Kanye West's Unauthorized Backstreet Boys Sample Sparks Controversy

Kanye West used a recreated chorus from the Backstreet Boys' hit song "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" in his new track titled "Everybody." Unlike sampling, which requires permission from both a record label and a publisher, an interpolation only requires the publisher's permission. The Backstreet Boys, not being the writers of the song, had no control over its use. It is possible that West may choose to play the song publicly without officially releasing it to avoid copyright issues. Representatives for the Backstreet Boys and the song's publisher declined to comment. West's album, "Vultures," is expected to be released soon, although its distributor is still unknown.