Jay Z master recordings are at the center of an alleged plot to extort the rapper.  According to published reports, a collection of Jay Z master recordings is at the center of an alleged theft and extortion plot. The Jay Z recordings have been valued between $15 and $20 million. TMZ reported that the police have taken possession of the tapes.

According to TMZ, Jay Z is allegedly being blackmailed by a former intern who wants $110,000 to return master recordings of songs that includes "I Just Wanna Love U (Give It 2 Me)" and "Holla."

Mahan told the police that he contacted Live Nation to let them know he planned to auction the recordings or hand them over to them for a $100,000 "storage fee." He went on to say that they had settled on a fee of $75,000.

According to reports, on Friday, April 18, when Mahan went to the storage facility where the recordings were being kept, he was detained by LAPD for questioning. He says he was not arrested. Mahan says the LAPD were contacted beforehand by Jay Z.

It is not known how Mahan got hold of the tapes.

A spokesperson for Jay Z could not be reached for comment at press time.