US rapper Flo Rida says he shouldn't have to pay almost $400,000 for failing to appear at a music festival because the NSW court which ordered the payment had no jurisdiction over him at the time.

The 33-year-old singer, whose real name is Tramar Dillard, angered thousands of fans at the $110-a-ticket 2011 Fat As Butter festival when he told organisers he would not be performing minutes before he was meant to go on stage.

No jurisdiction? ... Flo Rida at the Logies in Melbourne last year. Credit:John Woudstra

In August last year, Mothership Music concert promoter Brent Lean won his legal battle against the US hip-hop star for breach of contract.

The NSW District Court ordered the rapper and VIP Entertainment and Concepts to pay $380,400 in damages and $37,745 in legal fees.