Death Row Records co-founder Marion 'Suge' Knight is suing Kanye West for the alleged theft of a 15-carat diamond stud earring, US media reports claim.

In a lawsuit, film as part of a bankruptcy case, Knight claims the theft took place during a scuffle at a party hosted by the rapper in Miami three years ago.

Knight, who was shot in the altercation, said an employee of West's promised to return the $135,000 diamond stud earring but didn't.

He also alleges that West allowed one of his entourage to smuggle a gun past security at the party.

The lawsuit, seen by TMZ, states that “certain hip-hop artists who were invited to the party ... were known not to be friendly to Mr. Knight."

Knight filed for bankruptcy earlier this year.

Since the early 90s, his label has been responsible for releasing pioneering albums by hip-hop stars such as Tupac and Snoop Dogg.

But Knight's private life has been dogged by persistent legal issues, including drug and parole offences.

(by Jason Gregory)