Travis Scott, Future, SZA Named In “Telekinesis” Lawsuit

Travis Scott, SZA, and Future are named in a lawsuit where an artist claims the trio stole her lyrics.

Singer Victory Boyd filed a complaint in a Manhattan federal court claiming the “Telekinesis” collaboration from Scott’s 2023 UTOPIA album copied lyrics and additional elements from her 2019 song “Like The Way It Sounds” without permission and payment, Billboard reported on Wednesday (Jan. 8).

Alongside the artists, producer Jahaan Sweet is also named, as well as luxury watch brand Audemars Piguett. The brand used the song in advertisements for a partnership with the Houston rapper, despite Boyd and her publisher refusing their request for a license.

“Scott, SZA, Future and all defendants intentionally and willfully copied plaintiffs’ original work, specifically plaintiff’s lyrics, when they commercially released the infringing work,” detailed Boyd’s lawyers.

“Telekinesis” started out as a gospel song for Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) titled “Ultrasounds.” The track was allegedly then shared with Scott, and then with SZA and Future. Boyd, who is signed to Roc Nation, claims the singers initially credited her in the release, as she was named a cowriter in the metadata. Additionally, the lawsuit claims Boyd was offered 8 percent songwriting credit to resolve the dispute.

Still, Boyd says she “never granted permission” for her song to be used in the first place – saying the track had been taken without her “authorization, knowledge or consent.” According to AllHipHop, Boyd seeks damages and a full accounting of profits from the track’s release, streams, and live performances.

Currently, Boyd is listed as a songwriter on the official Apple Music credits for “Telekinesis,” alongside the aforementioned artists, Ye, and a handful of others. Neither Future, Travis Scott, nor SZA has made a public statement regarding the accusations made in the lawsuit.