Jay Z fighting to keep financial & criminal records out of 'Big Pimpin' lawsuit

Rapper Jay Z is asking a judge to keep his financial and criminal records confidential in his 'Big Pimpin' lawsuit, insisting the documents do not pertain to the case.

The hip-hop mogul has been locked in a California court battle with Osama Ahmed Fahmy since 2007, after he alleged Jay Z's hit song, Big Pimpin violates his rights to his uncle Baligh Hamdy's Egyptian composition, Khosara, Khosara, which was released in 1957.

Jay Z has maintained the song is protected under a previous licensing agreement made by producer Timbaland when the song was released in 2000, but a trial date has been set for later this year if the two parties cannot come to an agreement.

Fahmy is reportedly seeking the financial paperwork to show how much the rapper made during each concert he performed the track and claims that Jay Z's criminal past is relevant because he stole the track.

In 1999, Jay Z pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in the stabbing of record executive Lance Rivera and was sentenced to three years probation.

A judge has yet to rule on Jay Z's request, according to TMZ.com.