Kanye West and Solange Knowles are being sued for allegedly ripping off a song titled “If We Can’t Be Lovers.”
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Leroy Mitchell, also known as Prince Phillip Mitchell, wrote the single in 1970. According to him, Solange’s song, “F*** the Industry” and Kanye’s song, “Everything I Am”, both include a large sample of his work and without his permission.
Neither of the songs were charting singles. Solange’s song was originally supposed to be on a mix tape, titled “I Can’t Get Clearance.”
However Mitchell is seeking damages and wants both performers to stop performing the songs, as well as removing the songs from airplay.
Mitchell is asking for punitive damages and says that West and Knowles wilfully committed the infringement.
