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It’s a hard knock life for the folks who work at the new New York hotspot operated by Jay-Z, if a new lawsuit is to be believed.

According to papers obtained by TMZ, Celeste Williams, a former “server” at the swank 40/40 Club, accuses the music mogul and the company that owns the joint, Twenty Ones, Inc., of not paying enough.

She says they didn’t even pay her minimum wage, which means she’s raking in less coin than Kevin Federline at whatever gas station he works at now.

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Williams also alleges that the club held back tips from servers and that she got stiffed for overtime she worked.

What’s more, Williams’ lawyers say in the complaint that there are “more than 100” other 40/40 employees who will join the lawsuit.

At least Jay-Z can take comfort in fellow rappers Snoop Dogg, Eve, Busta Rhymes and Akon, all of whom are involved in their own legal imbroglio.

40/40 rep Ron Berkowitz says that the named plaintiff – Williams – worked for the club for a grand total of four days, and that the club isn’t aware of any other of the “more than 100” workers who may have joined the suit.

This place should be featured on Hell’s Kitchen.

When we spoke to him, Berkowitz said the club hadn’t been served with papers, but insisted that all employees keep 100 percent of their tips, and that any allegation of wait staff being unpaid is false.

Williams is seeking unspecified damages. On the other hand, Jay-Z dates Beyonce, so how can you stay mad at the guy.