Published
Mon, Jan 7, 2019, 11:12
- Taylor's "WTP" samples Vasquez's 1989 track "Work This Pussy."
Kanye West has settled a copyright claim with veteran New York DJ Junior Vasquez over a track Vasquez released in 1989.
"WTP," a track that appeared on Teyana Taylor's West-produced second album, K.T.S.E., features a vocal and sounds from Junior Vasquez's "Work This Pussy," a once-popular track produced under Vasquez's Ellis D. alias. On "WTP," which was co-produced by the hip-hop artist Mykki Blanco, Vasquez is now listed as a writer and will receive royalties and publishing credits.
Vasquez originally agreed to a small licensing fee after being approached by West's team but decided to seek proper credit and payment after hearing the work. "They referred to it as a sample, so I asked to hear the track they made and was surprised that it was essentially my original track with a rap laid on top," he told Towleroad. "I wasn't trying to bash anyone or piss anyone off. I was simply after a fair license agreement for the song."
Active since the '80s, Vasquez is an influential DJ and producer with ties to New York City's gay scene. He helped found Sound Factory, a legendary New York club once home to popular afterhours and voguing events.
Listen to both tracks.