Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign are being sued by a group of Memphis rappers, who claim the duo used their work without permission. The plaintiffs—Vanda Watkins (aka Criminal Manne), Hayward Ivy (aka DJ Squeeky), and the estate of the late rapper Kilo G—filed the suit on Wednesday, alleging copyright infringement.
The lawsuit centers around the track Fuk Sumn from West and Ty Dolla $ign’s collaborative album Vultures 1. According to TMZ, the plaintiffs claim the song samples their voices without credit or compensation. The disputed sample, they allege, comes from DJ Squeeky’s track Drank a Yak (Part 2), with lyrics and vocals attributed to Criminal Manne and Kilo G.
The lawsuit states that attempts were made to clear the sample through Alien Music Services back in March, as the album’s release date approached. However, negotiations reportedly stalled in June following turnover among Yeezy executives. The Memphis artists are now seeking damages for the alleged unauthorized use of their work.
Kanye West’s Vultures series, featuring Vultures 1 and Vultures 2, dropped earlier this year, while his solo album, Bully, is anticipated as his first solo project in over three years.
