Legal Dispute Emerges: Kanye West Denied Sample Request by Donna Summer’s Estate

Recent court documents have unveiled a legal clash between Kanye West and the estate of disco legend Donna Summer. The dispute arose when West’s request to sample Summer’s iconic 1977 hit “I Feel Love” was denied by the estate.

Amidst West’s controversial persona in recent years, characterized by comments widely criticized as far-right or antisemitic, the estate expressed concerns over potential harm to Summer’s legacy should her music be associated with West. Despite the denial, West allegedly attempted to circumvent the decision by using a soundalike of the song, prompting accusations of copyright infringement.

The fallout from this disagreement extended to West’s album release, as streaming services were urged to remove the contested track, “Good (Don’t Die),” from his album “Vultures 1.” While the album was subsequently re-uploaded without the song, the estate claims damages, contending that the unauthorized sampling had already garnered millions of streams.

Notably, Summer’s estate is not alone in rejecting West’s sample requests, as Ozzy Osbourne also denied a similar request in February, citing concerns over West’s behavior and alleged antisemitism.

The legal battle underscores the ongoing controversies surrounding West, formerly known as Kanye, whose actions and statements have prompted backlash and severed ties with major brands and partners. Amidst these challenges, West continues to navigate the complexities of the music industry and his own evolving public image.