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Kanye West Testifies Over $750K Sample Dispute

5/7/2026

Summary

Kanye West Testifies

Kanye West (musician) testified on May 6, 2026 in Atlanta court over an uncleared sample in the “Hurricane” demo.
Producers DJ Khalil, Sam Barsh, John Mease and Dan Seeff claim the demo used their “MSD PT2” track; a February 2026 ruling narrowed case to demo and seeking share of ticket, merchandise and $750,000 Apple Music livestream revenue.
West said he followed clearance procedures and joked about the title “Brothers in Paris,” prompting laughter.

Summary

Kanye West Testifies

Kanye West told the jury that many people try to take advantage of him, claiming exploitation.
He argued fans would have bought tickets to his July 2021 listening party without “Hurricane” or “Moon,” and said the disputed “MSD PT2” sample never appeared on the final DONDA, with clearance handled by Billboard per industry standards.
Plaintiffs Khalil Abdul Rahman, Sam Barsh, Dan Seeff and Josh Mease are seeking $500,000 in damages.

Summary

Ye Testifies

Ye entered the courtroom flanked by black-clad bodyguards.
He said his musical inspiration was Michael Jackson on TV and described his creative spark as singing in the shower while reworking tracks.
Billboard reported that Rolling Stone reporters were present and that Ye claimed people try to take advantage of him.
Artist Revenue Advocates, a Texas LLC that acquires copyrights for musicians who can’t afford enforcement, is handling its lawsuit.

Summary

Artist Revenue Advocates Sues

Artist Revenue Advocates LLC, a Texas firm that buys copyrights for under-resourced creators, sued, showing third-party enforcement.
The Atlanta listening party was called a pop-culture spectacle that drew fans nationwide, highlighting cultural weight.
A correction clarified that “Moon” was not part of the trial after a report listed it among disputed songs.
Rolling Stone and Billboard reporters were in the courtroom, indicating public interest in the copyright case.

History

Historical Context

In 1991 the Southern District of New York ruled in Grand Upright Music Ltd. v. Warner Bros. that Biz Markie's unlicensed 1989 sample of Gilbert O'Sullivan’s 1972 hit “Alone Again (Naturally)” infringed copyright. The decision forced hip-hop producers to clear samples, a standard invoked in Kanye West’s 2026 Atlanta lawsuit filed by Artist Revenue Advocates over the MSD PT2 sample.

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Kanye West Testifies

Kanye West (musician) testified on May 6, 2026 in Atlanta court over an uncleared sample in the “Hurricane” demo.
Producers DJ Khalil, Sam Barsh, John Mease and Dan Seeff claim the demo used their “MSD PT2” track; a February 2026 ruling narrowed case to demo and seeking share of ticket, merchandise and $750,000 Apple Music livestream revenue.
West said he followed clearance procedures and joked about the title “Brothers in Paris,” prompting laughter.

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