Playboi Carti is calling out Kanye West — now known as Ye — for allegedly using a sample from Carti’s song “Crank” without permission in the new single “Alive.”
On May 21, 2025, Ye shared “Alive,” a loud, drum-less collaboration with YoungBoy Never Broke Again, on Instagram. The song samples DJ Swamp Izzo’s “Alive,” which also appears in Carti’s “Crank” from his album Music.
Carti responded quickly, posting his own version of “Alive” featuring YoungBoy and writing, “DIS MY SONG LIL BRA @ye,” in a now-deleted Instagram post. His message suggests he believes Ye released the track before Carti could officially drop his own version.
A streamer named Sneako, who has been with Ye in Spain, claimed that Ye made the beat and owned the track. “If you listen to Carti’s version, it’s not good,” Sneako said.
The situation is murky, and it’s still unknown who originally had the song or the sample rights. Ye officially released “Alive” on Apple Music on May 22, while Carti and YoungBoy stayed silent afterward.
This isn’t Ye’s first sample controversy. He previously faced takedowns from his Vultures album after failing to clear samples, including one from Donna Summer.
Ye and Carti’s relationship has been tense for months. Carti left Ye off his album Music and instead featured Kendrick Lamar and Travis Scott. In March, Ye wrote on X that he wouldn’t let his daughter North record with Carti, adding, “HOW IT LOOK FOR ME TO GET LEFT OFF THE ALBUM AND THEN HE ASK KIM TO HAVE VOCALS FROM MY DAUGHTER.”
Carti’s blunt reply? “YE STFU.”
Even with the drama, the day was a win for fans — Carti leaked another song, “Some More,” and YoungBoy dropped “Finest.” But the tension between Ye and Carti is far from over.
