Kanye West‘s creative reimagining of the Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody” has hit a sour note with the lack of proper clearance from the original artists.
While the new “Everybody” has garnered significant attention, Sources close to the Backstreet Boys tell TMZ that Kanye did not obtain the necessary rights to utilize their 1997 Classic. Ye’s version preserves the original melody and chorus of “Everybody,”followed by Ty Dolla $ign’s vocals delivering the original lyrics.
This unauthorized use creates a significant challenge for Kanye, as “Everybody” features prominently on his upcoming album “Vultures” and has been played live in various settings, including his recent album listening event in Miami.
The reason behind the missing clearance remains unclear. It’s possible Kanye attempted to obtain permission but was denied, or he may have simply ignored the legal process altogether. Regardless, the consequences are potentially detrimental for Kanye, who has already faced significant scrutiny for his recent controversies, including antisemitic remarks and inflammatory social media posts.
While a technical loophole might exist due to the use of alternative voices singing the chorus in the Miami rave version, it’s unlikely to fully mitigate the situation.
Kanye previewed “Vultures” at a Miami event early Monday, highlighting collaborations with Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Chris Brown, Freddie Gibbs, Nicki Minaj, and even his daughter North West. However, with the Backstreet Boys potentially taking issue with “Everybody,” the album’s release on Friday could be jeopardized.
