A few of Westside Gunn‘s music videos were removed from YouTube following copyright claims made by the WWE.
On Wednesday (Jan. 5), the rapper’s independent label Griselda Records took to Instagram Story to reveal a few of the messages received after the videos were taken off the site. Per the post, the note was sent after the platform got a copyright takedown notice from the professional wrestling league. “This means that your video can no longer be played on YouTube,” the message read.
The notice referenced the following videos: the Boldy James-assisted “Claiborne Kick;” “The Hurt Business” featuring DZA and Wale; “French Toast” with Wale and Joyce Wrice; and “Allah Sent Me” featuring Griselda labelmates Benny the Butcher and Conway the Machine. The visuals all include soundbites taken from WWE interviews.
Confused by the sudden removal, Griselda Records questioned, “Retroactive copyright claims why?? @WWE.” The wrestling organization has not responded to the inquiry.
Despite Gunn’s obvious love for wrestling, this is unfortunately not the first time he’s had run-ins with people from the league. Nearly two months ago, he was called out for using WWE announcer Greg Hamilton’s voice without consent.
“Well @westsidegunn @buffalokidsgallery let’s hope that since you STOLE my voice for your incoherent kindergarten fables…that you saved up enough delivering for Door Dash….because….You….are…,” Hamilton threatened at the time. “You’ll be paying me for years….apologize and I’ll think about not collecting every dime for the rest of your life….or I can just get WWE lawyers….that’s ok too. Settle with my lawyer. And don’t EVER use my voice again….so wrong.”
“Tick… tock… the longer this goes, the longer I have in court… you ready to settle or do u wanna dance with WWE lawyers? It’s a slam dunk,” he continued. “Price goes up by the day.” He was later released from the wrestling organization.
See the post from Griselda Records below.