Producers Claim Their Music Was Used Without Permission or Payment
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign are facing another copyright battle, this time over the title track from their collaborative Vultures project. Two music producers, Jaraed Deal, professionally known as Jae Deal, and Marlon Barrow, who goes by Marlonwiththeglasses, have filed a lawsuit alleging that their work was used without proper authorization, compensation, or credit.
According to the complaint, the dispute dates back to 2018, when Deal and Barrow created an instrumental recording titled “Joint 2.” The producers claim they jointly owned the composition and recording, with each holding a 50% share.
The lawsuit alleges that Ty Dolla $ign heard the music playing in the background during a phone conversation with Barrow and later requested a copy for a potential album. Barrow reportedly sent him an MP3, believing that higher-quality files and individual instrumental stems would only be shared after a written licensing agreement was finalized.
However, the producers claim no agreement was ever signed. They believe Ty subsequently shared the recording with Ye, leading to its use in multiple versions of “Vultures.” Although Barrow reportedly received a producer credit, the lawsuit claims neither producer was paid. Deal also alleges he was left off the credits entirely.
The complaint further states that the producers attempted to have the tracks removed from streaming platforms and rejected a buyout settlement offer reportedly made by Yeezy’s legal team in October 2024.
Deal and Barrow are seeking financial damages, profits allegedly connected to the unauthorized use, and an injunction that could prevent further distribution of the recordings. They are also requesting a jury trial.
Neither Ye nor Ty Dolla $ign had publicly responded to the lawsuit at the time of reporting. The allegations have not been proven in court.
For Ye, the latest case adds to a growing list of copyright disputes surrounding the Vultures albums, keeping questions about sample clearance and artist compensation firmly in the spotlight.
