Jay-Z's Got $18,000 Problems, Sued By Workers Compensation Board

Rap mogul Jay-Z may be focused on his soon-to-arrive firstborn with wife Beyonce Knowles-Carter, however, but for now the Workers Compensation Board of New York has gotten his full attention, slammig the star with an $18,000 lawsuit.

Reports on the lawsuit hit the Internet Thursday (December 29) morning.

According to the suit, obtained by TMZ, Jay-Z failed to pay workers' compensation insurance for three months in 2009 -- and sources close to the situation tell us, the insurance was supposed to cover domestic employees in Jay-Z's house ... cooks, maids, drivers ... that sort of thing. The government agency sued the rapper to collect $18, 000 in fines for the transgression -- and a court has since ordered Jay to pay up. According to the docs, it was only a momentary lapse -- after the three-month period in 2009, Jay-Z acquired the right insurance and the problem was resolved ... with the exception of the outstanding $18, 000 owed. (TMZ)

Despite the headline-garnering suit, Hov's camp claims the rapper is in the clear.

But according to a source close to the rapper, he never missed a payment -- the claim arose from an administrative error that was being resolved. Most US employers are required to supply workers' compensation insurance, which provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees injured in the course of their work. (MyFox News)

A few years ago, Jay caught heat for allegedly neglecting to issue compensation to a few workers employed at his 40/40 Club.

In July of 2008, Judge Preska ruled that the club owners violated New York labor laws after reviewing the earning reports for various employees, who showed they were not paid for working over time. Almost 400 employees could be eligible to collect money should the 40/40 club eventually lose the lawsuit. (Examiner)

Outside of legal woes, the rapper reportedly spent this past Christmas with his wife and family.

Mom-to-be Beyonce is laying down the law this holiday by forbidding family members from turning on the television. The singer, who is expecting her first child with rapper husband Jay-Z, wants to enjoy quality time with her relatives, without any interruptions. She tells Britain's New! magazine, "I will be with family. Jay-Z and I are both so busy throughout the year that Christmas is just a time to relax with the family and count the many blessings in your life. Christmas Day is a no-TV zone. We just like to sit and talk together as a family." (WTVQ)