Feb 9, 2024,05:11pm EST
TOPLINE: Ozzy Osbourne, lead singer of Black Sabbath, took to X on Friday, criticizing rapper Kanye West for using an uncleared sample from the band in an unreleased song. In a strongly-worded post, Osbourne cited West’s alleged antisemitism as the reason for denying permission, marking the latest in a series of controversies that have cost West commercial partnerships over the past year.
KEY FACTS:
- Osbourne revealed that West used a sample from Black Sabbath’s 1983 live performance of “War Pigs,” emphasizing that the sample wasn’t cleared due to West’s alleged antisemitic behavior causing significant distress.
- The unauthorized sample was featured in a yet-to-be-released track played during an album release party for West and Ty Dolla $ign’s upcoming album, “Vultures,” in Chicago.
- It remains uncertain whether Osbourne will pursue legal action against West, as the English musician expressed a desire for “NO ASSOCIATION” with West in his tweet.
- Representatives for both Osbourne and West have not responded immediately to Forbes’ request for comment.
CONTRA: Some users on X criticized Osbourne, pointing out that he and his wife, Sharon, dressed up as West and his wife, Bianca Censori, for Halloween last year.
FORBES VALUATION: West’s estimated net worth was $1.8 billion in 2021 and $2 billion in 2022 before dropping off the Forbes billionaire list. Forbes reported a net worth of $400 million for the rapper in April of the same year.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: West and Ty Dolla $ign are set to host another listening party for “Vultures” at UBS Arena in New York on Friday night, described as an album release party for “Vultures, Volume 1.”
KEY BACKGROUND: West’s upcoming album has been surrounded by controversy, with the rapper performing antisemitic lyrics in Dubai. Organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Committee condemned West’s rhetoric, labeling it “particularly pathetic and sad.” West also made antisemitic remarks during an album launch party in December, falsely claiming that Jewish people founded the United States. His comments led to severed ties with former business partners, including Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga, in 2022.