Quavo has been hit with a lawsuit by New York-based visual artist Daniel Arsham for using one of his iconic sculptures in a promo video without permission.
Famous Artist Sues Quavo Over “Stolen” Sculpture in Video
Daniel Arsham has been connected to hip-hop for many years. Much of his work bridges the gap between art and architecture, which is shown in the eroded technique used in his sculptures. He sculpted Jay-Z’s hands throwing up the Roc symbol for the rapper’s Book of Hov exhibit in 2023, and created a bust of Gunna’s likeness for the cover of his DS4VER album in 2022. Pharrell and Nas have also joined forces with the contemporary artist in the past.
While there was a collaborative approach to Arsham’s work with those rappers, Quavo is facing legal action for putting Arsham’s Ferrari sculpture in a video without obtaining a license for its use. Arsham claims he never consented to the artwork being used in the clip.
According to the 14-page lawsuit, filed on March 31 and obtained by XXL on April 9, 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!!”
The video, published on Quavo’s various social media accounts on Dec. 16, 2024, shows the rapper performing his song “Trappa Rappa,” which was officially released on Feb. 21, 2025, while standing and sitting in front of Arsham’s Ferrari piece. Quavo also posted photos on his Instagram account sitting in front of Arsham’s car and tagged the artist’s IG handle.
“The next day, Quavo, through his Instagram profile, posted a series of five images that are stills of the Infringing Video or appear to have been photographed contemporaneously therewith (the ‘Infringing Post’),” the lawsuit reads. “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!’ In the Infringing Post, Quavo tagged Mr. Arsham’s Instagram handle, @danielarsham. Below are images of the Infringing Post.”
In addition to Quavo, Arsham is suing Quality Control Music, the record label Quavo is signed to, and HYBE America, the company QCM partnered with in 2023, for $320 million.
“On information and belief, QCM had actual or constructive knowledge of the infringing activities complained of herein, participated materially in said activities, had the right and ability to control said activities, and stood to realize, have realized and continue to realize, a direct and indirect financial benefit therefrom,” according to the lawsuit.
Arsham seeks damages and injunctive relief for direct, contributory and vicarious copyright infringement. He also wants a trial by jury. While there is no specific monetary amount being sought in the lawsuit, Arsham’s attorney does include that his artwork sells “for many hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
XXL has reached out to reps for Quavo and Quality Control Music as well as Daniel Arsham’s attorney for comment.
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Take a look at the car sculpture in Quavo’s video below.
