By Joci Eligbe
Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, has finally delivered his much-anticipated Donda 2 album — but its release has quickly been overshadowed by fresh controversy. Several producers are now alleging they were never compensated for their work on the project.
On Wednesday, Ye addressed the growing tension on social media, revealing that DeAndre “Free” Maiden, the manager representing producers Jahmal “Boogz Da Beast” Gwin and Brian “AllDay” Miller, is pushing for the removal of Donda 2 over claims of unpaid dues tied to eight tracks.
Boogz Da Beast and AllDay, who have a longstanding history of collaboration with Ye across multiple acclaimed albums, now find themselves at odds with the rapper. In response, Ye appeared dismissive, arguing that he played a major role in their careers by teaching them how to produce music in the first place.
Donda 2, which was initially teased more than three years ago, had its high-profile premiere in 2022 during an elaborate listening event at LoanDepot Park in Miami, featuring star-studded performances and dramatic staging. Originally intended for release exclusively through Ye’s Stem Player device, the album faced several delays and internal setbacks before recently appearing on streaming platforms. However, its availability now hangs in the balance as the payment dispute escalates.
This isn’t the first time Donda 2 has been mired in controversy. Producer ATL Jacob had previously alleged he was never paid for his contributions to the album. Despite Ye’s massive wealth and influence, ongoing disputes with collaborators continue to cloud what was supposed to be a triumphant release.
