Rapper Kanye West faces trial for copyright infringement on demos in Los Angeles
by Juliet La Sala · The Washington TimesA copyright infringement trial against Kanye West opened Monday in federal court in Los Angeles — the first of the rapper’s many lawsuits to reach a jury, multiple news outlets report.
Four music producers — DJ Khalil, Sam Barsh, Dan Seeff and Josh Mease — are suing Mr. West, accusing him of using their 2018 instrumental track “MSD PT2” without permission or compensation in early demos of his songs “Hurricane” and “Moon.”
The producers say the demos were played at a listening party for Mr. West’s 2021 album “Donda,” which they claim generated $5.5 million for him through ticket sales, merchandise and an Apple Music streaming deal. They are seeking $564,046 in damages.
The trial is focused on the prerelease demo versions of the songs. A judge dismissed all claims tied to the officially released tracks on “Donda” in February 2026.
• Juliet La Sala can be reached at jlasala@washingtontimes.com.