Who is Daniel Arsham? Jay-Z collaborator sues Quavo over allegedly using the artist’s sculpture in his promo

Daniel Arsham filed a lawsyit against Quavo or Quavious Keyate Marshall for using his iconic Ferrari sculpture in his promo video without permission. Arsham is suing Marshall and his record label Quality Control Music, along with parent company HYBE America of copyright infringement.

Daniel Lambert Arsham, 44, is an American visual artist and sculptor. He is known to collaborate with dance choreographer Merce Cunningham, Hedi Slimane, Jonah Bokaer, Kim Jones, Hajime Sorayama, Ronnie Fieg, Alex Mustonen, Rimowa, and Tiffany & Co. Arsham established a film company in 2014 called Films of the Future.

Arsham is also known to collaborate with well known music artists including Jay-Z and Pahrrell Williams. Daniels had sculpted Jay-Z's hands throwing up the Roc Symbol for his Book of Hov exhibit in 2023.

According to XXL, Arsham filed a 14-page lawsuit against the artist on March 31. Per the lawsuit, as published by the outlet on April 9, 2025:

The former Migos member is accused of placing Arsham's 2018 artwork Quartz Eroded 1961 Ferrari GT—a full-size vehicle sculpture—in a 45-second promo video with the caption "Back To The Basics 2025!!"

In the promo video, which the rapper posted on December 14, 2024, the artist can be seen standing and sitting on the sculpture while rapping his song Trappa Rappa. The rapper also posted photos of himself sitting in front of Ashram's sculpture and tagged his Instagram handle.

The lawsuit noted:

"The next day, Quavo, through his Instagram profile posted a series of five images that are stills of the Infringing Video of appear to have been photographed contemporaneously therewith (the 'Infringing Post'). The images in the infringing post feature Quavo posing in front of the Work with the caption 'No the engine is not in the front n the back I jus carbon the finder!'"

What is Daniel Arsham seeking in his lawsuit against Quavo?

Daniel Arsham in his lawsuit against Quavo is seeking a permanent injunction to prevent the defendants including Marshall, and his record label from continuing to distrubute the allegedly infringing content featuring his sculputres. He is also seeking for monetary damages, disgorgement of profits and enhanced damages for willful infringement.

The scultpor is also suing Quality Control Music and HYBE America for $320 million, with his attorneys alleging:

"On information and belief, QCM had actual or constructive knowledge of the infringing activities complained of herein, participated materially in said activities and had the right and ability to control said activities, and stood to realize, have realized and continue to realize, a direct and indurect financial benefit therefrom."

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