Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign are facing a copyright infringement lawsuit from a group of Memphis rappers.
According to TMZ, Vanda Watkins (Criminal Manne), Hayward Ivy (DJ Squeeky), and the estate of late rapper Kilo G filed the suit against West, 47, and Ty Dolla $ign, 42, on Wednesday.
They allege that the track “Fuk Sumn” from the album Vultures 1 uses samples of their work without permission or proper credit.
The song, which dropped in March, opens with a country rap sample before transitioning into its main beat. The plaintiffs claim that the sampled voices are theirs and were used by Kanye and his Yeezy record label without authorization.
Efforts to negotiate sample clearance reportedly began in March via Alien Music services.
However, talks stalled in June when key staff members left Kanye’s Yeezy company. The disputed sample is from DJ Squeeky’s “Drank a Yak (Part 2),” featuring Criminal Manne’s line: “Smokin’ on a junt, with my n***s drinkin’ O.E.” Additionally, Kilo G’s lyrics, “Stop off at the liquor store, get your yak, then we headed for the indo,” are allegedly used in the song.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for the unauthorized use. Earlier this year, Kanye and Ty Dolla $ign released their joint albums, Vultures 1 and Vultures 2. Kanye is also set to release his first solo album in over three years, titled Bully.
