Donna Summer's estate sues Kanye West over unauthorized use of 'I Feel Love' in 'Vultures 1' album
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Donna Summer’s estate has reportedly taken legal action against Kanye West for allegedly using the late singer’s ‘I Feel Love’ in his new album, ‘Vultures 1,' without authorization.
On Tuesday, February 27, legal action was initiated by the estate against West, collaborator Ty Dolla $ign, their record label, and additional parties in a California federal court, as reported by Reuters.
According to attorney Larry Stein's legal documents, the 46-year-old rapper and his team are accused of incorporating "instantly recognizable" elements from the 'Queen of Disco's 1977 hit into their song, 'GOOD (DON'T DIE).'
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The legal action further alleges that the 'Donda' creator re-recorded "almost verbatim the key, memorable portions of Summer's iconic song, incorporated it as the hook for their own song, and subsequently released it to the public despite being aware of their unsuccessful attempts to obtain legal permission from the rightful owners, and lacking the legal right to do so."
Kanye West had first taken the legal route to use Donna Summer's song
In their lawsuit, the estate of the late songwriter, who passed away in 2012, noted that West did indeed approach them for permission to use the song. However, the request from the 'Can't Tell Me Nothing' singer was declined "on or around February 3, 2024."
"The estate communicated to Defendants' representative that this refusal constituted an 'absolute prohibition against any licensee (or other recording artists) covering I FEEL LOVE from using a Donna Summer ‘soundalike’, or using the original Donna Summer recording,'" the lawsuit stated.
Donna Summer’s husband blasted Kanye West
Furthermore, Summer's widower Bruce Sudano criticized West online, tweeting, "@kanyewest asked permission to use Donna Summer's song I Feel Love, he was denied... he changed the lyrics, had someone else re-sing it, or utilized AI, but it remains I Feel Love... copyright infringement!!!"
@kanyewest asked permission to use Donna Summer’s song I Feel Love, he was denied… he changed the words, had someone re sing it or used AI but it’s I Feel Love… copyright infringement!!!
— Bruce Sudano (@BruceSudano) February 10, 2024
‘Vultures 1’ was removed by Apple Music
This occurred subsequent to Apple Music removing 'Vultures 1' a few days following its release on February 10.
At that time, the album's distribution firm, FUGA, stated, "Late last year, FUGA had the opportunity to release Vultures 1. In the normal course of business, we made the decision not to proceed."
It was mentioned, "On Friday, February 9, 2024, a longstanding FUGA client submitted the album 'Vultures 1' through the platform's automated processes, breaching our service agreement."
“Therefore, FUGA is actively working with its DSP partners and the client to remove Vultures 1 from our systems,” the statement added.
