Kanye West jokes about “N-ggas In Paris” while testifying in copyright case

American rapper Kanye West testified in a New York federal court in a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by four producers—DJ Khalil, Sam Barsh, John Mease and Dan Seeff—who allege he used an uncleared sample for the 2011 hit “N‑ggas in Paris.” During testimony West cracked a joke about the song’s title, prompting laughter from the gallery.

West said his team had attempted to clear the sample but the producers were slow to respond, and he argued the suit was an attempt to profit from his fame. The case, filed in 2024, had most claims dismissed by a judge in February, but the producers continue to seek compensation from revenue generated by the 2021 Donda listening event, including ticket sales, merchandise and a $750,000 Apple Music livestream deal.