Travis Scott, Future & SZA Face Copyright Lawsuit Over ‘Telekinesis’

Travis Scott, along with SZA and Future, finds himself at the center of a copyright controversy over their 2023 collaboration “Telekinesis.” Songwriter Victory Boyd, a Roc Nation artist, has filed a lawsuit claiming that the track heavily borrows elements from her song “Like The Way It Sounds” without permission. The lawsuit, filed on January 8 in a federal court in New York, also names luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet as a defendant.

Victory Boyd’s Claims

Boyd alleges that she composed “Like The Way It Sounds” in November 2019 and shared it with Kanye West. According to the lawsuit, West later played the song for Travis Scott, who subsequently shared it with Future and SZA. Boyd claims this chain of events led to the creation of “Telekinesis,” which allegedly includes lyrics and melodic elements that were directly copied from her work.

Spotify Credit and Ownership Offer

In an intriguing twist, Boyd states that she is currently listed as one of the composers of “Telekinesis” on Spotify. This acknowledgment, she asserts, came directly from the defendants. Additionally, Boyd revealed that she was offered an eight percent ownership stake in the song, which she views as a tacit admission of her contribution.

Audemars Piguet’s Alleged Role

The lawsuit also implicates Audemars Piguet, accusing the watchmaker of using “Telekinesis” in an advertisement despite Boyd’s explicit denial of permission. This unauthorized use, Boyd argues, further demonstrates the infringement of her intellectual property rights.

Legal and Industry Repercussions

The lawsuit raises critical questions about copyright ethics in the music industry. HipHopDX reached out to Roc Nation for comment, but no response has been provided yet. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how such disputes are handled in the future.

Travis Scott’s Focus on Coachella 2025

While navigating legal challenges, Travis Scott is also preparing for his much-anticipated performance at Coachella 2025. Festival chief Paul Tollett has described Scott’s upcoming headlining set as potentially the most groundbreaking in Coachella’s history.

In an interview with The Desert Sun, Tollett stated, “That’s going to be pretty interesting. He laid out what he wants to do. It’s a little too early to give any details, but I think it’s the most significant experience the festival has ever had.”

Scott will headline the Saturday night slots on April 12 and April 19, creating a unique and immersive experience near the Sonora Tent. His performance is expected to set new standards for live music experiences.

What Lies Ahead?

The stakes are high for Travis Scott, who continues to dominate headlines with both his legal battles and ambitious musical endeavors. The Utopia rapper’s Coachella performance could redefine festival entertainment, but the outcome of Victory Boyd’s copyright lawsuit may have lasting repercussions on his career and the industry at large.

What are your thoughts on the lawsuit and Travis Scott’s Coachella plans? Are these challenges part of the price of success in the music industry, or do they highlight deeper issues?