Kanye West worked with several producers on February’s Vultures 1 alongside Ty Dolla $ign, but many claim they still have not been paid.
As per a detailed report by Billboard released on Wednesday (December 4), more than 10 producers involved with the chart-topping album lack signed contracts, meaning they haven’t earned any income from their contributions. The situation is similar for Vultures 2, which came out months afterward.
“Music attorney Bob Celestin informed the publication that we have clients who created music for the Vultures album(s) and have yet to receive payment for their work, despite both albums being released.” “At this time, we are unaware of when the payment will occur, which is quite unfortunate and unjust.” One might expect Ye to be more aware of this matter since he is a producer.
Attorneys representing different producers have united to ensure their clients receive payment – yet they claim it’s more difficult than usual due to numerous changes within Ye’s team.
The rapper/producer is now working with his third lawyer to help clear samples for the album, and there has been a shift in distributors as well.
“We have no options other than to attempt to sue [Ye],” one lawyer stated. “However, that comes at a high price.” Another attorney remarked, “Legal actions against Ye don’t appear to progress.”
The report indicates that Ye’s team proposed buyouts to several producers over the past few months – however, this atypical arrangement means they would only earn a fixed amount and would not receive any royalties if the album recoups its expenses.
According to Billboard, several attorneys have declined the proposals.
In other news, Kanye West associate Digital Nas is upset with how the credits are presented for the Vultures hit single “Carnival.”
In a passionate tirade on social media last month, the producer started by sharing a screenshot of an email from A&R Matt Geffen, who notified Digital Nas that his input on the Vultures 1 track had not been confirmed by other producers Traxster, 88-Keys, and Morning Estrada.
Digital Nas then remarked: “I’ll provide you with background on how these opportunistic individuals operate. Fritz [Owens, engineer] messaged me, ‘Ye and Carti require your help.’ I travel there. ‘Nas, what needs to be completed for ‘Carnival’?’ I inform those guys about everything that needs to be accomplished and suggested to Ye that he should alter his verse.
“‘Carnival’ is nominated for a damn Grammy, it reaches number one.” They’re handling the paperwork, and suddenly this guy Matt Geffen appears out of nowhere, attempting to control things.
He went on: “I’m displaying this to make you aware of how many vultures exist in this music industry […] These dudes are battling over scraps. ‘Carnival’ earned $47,000 from publishing.
“These guys are really old, lacking any talent.” However, they adopt the sound of young n-ggas and then claim they contributed to the track when they really didn’t do anything! However, the individuals who genuinely contributed to the track, they remove those individuals!
“When it comes to small records such as ‘Paperwork,’ ‘Oh yeah, keep Nas on that.” However, when it comes to major records that topped the charts, “Nah, he didn’t contribute anything to that.” I have no respect for all of you!
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign have not yet addressed the producer’s grievance.
