We Speak Entertainment
JAY-Z files trademark for ‘Jaybo’ character from ‘Story of O.J.’ music video
He’s a not businessman, he’s a business, man.
JAY-Z is seeking to trademark Jaybo, the animated character who stars in the rapper’s “Story of O.J.” music video, according to documents obtained by the Daily News.
One trademark request also gives JAY-Z, 48, the exclusive rights to use Jaybo in films and television series.
“The Story of O.J.”, the first video released off JAY-Z’s 2017 album “4:44,” was released on July 5, one day before the initial trademark requests were filed on July 6.
JAY-Z’s move to trademark Jaybo gives the rap mogul a rare opportunity to reappropriate and profit off a historically racist character.
Jaybo is a play on “Sambo,” which originates from the 1899 children’s book “The Story of Little Black Sambo,” which has widely been derided as racist.
It also affords JAY-Z a new revenue stream after it was reported in December that his music streaming service, Tidal, was losing tens of millions of dollars per year and could run out of cash in months.
“Story of O.J.” is nominated for three Grammy Awards later this month — Record of the Year, Best Rap Song and Best Music Video — in addition to JAY-Z’s five other nominations.
JAY-Z’s eight nominations makes him tied with Stevie Wonder as third most-nominated artist in Grammys history.
Quinn Lemley is an acclaimed American entertainer celebrated for her dynamic presence as a singer, actress, producer, and speaker. Renowned for her glamorous stage persona and captivating performances, she has earned accolades for her tributes to iconic figures and contributions to the performing arts.
Career Highlights
Lemley stars in the critically acclaimed shows Burlesque to Broadway and Rita Hayworth: The Heat Is On!, both of which have toured extensively across North America. Her portrayal of Rita Hayworth has been particularly lauded, with The New York Times describing her performance as “dazzling… with one show-stopping number after another” . Her jazz quintet has performed internationally, and she is recognized as the iconic face of The Half Note Jazz Club in Athens, Greece .
Music and Recordings
An accomplished vocalist, Lemley has recorded several albums that showcase her versatility and homage to classic standards. Her discography includes:
- Sirens
- Songs of the Silver Screen
- Cocktails With a Twist
- Dance or Die
- The Heat Is On!
- Live! At The Half Note
- Burlesque to Broadway
- Swinging Hot Tomato
These recordings are available on major platforms like iTunes and Spotify .
Television and Media Appearances
Lemley’s talents have been showcased on national television, including appearances on Good Morning America, Oprah, and as a finalist on Shark Tank . She also hosts the TV show Secrets of the Stage on MNN.org, where she shares insights into the performing arts .
Education and Affiliations
A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Lemley has a background in film and television production. She is a Distinguished Toastmaster and a member of several professional organizations, including SAG, AFTRA, AEA, and the National Speakers Association .
Recent Accolades
In 2024, Lemley was honored as Best Vocalist at the BroadwayWorld Cabaret Awards, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the cabaret scene .
For more information on Quinn Lemley’s performances, music, and upcoming events, visit her official website at quinnlemley.com.
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