Childish Gambino Sued by Rapper Who Alleges “This Is America” Copyright Infringement - Pitchfork

The rapper, Kidd Wes, claims that the Childish Gambino song “This Is America” infringes on the copyright of his 2016 song “Made in America.” Kidd Wes, whose real name is Emelike Wesley Nwosuocha, filed his lawsuit today (May 6) in a New York federal court.

The list of defendants in Kidd Wes’ lawsuit is extensive.

In addition to Donald Glover, the defendants are: “This Is America” co-writer Young Thug, “This Is America” producer Lüdwig Goransson, Kobalt Music, RCA Records, Sony Music Entertainment, Young Stoner Life Publishing LLC, 300 Entertainment, Atlantic Records, Warner Music Group, Roc Nation, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Warner Chappell Music.

“Made in America” is the closing song on Eleven, which got released later in 2017.

Back in 2018, New York rapper Jase Harley claimed that Donald Glover “stole” the music for “This Is America” from his March 2016 song “American Pharaoh.” Fam Rothstein, a close associate and collaborator of Glover, denied claims of plagiarism and also tweeted (then deleted) that “Made in America” was “3 yrs old,” suggesting the track was started in 2015.