Ozzy Osbourne Explains Why He Rejected Kanye West’s Sample Request
via Ozzy Osbourne / Youtube
In a recent clash between two icons of modern music, Ozzy Osbourne found himself at odds with rapper Kanye West over the unauthorized use of the Black Sabbath song “Iron Man” during an album listening party and in a song. Ozzy, also known as the “Prince of Darkness,” took a stand against West, citing concerns over the rapper’s recent streak of anti-Semitic behavior and hateful public displays.
Ozzy’s Stand Against Kanye: Upholding Principles of Integrity and Respect
In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, Ozzy explained his choice to confront Kanye, underscoring his feeling of obligation to speak up when others stayed quiet:
“With the current state of affairs, you don’t need anybody starting people on discrimination of any kind. It’s wrong. It’s just wrong. There’s enough aggravation, and he shouldn’t say anything like what he has. It’s wrong if you don’t say anything about him. I don’t want any of my work in any shape or form to be associated with anything like that.”
The confrontation stemmed from Kanye West’s request to use a clip of a 1983 live performance of “Iron Man” for promotional material and a song titled “Carnival.” Despite seeking permission from Ozzy’s team, West’s previous controversial remarks and admiration for figures like Adolf Hitler prompted a stern response from the legendary musician.
“Kanye West asked permission to sample a section of a 1983 live performance of ‘Iron Man’ from the US Festival without vocals and was refused permission because he is an antisemite and has caused untold heartache to many. He went ahead and used the sample anyway at his album listening party last night. I want no association with this man!”
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Kanye’s Sampling Dilemma and Ozzy’s Principled Response
To work around the sample issue during the listening party, Kanye chose to play his 2010 track “Hell of a Life,” which included a legally obtained sample of “Iron Man.” However, for the album release, West decided to entirely remove the Black Sabbath classic from the streaming versions.
Ozzy Osbourne’s unwavering stance against Kanye West’s actions, driven by a firm stand against hate speech and discrimination, highlights the responsibility artists have in maintaining the integrity of their work and associations. By taking a public stand against any form of prejudice and aligning with values of inclusivity and respect, Ozzy demonstrates a commitment to upholding ethical standards in the realm of music and beyond.
The clash between Ozzy Osbourne and Kanye West highlights the importance of artists using their platform responsibly and speaking out against actions or behaviors that conflict with principles of equality and tolerance within the music industry and society at large.
