18:59 • 12 Oct 2008
Notes & Quotes
Well Defined: the 'g' dispute
Not, apparently, the lowercase form of the seventh letter of the alphabet, but a trademark belonging to the hip-hop performer Warren g. In 1997, lawyers representing the said rap artist sued country star Garth (or garth) Brooks for the unauthorised use of their client’s little ‘g’. Brooks then countersued, claiming that the rap star had stolen the idea from him. The musicians settled out of court in March 1998, with each agreeing to allow the other to continue using his particular version of the troublesome letter (g’s accompanied by the words ‘funk music’, Brooks’ enclosed within a circle).
Brooks later explained the reason for his change of heart ‘I learned from Warren g and Wrong (the star’s manager) that the letter “g” has a special significance to them and to some members of their community in that it symbolises kids and young people who have risen above drugs and violence and who are worthy of respect because of their positive contributions to the world…Now knowing how much the symbol “g” means to Warren, I will strive to reach the standard that the “g” represents to him and to his community.’
Not, apparently, the lowercase form of the seventh letter of the alphabet, but a trademark belonging to the hip-hop performer Warren g. In 1997, lawyers representing the said rap artist sued country star Garth (or garth) Brooks for the unauthorised use of their client’s little ‘g’. Brooks then countersued, claiming that the rap star had stolen the idea from him. The musicians settled out of court in March 1998, with each agreeing to allow the other to continue using his particular version of the troublesome letter (g’s accompanied by the words ‘funk music’, Brooks’ enclosed within a circle).
Brooks later explained the reason for his change of heart ‘I learned from Warren g and Wrong (the star’s manager) that the letter “g” has a special significance to them and to some members of their community in that it symbolises kids and young people who have risen above drugs and violence and who are worthy of respect because of their positive contributions to the world…Now knowing how much the symbol “g” means to Warren, I will strive to reach the standard that the “g” represents to him and to his community.’