Kanye West, also known as Ye, has finally released his long-delayed Donda 2 album, but the long-awaited drop has quickly become entangled in controversy as producers claim they were never paid for their work. On Wednesday, Ye took to social media to acknowledge the dispute, revealing that DeAndre “Free” Maiden, who manages producers Jahmal “Boogz Da Beast” Gwin and Brian “AllDay” Miller, is demanding the album be taken down over nonpayment for eight tracks.
Boogz and AllDay, longtime collaborators with Ye, are credited on several major projects in his discography. However, Ye responded dismissively to their complaints, suggesting he was responsible for their musical development, stating he was the one who taught them how to make beats in the first place.
The Donda 2 album, originally teased over three years ago, had its high-profile debut during a 2022 listening event at LoanDepot Park in Miami, featuring celebrity appearances and elaborate production. Initially planned for release via Ye’s exclusive Stem Player device, the album faced repeated delays and internal disputes. While it has now surfaced on streaming platforms, its availability is in question as the producers push for takedown over unpaid contributions.
This is not the first instance of payment conflict surrounding Donda 2. Producer ATL Jacob has also previously claimed he never received payment for his work on the album. Despite Ye’s billionaire status, unresolved financial issues with contributors continue to cast a shadow over the long-awaited release.
