Kanye West, the rapper now legally known as Ye, has lost a lawsuit over an uncleared sample played at a stadium fan event in 2021. A Los Angeles jury ruled that he must pay a six-figure sum to four plaintiffs who successfully argued that he infringed their copyright.
The Incident
In July 2021, Ye hosted a listening party for his then-unreleased album Donda at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, attended by 40,000 fans. The version of the song Hurricane performed at the event included a sample of MSD PT2, an instrumental composed by Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Sam Barsh, Josh Mease, and Dan Seeff. The instrumental was created in 2018 and reached Ye through another producer.
Legal Arguments
Ye later removed the sample from the finished version of Hurricane when it was publicly released, instead interpolating elements of it. The four musicians were added to the songwriting credits, acknowledging the interpolation. However, they argued they were owed compensation for the sample used in the earlier version broadcast at the listening party, which generated revenue through ticket sales, merchandising, and other sources. Their lawyer, Irene Lee, stated in court: "There was no deal, no agreement, no licence, and no clearance."
Jury Verdict
The jury sided with the plaintiffs, awarding them a six-figure sum. Lawyers for Ye argued to Billboard that the actual amount would be smaller than the plaintiffs hoped, claiming Ye was not liable for the separate sums named in the compensation award.
Ye's Testimony
Ye appeared in person during the hearing. He told the court: "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."
Additional Claims
The four plaintiffs had also sought lost revenue from the finished recording of Hurricane, but a judge dismissed that element of their claim earlier this year.
Response from Ye's Team
A representative for Ye acknowledged the trial outcome but described it as a "failed shakedown."
Other Legal Troubles
This is the second lawsuit Ye has lost in 2023. Earlier, he was ordered to pay $140,000 to a handyman who alleged non-payment for renovations at a Malibu mansion owned by Ye.
Controversies and Fallout
Ye has caused widespread outrage in recent years for 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 2023. Jewish groups and politicians, including Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, opposed the booking, leading corporate sponsors to withdraw. The Home Office subsequently banned Ye from entering the UK, and the festival was cancelled.
