According to IGN, the singer alleges that one of the prominent characters in Grand Theft San Andreas, Carl "CJ" Johnson, uses his image and life story as inspiration. The singer is now suing Rockstar Games, and by association its publishers and parent company, Take-Two Interactive, over the issue.

 

Washington said he met with Rockstar Games representatives in 2003 to talk about his youth and street life in general. "The plaintiff, who had led a troubled life in his youth, responded to their questions and related details of his life. The plaintiff told them about details of his street life including how the teen-agers in his gang rode around on bicycles," the complaint read.

 

After two hours the meeting apparently ended and Washington was told he would be notified if Rockstar decided to use him in the game. He claims he never heard back from them and only recently learned about his appearance in the six year old game from his nephew this past July.

 

"The plaintiff had never seen the game. He did not own or play video games, but it seemed possible that he had been included in the game," the complaint stated. "He then recalled the meeting in or about 2003, and it began to dawn on him that his image had been stolen for the game."

 

The complaint continued stating that, "upon examination of images of 'CJ' and comparison to his photos from that year and other evidence, it became clear that Rockstar had stolen his image and never paid him."

 

Now Washington is demanding that Rockstar pay him 25% of the game's total profits for fraud, misappropriation of likeness and infringement. The blockbuster title made $250 million.

 

Rockstar's parent company, Take-Two Interactive responded by saying they will fight the case. "The company believes the lawsuit is completely without merit and will vigorously defend itself in the matter," a representative told IGN. 

 

The music and games industries seem to be clashing a bit of late, with Axl Rose of Guns n Roses fame also recently suing Activision in a similar claim.