Kanye West appears to be enjoying a rather profitable comeback, with independent releases and blockbuster performances keeping his music commercially formidable. Two sold-out SoFi Stadium concerts reportedly brought in more than $33 million, while 'Vultures 1' reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200. His catalog has also continued drawing substantial streaming numbers, proving that West remains a considerable commercial force.

Yet even a flourishing comeback can acquire an awkward footnote, with a producer of 'Vultures 2' and 'Bully' now pursuing West in a $110,000 lawsuit.

An anonymous producer identified as John Doe has sued Kanye West and his YZY label, according to Rolling Stone alleging that he was never paid or properly credited for extensive work on 'Vultures 2' and 'Bully'. Doe is seeking at least $220,000, claiming $110,000 in unpaid compensation and additional damages under Los Angeles freelance-worker protections.

Doe claims Kanye West hired him on an emergency basis on August 1, 2024, only two days before 'Vultures 2' was released. According to the lawsuit, he created 13 custom AI voice models and more than 400 individual vocal generations under tight deadlines. He alleged his work ultimately appeared on five 'Vultures 2' tracks.

Rolling Stone reported that Doe also worked on 'Bully', contributing to two released songs and several unreleased tracks. The lawsuit claimed West’s team discussed updating Doe’s streaming credits and offered a master buyout, but he said neither payment nor official credit followed. Kanye West’s representatives have not confirmed anything about the report yet.

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As searches for Kanye West's tour dates and times continue, his own words reveal more about the creative process behind the two albums.

Kanye West portrayed 'Vultures 2' as the product of collaborative momentum rather than a solitary pursuit. He said the era began after Ty Dolla $ign’s birthday party unexpectedly led to a studio session and the creation of 'Burn'. West later envisioned a three-part 'Vultures' series, while describing days built around breakfast, discussion, exercise, basketball and 12-hour studio sessions.

Then came 'Bully', and Kanye West deliberately changed the recipe. He said he isolated himself in Tokyo, worked without various co-producers and returned to chopping samples by hand with vintage equipment such as the ASR-10 and SP-1200 or MPC samplers. West subsequently declared 'Bully' was made without AI, making that statement particularly notable amid the producer’s lawsuit.

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What do you think of Kanye West's recent lawsuit? Let us know in the comments!