Kanye West’s DONDA was finally released to streaming platforms on Sunday.
At first, the album only featured the JAY-Z version of “Jail” and not DaBaby’s version, which Kanye played during his Chicago listening event.
Kanye shared a text message conversation with his manager Bu Thiam, who claimed that DaBaby’s manager wouldn’t clear “Jail” and that the album would face additional delay unless Kanye removed DaBaby.
When Kanye asked why DaBaby’s manager wouldn’t clear the song, Bu said he didn’t know. But Kanye refused to take DaBaby off DONDA. “I’m not taking my brother off,” he responded before noting DaBaby’s support for him during his bid for president. “he was the only person who said he would vote for me in public.”
However, DaBaby’s manager is adamantly refuting the claim. Taking to Instagram, Arnold Taylor said he never received any communication from Kanye or his team. When he did receive the song, he immediately cleared it.
“This is CAP, I woke up this morning to this social media bullshit,” wrote Taylor. “I never got a call or email from @kanyewest @__bu @johnmonopoly I just received it today and Cleared it in 2 seconds.”
Added Taylor, “Why wouldn’t I want a hit song out when #SCMG is all about the growth and culture of hip hop and my artist!!! To all of the media blogs and outlets don’t believe everything you see in a post, thank you!!!”
Despite the drama, DaBaby ended up making DONDA. After the album was initially released to streaming services, “Jail pt 2” with DaBaby was added, bringing the total to 27 tracks. Kanye brought out DaBaby, along with accused sexual abuser Marilyn Mansion, at his listening party at Chicago’s Soldier Field in the wake of the backlash from his homophobic remarks.
In addition to DaBaby, DONDA features appearances from The Weeknd, Lil Baby, Chris Brown, Lil Durk, Young Thug, Don Toliver, Roddy Ricch, Lil Yachty, Baby Keem, and more.