Kanye West loses copyright infringement trial over ‘Hurricane’
Kanye West has lost a copyright infringement trial over his song ‘Hurricane’.
On May 12th, a Los Angeles jury found that the rapper infringed the copyright of an unreleased demo track with an early version of his Donda song.
According to Rolling Stone, Ye was found liable for $176,153. His company, Yeezy LLC, was also liable for $176,153, while his retail merchandising companies, Yeezy Supply and Mascotte Holdings, were found liable for $41,625 and $44,627.
The version of the song was played for 40,000 fans at a Mercedes-Benz Stadium listening party for Donda in July 2021.
Producers DJ Khalil, Sam Barsh, Dan Seeff, and Josh Mease alleged that Kanye used a sample of their ‘MSD PT2’ track.
Britton Monts, who sued on behalf of the four men, said, “It’s a victory for working artists, who typically lack the resources to go against someone like Ye, a megastar and celebrity. The underdogs got their day in court.”
A spokesperson for Kanye claimed it was a win for the rapper after the lawsuit cost millions in legal fees for a much lesser win.
“This is a failed shakedown,” they said. “Six months ago, they wanted $30 million out of Ye. The moral of the story? There is a cost attached to thinking you can take advantage of Ye.”
Speaking in the courtroom on May 6th, Ye said, “We went through the normal process to get it taken care of. I pride myself on giving people what they deserve. I feel like a lot of people try to take advantage of me.”
He continued, “As I sit in this courtroom today, I just think people are trying to make more than they otherwise would because it’s me.”