Following a confidential settlement reached in 2024 between the Property of famend photographer Chi Modu and the household of Christopher Wallace, higher referred to as Biggie Smalls and the Infamous BIG, the Modu household is delighted to announce that it retains sole possession of the long-lasting hip-hop images of Biggie.
Extra particularly, the settlement confirmed numerous necessary rules: (1) the Chi Modu Property alone owns the copyrighted pictures and, as such, the Property is (2) free to promote copies of the images in any type together with NFTs, and (3) those that want to use the images for any objective should receive permission from the household and pay license charges to take action; and (4) the Wallace household alone controls Biggie’s proper of publicity.
The settlement ensures that Chi’s highly effective pictures are unencumbered for editorial makes use of, purchases (together with NFTs), and can be found for restricted licensing alternatives.
Sophia Modu, the widow of Chi Modu, solely now feels able to publicly deal with the settlement and the impression of her husband’s passing. “It took some time for me to work by the settlement with Infamous B.I.G., LLC, and to be emotionally ready to handle this publicly. Above all, I’m completely happy that the Modu household maintains full management of his creative work,” mentioned Mrs. Modu.
Chi Modu’s pictures, captured throughout a groundbreaking period in ’90s hip-hop historical past, stay a testomony to his distinctive eye and cultural perception. “Chi spent a few years because the Director of Pictures for The Supply journal within the ’90s,” Mrs. Modu continued. “Whereas he was compensated little or no for his creative providers, the journal agreed that Chi would retain the rights to his pictures of hip-hop artists that graced its pages. Chi’s pictures stay his—in life or in demise.”
With the litigation now behind them, the Property appears to be like ahead to monetizing Chi’s archival materials by editorial channels, inventive collaborations comparable to photographic exhibitions, and rising platforms comparable to NFTs.
“All through the case, I’ve realized how essential it’s for photographers to know their mental property rights. If creatives are usually not absolutely conscious of the intersection of artwork, enterprise, and legislation, they’ll unintentionally give others an excuse to say their pictures or work merchandise,” added Mrs. Modu.
ArentFox Schiff LLP, a distinguished nationwide legislation agency, represented the Chi Modu property on this matter on a professional bono foundation.
About The Chi Modu Property – Celebrating his 35+ yr profession in pictures, the Property of Christopher Chijioke Modu stays the only proprietor and supervisor of the long-lasting pictures taken by the legendary artist and photojournalist, Chi Modu. Moreover, the Property holds emblems on Hip Hop Photographs™, his title, and his iconic signature. The property manages the licensing of his archival materials for collaborations, exhibitions, and rising platforms comparable to NFTs. Its property embrace distinctive pictures of The Infamous BIG, Tupac Shakur, Nas, Eazy-E, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Ol’ Soiled Bastard, and plenty of different hip-hop icons.
