is about "respecting an artist's work.”

“Rockstar didn't do that here and I can't let them get away with it,” said Dillinger.

GTA 5 has been a phenomenal success for Rockstar, with global sales totallying more than $1 billion in just three days.

The game has already broken seven Guinness World Records including the best-selling video game in 24 hours; the fastest entertainment property to gross $1 billion; and the highest revenue generated by an entertainment product in 24 hours.

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