Has Travis Scott just stepped into a copyright storm?
Chicago indie band Pixel Grip is making waves after accusing the rap superstar of sampling their 2021 single “Pursuit” without permission on “Kick Out”, a standout track from his brand-new album JackBoys 2.
The group took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustration, shining a light on what they call the music industry’s neglect of underground artists.
“Travis Scott sampled ‘Pursuit’ (without permission) in his new song ‘Kick Out,’” the band tweeted. “It’s perplexing how many influential figures know us but choose not to back us.”
Pixel Grip: “We’re Not Trying to Start a War”
Despite the potential legal undertones, the band made it clear they aren’t out for blood.
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“Travis, or anyone on your team, if you’re reading this—I’m flattered by your interest. I’m not looking to create conflict; I’d love to have a conversation,” they added in a follow-up post.
Their comments reflect the tough balancing act for rising indie acts—protecting their work while navigating relationships with mainstream giants.
Producer Confirms Contact Over Sample
In an interview with CBS News, drummer and producer Tyler Ommen described his shock after first hearing “Kick Out.”
“The moment I put on my headphones, I thought, ‘This is definitely a sample,’” Ommen said.
However, he noted that Sean Momberger, a contributor to JackBoys 2, reached out directly to Pixel Grip’s label to discuss clearance—hinting that efforts might be underway to resolve the situation amicably.
“Kick Out” – A JackBoys 2 Highlight
Released this past Sunday, JackBoys 2 is the highly anticipated follow-up to Travis Scott’s 2019 collaborative project under Cactus Jack Records.
“Kick Out” has already become a fan favorite, fueled by a visually stunning music video featuring uncredited ad-libs from 21 Savage.
The album also showcases contributions from Don Toliver, Sheck Wes, SoFaygo, and Wallie the Sensei, further cementing Cactus Jack’s dominance in the hip-hop collective scene.
Fans React: “Is Travis Scott Really Jacking Indie Artists?”
The accusation has sparked heated conversations across social media.
- “Travis sampling indie bands without clearance? Not cool.”
- “If true, Pixel Grip deserves their flowers AND their check.”
- “This could be a misunderstanding. Let’s see how it plays out.”
Some fans defended Scott, pointing out how often samples are negotiated behind the scenes before public blowups.
What’s Next?
So far, Travis Scott and his team have not publicly addressed Pixel Grip’s claims. But with JackBoys 2 dominating charts and headlines, all eyes are on whether this situation escalates into a lawsuit—or resolves in a collaboration.
For Pixel Grip, even this moment of controversy might provide the visibility they’ve been working toward for years.
???? Do You Think Travis Owes Them Credit?
Is Travis Scott guilty of sampling without permission, or is this all one big mix-up? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned to The Pop Radar for the latest updates on this developing story.
