Rapper, producer and entrepreneur Kanye West, who legally changed his name to Ye last year, was sued on Wednesday, June 29, for allegedly sampling a song by musician Marshall Jefferson without permission. “Flowers” from West’s album “Donda 2” includes a sample from Jefferson’s 1986 dance song “Move Your Body” that is repeated at least 22 times.
Jefferson is a pioneer of house music from West’s hometown of Chicago. According to the lawsuit, West and his representatives acknowledged during talks with Jefferson that “Flowers” sampled “Move Your Body,” but did not take a license. West released “Donda 2” in February exclusively through his Stem Player, a handheld device that allows users to isolate and recombine song parts.
The lawsuit said “Flowers” is reportedly about West’s ex-wife Kim Kardashian, whose petition to end their marriage was approved in March.