Rap mogul Jay Z is expected to take the stand in a Los Angles courtroom on Wednesday in a copyright infringement suit over his 1999 smash hit "Big Pimpin."

According to the New York Daily News, the Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder and famed producer Timbaland are both named as defendants in the suit, first filed eight years ago, which alleges the pair illegally sampled an Egyptian love ballad called "Khosara, Khosara" in the classic recording.

The suit was filed by the nephew of now deceased composer Baligh Hamdi. Opening arguments were heard on Tuesday.

Reps for Jay Z and Timbaland have long maintained the duo properly licensed the song from EMI Music Arabia and an Egyptian company, and at one point, Timbaland even signed a $100,000 check as compensation.

A lawyer for Hamdi's nephew Osama Ahmed Fahmy countered that the rap stars were legally obligated to get direct approval from Hamdi's estate before splicing the music with "vulgar and demeaning" lyrics.

"This case is about moral rights, here and in Egypt," attorney Peter Ross said.

Meanwhile, lawyers for Jay Z and Timbaland contend only a small portion of "Khosara, Khosara" was used, and contracts signed by Fahmy and money he received "gave away" his right to now file suit.

"When you pay for something, don't you think you have the right to use it?'" defense attorney Christine Lepera said.

The 45-year-old Jay Z is married to pop star Beyoncé and has 21 Grammys to his credit. Other than "Big Pimpin," his biggest hits include "99 Problems," "Hard Knock Life," "Ride or Die," "Money Ain't A Thang," "Change Clothes," "I Just Wanna Love You," "Izzo," "Run This Town," "Empire State of Mind" and "Crazy In Love."

Timbaland is also expected to take the stand during the drama-filled proceedings.