Chi Modu® Estate Retains Ownership of the Iconic Biggie Smalls Images
"Above all, I am happy that the Modu family maintains complete control of Chi's artistic work,' said Mrs. Modu.
More specifically, the settlement confirmed a number of important principles: (1) the Chi Modu Estate alone owns the copyrighted images and, as such, the Estate is (2) free to sell copies of the photographs in any form including NFTs, and (3) those who wish to use the photographs for any purpose must obtain permission from the family and pay license fees to do so; and (4) the Wallace family alone controls Biggie's right of publicity.
The settlement ensures that Chi's powerful images are unencumbered for editorial uses, purchases (including NFTs), and are available for limited licensing opportunities.
Sophia Modu, the widow of Chi Modu, only now feels ready to publicly address the settlement and the impact of her husband's passing. 'It took a while for me to work through the settlement with Notorious B.I.G., LLC, and to be emotionally prepared to address this publicly. Above all, I am happy that the Modu family maintains complete control of his artistic work,' said Mrs. Modu.
Chi Modu's images, captured during a groundbreaking era in '90s hip-hop history, remain a testament to his unique eye and cultural insight. 'Chi spent many years as the Director of Photography for The Source magazine in the '90s,' Mrs. Modu continued. 'While he was compensated very little for his artistic services, the magazine agreed that Chi would retain the rights to his photographs of hip-hop artists that graced its pages. Chi's photographs remain his—in life or in death.'
With the litigation now behind them, the Estate looks forward to monetizing Chi's archival material through editorial channels, creative collaborations such as photographic exhibitions, and emerging platforms such as NFTs.
'Throughout the case, I've learned how crucial it is for photographers to understand their intellectual property rights. If creatives are not fully aware of the intersection of art, business, and law, they can unintentionally give others an excuse to claim their images or work products,' added Mrs. Modu.
ArentFox Schiff LLP, a prominent national law firm, represented the Chi Modu estate in this matter on a pro bono basis.
About The Chi Modu Estate
Celebrating his 35+ year career in photography, the Estate of Christopher Chijioke Modu remains the sole owner and manager of the iconic photographs taken by the legendary artist and photojournalist, Chi Modu. Additionally, the Estate holds trademarks on Hip Hop Images™, his name, and his iconic signature. The estate manages the licensing of his archival material for collaborations, exhibitions, and emerging platforms such as NFTs. Its assets include unique photographs of The Notorious BIG, Tupac Shakur, Nas, Eazy-E, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and many other hip-hop icons. Please visit hiphopimages.com for images personally curated by Chi Modu or contact Sophia Modu: +1.917.558.2012
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Wire
2 hours ago
- Business Wire
KOCCA to Introduce 16 Korean Video Game Companies at KOREA GAME ROADSHOW of Gamescom 2025
COLOGNE, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), a public institution specializing in content, has selected 16 promising game companies to participate in gamescom 2025. The Korea Pavilion is located in HALL 3 and HALL 10, with B2B booth numbers C-010g–D-019g and B2C booth number F-002g. Share In 2024, KOCCA supported 13 game companies, achieving over 400 business meetings and approximately USD 24 million in consultation results. These efforts underscored the global potential of Korean games. This year, KOCCA plans to further expand its scale and support, actively pursuing global market opportunities. The Korea Pavilion is located in HALL 3 and HALL 10, with B2B booth numbers C-010g–D-019g and B2C booth number F-002g. The B2B booth in Hall 3 will host 1:1 business matchmaking between buyers and companies, as well as on-site user testing of games, collecting valuable feedback. Visitors who participate in the events will also receive a variety of giveaways. KOREA GAME ROADSHOW: Visit us at Gamescom 2025 Korean gaming companies attending the Gamescom KOREA GAME ROADSHOW include ROOMTONE, Modle Studios Co., Ltd., BECUZUS Co., Ltd., Geniesoft Inc., ADVER GAME KOREA, Neo Joy Propulsion Laboratory Inc., Gonggamorecontents Inc., grayclover, NANOO COMPANY Inc., BePex, Oneway Ticket Studio Inc., Studio BBB, Studio Doodal Co., Ltd., Hypercent Inc., and Lightersgames Co., Ltd. Please find information and trailers of the games in the official directory book of the Korea Pavilion. 1. ROOMTONE Games – INTERSCAPE INTERSCAPE is a third-person cinematic adventure game exploring surreal dreamscapes and emotional narratives. Players solve puzzles and navigate visually stunning worlds to awaken humanity trapped in endless slumber. Official website: 2. Modle Studios Inc. – Not Alone Not Alone is a sandbox crafting game where players customize unique islands, meet friendly visitors, and enjoy a warm, relaxing life. Dive into creative island building and never feel alone. Official website: 3. Becuzus – VANRAN VANRAN is a dark fantasy action RPG combining soulslike combat with accessible gameplay. Players explore eight unique regions, battle powerful demon lords, and customize their character's growth for a unique combat style. Official website: 4. Geniesoft – Dusty Derby Dusty Derby is a cute, chaotic online multiplayer party‑royale game where up to 32 fluffy 'Dusts' compete across house‑themed arenas—fight, race, and outlast others to become King of Dusts. Official website: 5. ADVER GAME KOREA – The Last of Penguin In this 3D multiplayer survival adventure, players guide a penguin to save the Antarctic. Combining survival, tycoon, and running elements, it offers unique challenges and cooperative gameplay. Official trailer: 6. Neo Joy Propulsion Laboratory – Jewelry Hunter Go Jewelry Hunter Go is a casual mobile and PC game blending luck battle mechanics with classic 3‑match gameplay. Players compete in Monopoly‑style maps while matching jewels to progress and win. Facebook: 7. Gonggamorecontents Inc. – Soul Wander Soul Wander is an action roguelike where players collect souls to restore color to a monochrome world. Featuring fast-paced combat and exploration, it blends adventure, RPG elements, and roguelike progression. Official website: 8. grayclover – Brick Clash Brick Clash is a mobile brick‑breaker puzzle game combining strategy and timing. Players break blocks while defending against waves, delivering a fast and impactful casual experience. Official website: 9. – Hips N Noses Hips N Noses combines café management simulation with action roguelike gameplay. By fighting monsters in dreams to collect rare ingredients and customizing recipes to satisfy unique customers, players restore lost memories while growing their café and character. Steam Store: 10. NANOO COMPANY Inc. – Tower of Babel: Survivors of Chaos In this single‑player, survival action RPG blending elements of Vampire Survivors and loot‑driven RPGs, players battle waves of monsters, collect and upgrade gear, and build unique skill combinations to climb to the top of the mysterious tower and claim everything they desire. Official website: 11. BePex – Beat the Beat: Rhythm Action This rhythm‑based action game features collectible characters and competitive gameplay. Players train their muses, master musical battles, and compete against others in rhythm challenges. Official website: 12. Oneway Ticket Studio – Midnight Walkers Midnight Walkers is a hardcore PvE/PvPvE zombie survival extraction shooter. Players scavenge, craft, and fight through Liberty Grand Center, battling zombies and rival survivors to escape with valuable loot—or lose everything on death. Official website: 13. Studio BBB Inc. – Monowave Monowave is a puzzle‑platform adventure about guiding Mono, a guardian with empathy powers, through worlds shaped by emotions. Players harness four unique emotional abilities, befriend allies, and solve challenges in a hand‑drawn art style with an original soundtrack. Official website: 14. Studio Doodal – Solateria Solateria is a hand‑drawn metroidvania featuring stylish parry‑based combat and expansive exploration. Players harness elemental abilities, unlock new traversal skills, and uncover secrets while battling powerful enemies to find the lost king. Official website: 15. Hypercent – Backroom Company Backroom Company is a cooperative horror multiplayer game set in the Backrooms universe. Supporting up to eight players with voice chat and interactive items, it focuses on player‑created experiences rather than linear puzzle solving and monster evasion. Official website: 16. Lightersgames Inc. – THANKS, LIGHT. THANKS, LIGHT. is a first‑person puzzle adventure combining geometry, physics, and optical illusions. Players manipulate dimensions with light, freeze objects, replicate and resize shapes, and uncover hidden truths in a mysterious, collapsing world. Official website:
Business Wire
12 hours ago
- Business Wire
The Democracy Center Presents 'Breaking the Frame: Two Solo Shows on Art and Identity' From August 21–23
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) at the Japanese National Museum (JANM) presents Breaking the Frame: Two Solo Shows on Art and Identity from Thursday, August 21 through Saturday, August 23, 2025, in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum. A post-show Q&A panel with the artists will follow the matinee performance on August 23. Tickets are $20 and are available at In the wake of recent 'yellowface' accusations on Broadway, Hmong-American actor Bee Vang of Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino and local-born actor and opera singer Kurt Kanazawa deliver emotionally charged and satirical indictments of two Western art forms Share Breaking the Frame: Two Solo Shows on Art and Identity explores what happens when two Asian American solo performers fall deeply in love with Western mediums—movies and opera—only to discover that they both may be in too deep. In the wake of recent 'yellowface' accusations on Broadway, Hmong-American actor Bee Vang of Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino and local-born actor and opera singer Kurt Kanazawa deliver emotionally charged and satirical indictments of two Western art forms that continue to harm Asian Americans and BIPOCs, today. The performance is directed by Jeff Liu (East West Players) and co-directed by Kalina Ko (Hedgerow Theatre Company), with lighting design and assistant direction by Josh Bennett. Opening the program is Vang's solo show, Your Movie Guide to Life (2025), where the actor and lifelong cinephile delves into the shaping power of cinema, Hmong history, his anti-war activism, and his leading role in Gran Torino. This forty-five-minute solo performance weaves together existential horror in films with Bee's inherited histories—both personal and geopolitical. Closing the program is Kanazawa's solo show, L'OPERA! (2024), about a fun-loving, Japanese and Filipino-American opera singer who gets into The Juilliard School…then loses his voice. A funny, multilingual fifty-two-minute solo performance that travels through the streets of New York City, Southern Italy, Hollywood, and Beijing, and features live performances of songs, including originals, L'OPERA! is anything but Euro-centric classical. About the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) Established in 1985, The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) promotes understanding and appreciation of America's ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. Located in the historic Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, JANM is a center for civil rights, ensuring that the hard-fought lessons of the World War II incarceration are not forgotten. A Smithsonian Affiliate and one of America's Cultural Treasures, JANM is a hybrid institution that straddles traditional museum categories. JANM is a center for the arts as well as history. It provides a voice for Japanese Americans and a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture. Since opening to the public in 1992, JANM has presented over one hundred exhibitions onsite while traveling forty exhibits to venues such as the Smithsonian Institution and the Ellis Island Museum in the United States, and to several leading cultural museums in Japan and South America. JANM's Pavilion is closed for renovation; programs will continue on the JANM campus, throughout Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Southern California, and beyond from early January 2025 through late 2026. For more information, visit or follow us on social media @jamuseum About the Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) The Democracy Center is a place where visitors can examine the Asian American experience, past and present, and talk about race, identity, social justice, and the shaping of democracy. It convenes and educates people of all ages about democracy to transform attitudes, celebrate culture, and promote civic engagement; educates and informs the public and public officials about important issues; creates strength within and among communities to advocate for positive change; and explores the values that shape American democracy. The Democracy Center looks for solutions that engage communities in self-advocacy, explore the evolving idea of what it means to be an American, and result in actions that bring everyone together. JANM's Pavilion is closed for renovation; Democracy Center programs will continue on the JANM campus, throughout Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, and Southern California, and beyond from early January 2025 through late 2026. For more information, visit or follow us on social media @democracyjanm. Details for Calendar Listings ' Breaking the Frame: Two Solo Shows on Art and Identity ' WHAT: The Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy (Democracy Center) at the Japanese National Museum (JANM) presents Breaking the Frame: Two Solo Shows on Art and Identity. Bee Vang's Your Movie Guide to Life (2025) and Kurt Kanazawa's L'OPERA! (2024) explores what happens when two Asian American performers fall deeply in love with Western mediums, only to discover that they both may be in too deep. Following the Saturday matinee performance will be a special Q&A with the artists in the Tateuchi Democracy Forum. WHO: Written by Bee Vang and Kurt Kanazawa Directed by Jeff Liu and Kalina Ko Featuring Bee Vang and Kurt Kanazawa A presentation by the Democracy Center WHEN: Aug. 21 through Aug. 23 at the Democracy Center: Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Japanese American National Museum The Democracy Center 100 N. Central Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012 PARKING AT THE DEMOCRACY CENTER: Japanese Village Plaza Parking Garage at 115 S. Central Ave. SP Plus, Parking Lot 753 at 414 E. Temple St City of Los Angeles. Parking Lot 7 at 140 N. Judge John Aiso St City of Los Angeles Lot 2 at 300 E. Temple St. TICKET PRICES: $20 at The Democracy Center website $10 for JANM members, only RSVP: RSVP at or call (213) 625-0414
Business Wire
17 hours ago
- Business Wire
Product Type, Age, Distribution Channel, Region, & Country Insights and Forecasts 2021-2031
DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Toys Market Factbook (2025 Edition): Analysis By Product Type, By Age, By Distribution Channel, By Region, By Country: Market Insights and Forecast (2021-2031)" report has been added to offering. The market was valued at USD 115.16 Billion in 2024 which is expected to reach USD 176.60 Billion in 2031. This report provides a complete analysis for the historical period of 2021-2024, the estimates of 2025 and the forecast period of 2026-2031. The global toys market has experienced substantial growth in recent years and is projected to continue its upward trajectory due to a confluence of demographic, technological, and cultural factors. Rising disposable incomes, growing awareness of early childhood development, and increasing demand for innovative, safe, and educational toys are key drivers of the industry. The proliferation of dual-income households has led to increased spending on children's products, including toys, as parents seek to provide enriching experiences for their children. Additionally, the resurgence of classic toy lines, integration of advanced technology into toys, and the popularity of franchise-based products have fueled consumer interest. Toy manufacturers are constantly innovating to include features such as augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning components, which align with modern parental preferences for educational and interactive play options. Moreover, the impact of social media and influencer marketing, particularly on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, has contributed significantly to the virality and demand for certain toys, often leading to rapid surges in sales for trending products. North America continues to dominate the global toys market, largely due to its robust retail infrastructure, high purchasing power, and strong presence of leading toy brands such as Hasbro, Mattel, and LEGO. The region's mature market has been bolstered by continued innovation, nostalgic reboots of popular toy lines, and a culture that values entertainment and play. The United States, in particular, leads in terms of consumption, supported by seasonal surges in demand during holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, as well as a growing e-commerce ecosystem. The prevalence of licensed toys based on blockbuster movies, television series, and digital content also plays a critical role in maintaining high sales volumes in the region. Furthermore, strong brand loyalty and early adoption of tech-integrated toys make North America a key testing ground for new launches. Despite market saturation in some segments, premiumization and product diversification have enabled companies to maintain growth. Canada also contributes significantly to the region's performance, with rising interest in eco-friendly and sustainable toy options reflecting broader consumer trends. Beyond North America, the Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market, driven by rising birth rates in countries like India, China, and Indonesia, increasing urbanization, and expanding middle-class populations. These factors have created a large consumer base eager for both traditional and modern toys. In China, local manufacturers are gaining prominence while also catering to export markets. Government initiatives supporting early childhood education and development have further boosted demand for educational toys in the region. Meanwhile, Europe remains a strong market, especially in countries like Germany, the UK, and France, where high-quality standards and preferences for sustainable products are shaping toy design and manufacturing. Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing gradual growth, hampered somewhat by economic instability in certain regions, but still offering potential for expansion due to rising awareness and increasing retail penetration. The market is segmented by product type, age group, and distribution channel. In terms of product type, the market includes Games and Puzzles, Infant and Pre-School Toys, Construction Toys, Dolls and Accessories, Outdoor and Sports Toys, and Other Product Types. Games and puzzles have seen a notable resurgence, especially among families seeking indoor recreational activities, a trend that was particularly reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infant and pre-school toys remain critical for early cognitive and motor skills development, and parents' growing inclination toward Montessori-style learning has expanded this category. Construction toys like building blocks continue to enjoy consistent demand due to their role in enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills. Dolls and accessories benefit from strong branding and franchise associations, with companies investing heavily in new character lines and thematic playsets. Outdoor and sports toys have also witnessed a rise as parents aim to reduce screen time and encourage physical activity in children. By age, the market is categorized into 0-8 Years, 8-15 Years, and 15 Years and Above. The 0-8 Years segment dominates the market due to high toy consumption in early childhood. This stage is marked by rapid developmental milestones, and parents are keen to invest in toys that are not only entertaining but also educational. The 8-15 Years group is increasingly engaging with tech-driven toys, including drones, programmable robots, and app-based gaming kits, which blend traditional play with modern technology. The 15 Years and Above category, while smaller, is growing due to the popularity of collectible toys and hobby-based products. This demographic includes not only teenagers but also adult toy enthusiasts and collectors, who often seek nostalgia-driven merchandise and limited-edition releases. On the basis of distribution channel, the market is segmented into E-Commerce, Supermarkets, Traditional Stores, and Other Distribution Channels. E-commerce has seen explosive growth, propelled by the convenience of online shopping, expanded product variety, and personalized recommendations based on browsing behavior. Online platforms also facilitate the rapid spread of toy trends through customer reviews and influencer content, especially for tech toys and educational kits. Supermarkets continue to serve as a one-stop solution for consumers, with prominent shelf placements for best-selling toy brands. Traditional stores, including toy shops and departmental stores, remain relevant due to their immersive shopping experience, enabling children to physically interact with toys before purchase. However, their market share is gradually declining in the face of digital transformation. Other distribution channels, such as pop-up stores and vending kiosks in entertainment centers, contribute to impulse purchases and seasonal sales. The competitive landscape of the global toys market is highly dynamic and fragmented, with a mix of multinational giants and regional players. Companies like Mattel Inc., Hasbro Inc., LEGO Group, and Bandai Namco Holdings dominate the global scene through extensive product portfolios, strategic licensing deals, and strong brand recognition. These companies invest heavily in research and development to stay ahead of market trends and often collaborate with entertainment franchises to develop themed toy lines that enjoy instant popularity. Smaller players and startups, meanwhile, are gaining ground by focusing on niche markets, such as eco-friendly wooden toys, inclusive dolls, or DIY craft kits. Innovation, agility, and the ability to connect emotionally with consumers are key differentiators in this space. Moreover, mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategic partnerships with digital content creators, are reshaping the competitive dynamics, allowing companies to diversify their offerings and enter new geographic markets. Overall, the toys industry is evolving rapidly, balancing tradition with innovation and physical play with digital interactivity to meet the diverse needs of modern consumers. Scope of the Report The report analyses the Toys Market Factbook by Value (USD Billion). The report analyses the Toys Market Factbook by Region (Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa) and 20 Countries (United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Americas, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Nordic, Rest of Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, Rest of Asia Pacific, GCC, North Africa, South Africa, and Rest of MEA). The report presents the analysis of Toys Market Factbook for the historical period of 2021-2024, the estimated year 2025 and the forecast period of 2026-2031. The report analyses the Toys Market Factbook By Product Type (Games and Puzzles, Infant and Pre-School Toys, Construction Toys, and Others). The report analyses the Toys Market Factbook By Age (0-8 years, 8-15 years, 15 years & above). The report analyses the Toys Market Factbook By Distribution Channel (E-Commerce, Supermarkets, Traditional Stores, and Other Distribution Channels). The key insights of the report have been presented through the frameworks of SWOT Analysis. Also, the attractiveness of the market has been presented by region, By Product Type, By Age & By Distribution Channel. The report tracks competitive developments, strategies, mergers and acquisitions and new product development. Strategic Recommendations Personalization and Customization Focus on Health and Wellness Toys Competitive Positioning Companies' Product Positioning Market Position Matrix Market Share Analysis of Toys Market Company Profiles The LEGO Group Mattel Inc. Hasbro Inc. Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. MGA Entertainment Horst Brandstatter Group Melissa and Doug LLC For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
