A lawsuit could stop L.A. radio host, Big Boy, from leaving Power 106 for a $3.5 million gig with iHeartMedia. 

Emmis Communications filed a $5 million lawsuit to keep Big at the L.A. hip hop station even though his contract is up, TMZ reports. Emmis claims to have discovered Big when he was working as a security guard 20 years ago and turned him into a radio star. 

The host of Big Boy's Neighborhood earned $1.45 million a year with Power 106, plus bonuses and a car. iHeartMedia is offering him incentives like access to a private jet along with more money.

Emmis, which owns Power 106, Hot 97 and other radio stations around the country, is allowed to meet competing offers to get Big to stay, the lawsuit states. The media company wants a judge to stop him from leaving all together.

Big responded to the suit on Instagram today (Feb. 4), thanking listeners for their loyalty through the passing of his mother, weight loss and other life events. “We have laughed and cried together,” he wrote. “My LOVE for you isn't just words or ratings. This is bigger than a radio logo. You're my Family. I NEED y'all to survive and be happy. I'm hurt. I'll be able to tell the real....soon. God bless you all.”

While the legal mess is being worked out, Big Boy’s Neighborhood aired this morning sans its host.  

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(Photo: Jason Kempin/WireImage)