Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, has lost a lawsuit alleging that he infringed on the copyright of other artists by playing an uncleared sample of their work during a live event. In July 2021, Ye played his then-unreleased album Donda to 40,000 fans at a listening party held at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The version of the song Hurricane featured a sample of MSD PT2, an instrumental composed by four musicians: Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Sam Barsh, Josh Mease, and Dan Seeff.
These four musicians had created the instrumental in 2018 and it eventually reached Ye through another producer. Ye subsequently removed the sample from the final version of Hurricane when it was released to the public, instead interpolating elements of it. The four men were added to the songwriting credits, acknowledging the interpolation. However, the plaintiffs argued that they were owed compensation for the sample being used in the earlier version broadcast at the listening party, as the event generated revenue for Ye through ticket sales, merchandising, and other means.
Their lawyer, Irene Lee, argued in a Los Angeles court that "there was no deal, no agreement, no license, and no clearance." A jury sided with the plaintiffs, who will receive a six-figure sum. Lawyers for Ye argued to Billboard that the sum would be smaller than the plaintiffs hoped for, claiming that Ye was not liable to pay the four separate sums named in the compensation award.
Ye appeared in person during the hearing and stated, "I pride myself on giving people what they deserve. I feel like a lot of people try to take advantage of me. As I sit in this courtroom today, I just think people are trying to make more than they otherwise would because it’s me."
The four plaintiffs had attempted to win a greater financial sum, claiming that they were also owed lost revenue from the finished recording of Hurricane. However, a judge dismissed that element of their claim earlier in the year. A representative for Ye acknowledged the outcome of the trial but described it as a "failed shakedown."
This is not the first time Ye has lost a lawsuit this year. He was previously ordered to pay $140,000 to a handyman who alleged that he wasn’t paid for renovations carried out at a Malibu mansion owned by Ye. In recent years, Ye has also caused widespread outrage with a series of antisemitic remarks, songs, and clothing designs. Despite this, he was booked to perform a three-night run at London’s Wireless festival in July. However, Jewish groups and politicians including Keir Starmer and London mayor Sadiq Khan opposed the booking, and corporate sponsors pulled out of the festival. The Home Office then banned Ye from entering the UK, and the festival was canceled.
