Quavo Lawsuit Over Ferrari Sculpture in 'Trappa Rappa' Promo Video Dropped by Artist

In a New York courtroom, a quiet agreement was reached this Monday, June 15, between Quavo (Quavious Marshall) and artist Daniel Arsham. The dispute, which had been unfolding since last year, centered on a 1961 Ferrari sculpture titled "Quartz Eroded 1961 Ferrari GT." This piece of art, created in 2018, was part of a series showcasing classic cars in a state of decay. Arsham's lawsuit alleged that Quavo had used his sculpture without permission in a 45-second promo video for his song "Trappa Rappa" on TikTok and Instagram in December 2024.

Daniel Arsham, a New York-based artist, had poured his creative energy into the "Quartz Eroded" series. His work was meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia and decay, a commentary on the fleeting nature of beauty. When Quavo featured his sculpture in a promo video, Arsham felt his intellectual property had been compromised. He claimed that the unauthorized use of his art would "interfere with and diminish the value of plaintiff's licensing market and his ability to control the manner in which his work is presented to the public."

Quavo's song "Trappa Rappa" dropped as a single in February 2025, but Arsham's sculpture was nowhere to be seen in the official visuals. This discrepancy raised questions about the extent of Quavo's permission to use the artwork. Arsham's lawsuit targeted not only Quavo but also his label, Quality Control Music, and its parent company HYBE. However, both companies were eventually dropped as defendants a few months into the case.

The lawsuit, still in its early stages, was dismissed on Monday, June 15, with both parties agreeing to the permanent dismissal. The terms of the settlement remain unclear, with neither side commenting on whether a payment was involved. Arsham's attorney declined to comment on the matter, while a representative for Quavo did not respond to a request for comment.

This dispute highlights the complex issues surrounding art ownership and intellectual property. As artists continue to push boundaries and create innovative works, the lines between inspiration and appropriation become increasingly blurred. In this case, Quavo's use of Arsham's sculpture sparked a lawsuit that ultimately ended in a quiet settlement. As the art world continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these disputes will be resolved.

The lawsuit's dismissal marks a resolution to the dispute, but it does not necessarily set a precedent for future cases. The art world will continue to navigate the complex issues of ownership and permission, and it will be interesting to see how artists, labels, and lawyers approach these challenges in the years to come.

• Daniel Arsham created the sculpture "Quartz Eroded 1961 Ferrari GT" in 2018.
• Quavo (Quavious Marshall) featured the sculpture in a 45-second promo video for his song "Trappa Rappa" on TikTok and Instagram in December 2024.
• Arsham's lawsuit alleged that Quavo's use of the sculpture without permission "interferes with and diminishes the value of plaintiff's licensing market and his ability to control the manner in which his work is presented to the public."
• The lawsuit was dismissed on Monday, June 15, with both parties agreeing to the permanent dismissal.