At HipHopRaisedMe, where we celebrate The Knowledge, The Culture, & The Lifestyle of hip-hop, we keep you informed about the latest happenings in the music scene. Recently, rapper Future, known for his chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, has found himself entangled in a legal dispute that has nothing to do with his artistry. Instead, it revolves around a unique vehicle—a “Limo-Jet”—that has become the center of controversy following the release of his collaboration with Egyptian artist Mohammed Ramadan and Lebanese-Canadian singer Sari Abboud in the music video for “ARABI.”
According to legal documents obtained by AllHipHop, the Minnesota-based MIK Corporation has filed a lawsuit against Future and his co-defendants, alleging that they used the trademarked “Limo-Jet” without permission and caused damage to the custom vehicle. For those unfamiliar, a “Limo-Jet” is a repurposed jet fuselage transformed into a luxurious limousine, owned and rented out by MIK for events. The company claims that Future and his collaborators had previously agreed not to use the vehicle but proceeded to film with it anyway.
Future’s Music Video That Led To A Lawsuit
The legal troubles began when Mohammed Ramadan reportedly contacted MIK in April 2023 to inquire about renting the “Limo-Jet” for shows in California and Dubai. During a visit to the vehicle’s storage location in Des Plaines, Illinois, all parties supposedly agreed that no footage of the “Limo-Jet” would be posted without MIK’s consent and that no damage would occur. However, MIK alleges that during this visit, damage to the vehicle’s paint occurred, and they were shocked to see the “Limo-Jet” featured prominently in the Future-featuring “ARABI” music video released in February 2024.
The lawsuit against Future includes claims of breach of contract, negligence, fraud, and misappropriation. MIK is pursuing damages for the unauthorized commercial use of the “Limo-Jet” and for the alleged physical damage to the vehicle. In a twist, Universal Music Group (UMG), a co-defendant, sought to have the case dismissed, arguing a lack of personal jurisdiction in Illinois. The court sided with UMG, dismissing them from the case due to insufficient connection to the allegations. MIK has until December 15 to amend their filing and clarify their claims against the remaining defendants, which include Future and his Wilburn Holding Company.
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how Future will navigate these challenges, especially as he continues to be a prominent figure in the hip-hop landscape. At HipHopRaisedMe, we recognize that while the culture celebrates creativity and innovation, it also faces the realities of legal and contractual obligations.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest updates on this story and other hip-hop news, honoring the enduring legacy of a genre that has shaped lives and cultures for over five decades.
