Ye Found Liable for Copyright Infringement Over ‘Hurricane’ Sample

On May 12 2026, a Los Angeles federal jury found Ye personally liable for $176,153 and his company Yeezy LLC for the same amount; Yeezy Supply and Mascotte Holdings were ordered to pay $41,625 and $44,627, respectively, for a total award of $438,558.

NME | New Musical Express

The dispute involves “MSD PT2,” a one-minute instrumental composed in March 2018 by Khalil Abdul-Rahman, Sam Barsh, Dan Seeff and Josh Mease. The track was shared with Ye’s team and appeared in the July 2021 Donda listening party at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where an early version of “Hurricane” sampled it. Ye later removed the sample from the final album, using interpolated elements and crediting the four musicians as songwriters.

Rolling Stone

• Mar 2018 – “MSD PT2” composed.

Rolling Stone

• Jul 2021 – Sample used in live “Hurricane” at Donda listening party (?40,000 attendees).

Rolling Stone

• 2024 – ARA files suit.

Rolling Stone

• Feb 2024 – Judge dismisses interpolation claims.

Billboard

• May 4 2026 – Trial begins.

Billboard

• May 12 2026 – Jury returns verdict.

Billboard

Plaintiffs argued the listening event generated $5.5–$5.6 million from ticket sales, merchandise, an Apple Music livestream and a Gap apparel deal. They sought $500,000; the jury awarded $438,558. ARA had previously demanded $30 million.

Rolling Stone

ARA maintains no license existed and the musicians deserve a share of the profits. Yeezy’s spokesperson called the suit meritless, noting the award is a fraction of the original demand and citing plaintiffs’ legal costs. Ye testified he pursued standard clearance, described himself as “very generous” to collaborators, and said “a lot of people try to take advantage of me.”

Billboard

Plaintiffs’ counsel emphasized the lack of any agreement, stating, “There was no deal, no agreement, no licence, and no clearance.” Musicians argued the sample formed the “indisputable backbone” of the early track and should have earned 50 percent of the composition publishing.

Rolling Stone

Sources differ on the total award: some list only Ye’s $176,153 personal liability, others report the combined $438,558. Revenue estimates for the listening event vary between $5.5 million and $5.6 million. The dismissal of interpolation claims leaves compensation for the final album version unresolved.

Billboard

• “It’s a victory for working artists, who typically lack the resources to go against someone like Ye, a megastar and celebrity. The underdogs got their day in court.” — Britton Monts, ARA manager

NME | New Musical Express

• “This is a failed shakedown. Six months ago, they wanted $30 million out of Ye,” — Yeezy spokesperson

Rolling Stone

• “There was no deal, no agreement, no licence, and no clearance,” — Irene Lee, plaintiffs’ attorney

The Guardian

• “Seeff told jurors he believed that because “MSD PT2” provided the instrumental foundation for West’s song, the four musicians should have received 50 percent of “Hurricane’s” composition publishing, with the other half going to any writers of the lyrical melody.” — Dan Seeff, musician

Rolling Stone

ARA plans to appeal to the Ninth Circuit to reinstate the dismissed interpolation claims. The ruling may influence future clearance practices for high-profile live performances and clarify liability for public use of unreleased material.

Kanye West Loses $438K ‘DONDA’ Lawsuit After “Hurricane” Sample Case