Ozzy Osbourne Accuses Kanye West of Unauthorized Music Sample, Citing Antisemitism
In a surprising turn of events, rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has publicly called out rapper Kanye West for using a sample of his music without permission. Osbourne took to social media platform X to express his frustration, claiming that he had denied West’s request to use a portion of a 1983 live version of the iconic Black Sabbath song “War Pigs” on his new album. However, Osbourne was shocked to discover that the sample had been used anyway during a recent listening party.
The British musician did not mince his words, accusing West of being an antisemite and causing “untold heartache to many.” Osbourne made it clear that he wanted no association with the controversial rapper. This accusation comes in the wake of Osbourne’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, recently expressing her strong connection to Judaism, stating that it is the only religion she feels comfortable with.
The listening party in question took place in Chicago and featured West, also known as Ye, and Ty Dolla $ign premiering their joint project titled “Vultures.” Originally scheduled for release in December, the album faced delays due to Nicki Minaj’s refusal to allow an old collaboration between her and West to be included. Minaj explained that she had just released a brand new album and saw no reason to include a song that had been out for three years.
During the listening party, it was reported that the live feed was abruptly shut off after West rapped lyrics that included the line: “And I’m still crazy, bipolar, antisemite. And I’m still the king.” These words sparked controversy and drew criticism from various quarters. It is worth noting that West has a history of making antisemitic comments, including praising Adolf Hitler and making threats against Jewish people. In 2023, he issued an apology for his previous remarks, expressing regret for any pain he may have caused and vowing to learn from the experience.
Interestingly, West had previously paid tribute to Black Sabbath on his track “Hell of a Life,” which was inspired by their song “Iron Man.” This connection adds another layer of complexity to the current dispute between Osbourne and West.
As of now, Kanye West has not made any public statement in response to Ozzy Osbourne’s accusations. It remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and whether any legal action will be taken regarding the unauthorized music sample.
The clash between two music icons from different genres has captured the attention of fans and critics alike. It serves as a reminder of the power struggles and ethical dilemmas that can arise in the music industry. The issue of unauthorized sampling raises questions about artistic integrity, intellectual property rights, and the responsibility artists have towards one another.
In a world where collaborations and borrowing from different musical eras are common, disputes like this highlight the importance of obtaining proper permissions and respecting the wishes of fellow musicians. As the story continues to unfold, it is clear that this clash between Ozzy Osbourne and Kanye West is about more than just a sample—it is a clash of values and personal beliefs that has ignited a heated debate within the music community.