James Blake Requests Removal of Production Credit from Kanye West's New Album

Acclaimed producer James Blake has requested that his production credit be removed from Kanye West's new album, titled 'Bully'. The request was made via the Vault social media platform, where Blake responded to a fan's comments about the possible use of AI on the song 'This One Here'.

Blake explained that he does not feel that his original contributions are represented in the final version of the song. The producer stated that, although some elements of his initial work on the track, built from a freestyle by West, remain, the spirit of his original production is mostly absent. He stated that his original version is a completely different production in spirit.

Blake emphasized that his request is not based on personal issues with Kanye West, who has faced criticism for his antisemitic comments, but on creative aspects. The Grammy-winning producer stated that he does not wish to receive credit for work in which he could not influence the final result. Blake also clarified that he is happy for the fans, but prefers not to be credited on a version that does not reflect his original vision.

In his own words, Blake expressed that he reached a point where he did not want to be credited on music where he could not affect the end result. Billboard has contacted Kanye West's representative for comment on this situation.

An earlier version of 'This One Here' was previewed by James Blake in September 2022 at a nightclub event in London, coinciding with London Fashion Week. Blake and West previously collaborated on the song 'Talking', included on West and Ty Dolla $ign's collaborative album, 'Vultures', released in 2024.

Kanye West released 'Bully' on Saturday, March 28, after a brief delay; the album was originally scheduled for the previous day. This is West's first solo album since 2022's 'Donda 2'. For his part, Blake released his album 'Trying Times' independently on March 13.

Blake explained that, although his original work on the track included the way he 'pitched' West's vocals and constructed the song from his freestyle, the final version has been significantly modified with new vocal takes, altering the spirit of his original production. He stated that the version he created is fundamentally different in its essence.

Blake's decision underscores the importance of creative integrity in music production and the need for artists to feel represented in the final product.