Simon & Schuster Sues Lil' Kim and Foxy Brown

Two local hip-hop artists have come up short on literary talent, but not on avarice, according to a lawsuit filed yesterday. Rappers Kimberly Jones, known commonly as Lil' Kim, and Inga Marchand, who goes by Foxy Brown, were sued by the publishing company Simon & Schuster Inc. in New York State Court.

According to two separately filed lawsuits, the provocative rap stars were each contracted by Simon & Schuster to complete books for the company. Ms. Jones's prospective work was to be titled "Untitled Novel," and Ms. Marchand's manuscript was tentatively named "Broken Silence," according to the complaint.

The agreed-upon completion date for "Untitled Novel," Simon & Schuster claims, was June 30, 2004, and Ms. Jones was given a $40,000 advance. Ms. Marchand allegedly received an advance of $75,000 to complete her book by February 1, 2006.

Both artists, according to the complaints, failed to produce "complete and acceptable" manuscripts, and Simon & Schuster is asking that they return the advance royalties, plus interest.

Ms. Jones and Ms. Marchand have both spent time in prison, Ms. Jones for conspiracy and perjury, and Ms. Marchand for assault.

Agents for Ms. Jones and Ms. Marchand did not return calls.