Kanye West is once again in the legal spotlight. This time, the controversy surrounds his 2022 album, Donda 2, which is under fire for allegedly sampling a classic track without permission.
On September 4, Billboard reports that West faces a federal copyright infringement lawsuit filed by The GRC Trust on behalf of Ginn Music Group, an Atlanta-based publisher that controls the catalog of soul singer Sam Dees. The suit focuses on West’s collaboration with rapper Vory—real name Tavoris Javon Hollins—on the track “LORD LIFT ME UP.”
According to the filing, West allegedly sampled Dees’ 1975 song “Just Out Of My Reach” without authorization. Fans and music analysts point out a striking similarity between the two songs, particularly in the opening seconds of Dees’ original, which reportedly forms a loop throughout West’s 2-minute, 10-second track.
“At no point did defendants obtain authorization from GRC to use the composition in connection with the infringing work. Defendants continue to exploit and receive profits from the infringing work,” the lawsuit claims.
Yeezy, Vory, and the Stem Player in the Crosshairs
The lawsuit doesn’t just target Kanye and Vory—it also names Yeezy LLC, highlighting the business entity tied to the album release. Additionally, Kano Computing and founder Alex Klein, who developed the Stem Player (the exclusive device used to stream Donda 2), are included as defendants.
This legal move underscores the risks artists face when sampling classic material, especially on unconventional platforms like the Stem Player, which operates outside mainstream streaming services.
Monetary Stakes and Court Demands
The GRC Trust is seeking a court injunction and financial restitution. The filing requests:
- All profits generated by the defendants from the track
- Compensation for losses suffered by GRC
- Any other monetary advantages gained from the alleged infringement
The case highlights a broader issue in the music industry: even established artists like Kanye West are not immune to legal scrutiny when borrowing from older catalogs.
Timing Amid Upcoming Documentary Release
The copyright battle arrives as West prepares to debut his long-anticipated documentary, In Whose Name?, in select theaters. Developed over more than a year, the film explores pivotal moments in Kanye’s life from 2018 to 2024, including:
- His divorce from Kim Kardashian
- Public backlash over controversial remarks regarding antisemitism
- Behind-the-scenes insights into his creative process and personal struggles
Fans and critics alike are watching closely, as the documentary promises an intimate look at Kanye’s journey—both his triumphs and his controversies.
What This Means for Kanye and Collaborators
The lawsuit could have major implications:
- For West: Potential legal fees, settlement costs, and reputational impact
- For Vory: Increased scrutiny over collaborations and publishing rights
- For Kano Computing/Stem Player: Questions about liability for hosting allegedly infringing content
This case adds to Kanye’s history of high-profile disputes and is a reminder of the legal complexities surrounding music sampling, especially in the digital era.
Stay tuned for updates on Kanye West’s legal battle and the Donda 2 saga as the case unfolds—fans are sure to follow every twist and turn.
Do you think Kanye could face major penalties over this copyright suit? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
