Kanye West is once again in the midst of a legal battle, this time concerning a copyright infringement claim made by singer Merton, best known for her hit single “No Roots.” Merton claims that West’s song “Gun to My Head,” which features Ty Dolla $ign and Kid Cudi, contains elements strikingly similar to her 2022 track “Blindside.”
The lawsuit, which was filed in California federal court and obtained by Variety, alleges that West incorporated parts of Merton’s “Blindside” into his own work, making the similarities too substantial to dismiss as mere coincidence.
The controversy began when West debuted his song during a listening event for his album Vultures in December 2023. Merton expressed shock and humiliation when she heard the track played publicly. Matters escalated further when “Gun to My Head” appeared in the deluxe edition of Vultures 2, released in August 2024. Merton’s legal team claims that West reached out to her publisher, BMG, in February 2024, asking for permission to sample “Blindside.” Merton rejected the request, citing concerns over West’s controversial remarks about race and antisemitism, which she said clashed with her values.
After the song’s release in the deluxe album, Merton found herself facing harassment from fans who blamed her for the absence of “Gun to My Head” from the album’s original tracklist. This harassment escalated to the point where Merton feared for her safety, prompting her to stop performing “Blindside” during her live shows.
Merton’s legal team is seeking compensation for the alleged infringement, while also addressing the emotional and safety concerns Merton has faced since the situation unfolded. The case continues to develop as both sides prepare for court proceedings.
