US rapper 50 Cent is suing Taco Bell after the American fast food chain used his name in an advertising campaign without asking permission.

The Why Pay More? Advert encouraged the rapper to change his name to 79, 89 or 99 Cent in order to promote their value meals.

The chain is said to have sent a letter to a number of media outlets claiming it would donate money to charity if the rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, took up the challenge.

In the lawsuit, which was filed in New York, Jackson said the chain's campaign had diluted “the value of his good name”.

His lawyer, Peter D Raymond, also revealed that the rapper was not aware of the company's intentions until he saw news reports.

Jackson is said to be seeking $4million in damages from the food company.

(by Jason Gregory)