Kanye West and Summer Walker Reach Copyright Settlement Over “Through the Wire” Sample

Kanye West and Summer Walker have reached a copyright settlement over the use of a sample from West’s hit song “Through the Wire” in Walker’s track “No Love.”

The dispute arose when Walker’s song, released in 2020, featured a sample of the iconic “Through the Wire” line, “My momma said my daddy’s a king.” While West himself did not publicly comment on the use of the sample, his legal team filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in June 2023.

The terms of the settlement have not been publicly disclosed, but it is understood that the lawsuit has been dismissed. This resolution brings an end to a legal battle that had garnered attention in the music industry.

The Importance of Sample Clearance:

This case highlights the importance of obtaining proper sample clearance in music production. Sampling is a common practice in contemporary music, but artists must secure the necessary rights from the copyright holders of the original works. Failure to do so can lead to costly legal disputes.

Impact on the Artists:

While the exact details of the settlement remain private, it is likely to impact both artists in different ways. For West, the settlement confirms his control over the rights to “Through the Wire” and reaffirms his commitment to protecting his intellectual property. For Walker, the settlement avoids potentially costly litigation and allows her to continue focusing on her music career.

Looking Forward:

This case serves as a reminder to artists and producers alike to be mindful of copyright law when incorporating samples into their work. Obtaining proper clearance is crucial to avoid legal complications and ensure the smooth development and release of new music.

Tags: Kanye West, Summer Walker, Through the Wire, No Love, Copyright, Sampling, Music Law, Legal Dispute, Settlement, Music Industry