Ye Settles In on Sampling Claims in Hurricane Copyright Trial

Kanye West testified in a Los Angeles copyright trial over an early Hurricane demo that allegedly used an uncleared MSD PT2 sample. Ye said he followed the normal steps to clear the sample and that the four producers—DJ Khalil, Sam Barsh, Dan Seeff and Josh Mease—dragged their feet, while defending his practice of crediting collaborators and royalties. The case, which could affect royalties from the Atlanta listening party, merchandise, and a $750,000 Apple Music livestream deal, is limited to the early demo version rather than the final versions of Hurricane. This marks Ye’s first time taking a sampling-related case to trial.