Band accuses Travis Scott of copyright infringement on ‘Jackboys 2’
Travis Scott released his new album, Jackboys 2, as part of his Jackboys collective on July 13th. However, the Houston rapper has been hit with copyright infringement allegations regarding one of the songs.
Electronic music group Pixel Grip claim Scott stole elements of their 2021 track ‘Pursuit’ for ‘Kick Out’, an OZ, T-Minus and Sean Momberger-produced song featuring 21 Savage.
Pixel took to X (formerly Twitter) to make their allegations and reveal their disappointment about not being credited or earning royalties.
“travis scott sampled ‘pursuit’ (without permission) in his new song ‘kick out’,” they wrote. “I just cant stop thinking about who else extremely famous or powerful in music knows about us and even actively likes our music but refuses to throw us a fucking bone.
“like I almost understand not clearing a sync from like a random 99cent record from 50 years ago at a thrift store… we are active. and hungry. and spinning the wheels on the ground to trying to make a career out of thin air with only underground support.”
Since Jackboys 2 was released, ‘Kick Out’ has earned over 11million Spotify streams. The music video has also racked up almost 4million YouTube views. In their posts, the Chicago band said they want credit for what they believe is theirs.
“even just mentioning our name or putting us on a playlist or posting us to his instagram story or anything could’ve been a really big moment for us,” they continued. “but hey travis, or travis’s team if you see this – im flattered. and Im not trying to shake yall down – would love to talk.
“all three of us are bad ass producers and you’re trying to infuse an industrial / avante / dark sound in the music, consider inviting us to the stu sometime. ‘kick out’ is a sick tune. you might like ‘last laugh’ from our latest release ‘percepticide: the death of reality’.”
According to CBS News, Pixel Grip received a message from the song’s co-producer, Sean Momberger, who allegedly told them, “Hey, the label should be reaching out to clear the sample soon.” The band said Momberger admitted he loved ‘Pursuit’ and “knew it was special right when [he] heard it.”