Designer/rapper Ariza Obey filed documents stating he posted the photograph in question on his Instagram page in September (14), seven months before The Game supposedly lifted the snap for the cover of his song Ryda, which was released in April (15).

The picture in question features an underwear-clad couple face-to-face, with the topless female bracing her legs around her partner's waist. Both are wearing black ski masks, and have one arm extended, with the male holding a gold gun in his left hand.

The Game's cover art appears to be the exact same photograph, except a beige background has been added, as well as a Parental Advisory warning and the title of the song in the the top left hand corner.

According to TMZ.com, Obey claims the Dreams htimaker had access to his original artwork, because the two men have mutual friends.

Obey says his photo was reposted on Instagram by U.S. reality TV star Masika Kalysha, a friend of R&B singer Ray J, who shares a manager with The Game.

Obey is suing for an unspecified amount in damages.