Donna Summer’s estate accuses Kanye West of unauthorized use of 'I Feel Love'

The late Donna Summer's estate asserts that Kanye West's track Vultures 1 contains an unauthorized interpolation of her 1977 hit I Feel Love. This alleged copyright infringement is identified within the reflective electro-pop song Good (Don’t Die), featured on Kanye's latest collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign, released Saturday morning.

Allegations of Copyright Infringement

An Instagram Story from the official Donna Summer account alleges that Kanye West sought permission to incorporate Donna Summer's track I Feel Love into his work. However, his request was denied. Despite this refusal, the post claims that West proceeded to alter the lyrics, had the song re-sung, or employed AI technology, resulting in a rendition resembling I Feel Love. This action is being described as potential copyright infringement.

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I Feel Love reached its peak at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1977 and remained on the chart for a total of 23 weeks. The track, co-produced and co-written by Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, was featured on the Summer's fifth studio album, I Remember Yesterday.

Ozzy Osbourne's Allegations Against Kanye West

Former Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne took to social media on Friday to criticize Kanye West, alleging that West had sought permission to sample a song but was denied due to accusations of antisemitism.Osbourne claimed that despite being denied permission, Kanye West used the sample at a Vultures 1 listening event held at Chicago’s United Center this week.

“We get so many requests for these songs,” Sharon Osbourne informed Billboard on Friday. Despite this, she clarified that they turned down Kanye's request. She further emphasized that her family wanted no association with the singer, describing him as an antisemite.

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Vultures 1 signifies Ye's inaugural album following the release of his 2021 record, Donda. This project also marks his first release since facing backlash for a series of hate speech and antisemitic comments, leading to companies like Adidas and Def Jam severing ties with the rapper.