Donna Summer's widower sues Ye aka Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign

Donna Summer's Widow is initiating a legal battle against Ye and Ty Dolla $ign for copyright infringement.

Pop Culture & Art May 07, 2024

Credits: reuters.com / Instragram: @tydollasign

Donna Summer's estate has sued Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign for allegedly using "I Feel Love" without permission in their song "Good (Don't Die)"

The estate of disco legend Donna Summer is suing rappers Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, and Ty Dolla $ign (Tyrone Griffin) for copyright infringement.

The lawsuit alleges that the rappers incorporated a sample of Summer's iconic song "I Feel Love" into their collaborative track "Good (Don't Die)" from the album Vultures 1, without obtaining proper permission.

According to the lawsuit, filed in federal court in Los Angeles, representatives of Ye initially sought clearance to use "I Feel Love."

Bruce Sudano, Summer's widower and executor of the estate, reportedly rejected the request after reviewing the sample.

Sudano stated in a Billboard interview that he felt the use wasn't a "good fit" and expressed a desire to protect Summer's legacy.

The lawsuit further claims the estate objected to associating Summer with West's "controversial history."

Despite the rejection, the lawsuit alleges that West and Ty Dolla $ign proceeded to include a reworked version of the "I Feel Love" sample in "Good (Don't Die)."

The lawsuit characterises this as "blatant theft" and claims the altered vocals and lyrics retain the song's core elements, making it instantly recognisable.

The lawsuit highlights that the decision wasn't solely financially motivated. While the amount of compensation sought is specified as $150,000 per infringement, the estate emphasizes protecting Summer's artistic integrity and legacy.

Following the lawsuit, "Good (Don't Die)" was removed from streaming platforms.

The lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions surrounding copyright permissions in the music industry. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on the unauthorised use of the sample, and whether the estate's concerns about artistic legacy will hold weight.