Kanye West has released a new track titled “Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine” that brings together voices from different parts of his personal and professional life. The song features a phone conversation recorded from prison, contributions from Sean “Diddy” Combs and his son Christian “King” Combs, a rap verse by West’s daughter North West, and vocals by singer Jasmine Williams. The track has stirred controversy over its sample clearances and family disputes, making it a hot topic in entertainment news.
Song Release Details
Kanye West dropped the track on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on March 15, 2025. The release comes at a time when West has been known to make headlines for his provocative social media posts and unconventional methods of launching music. The song begins with a recorded conversation between West and a man who appears to be Diddy. In the snippet, the man thanks West for looking after his children. West replies with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Diddy’s influence on his life, stating, “I love you so much man. You raised me. Even when I ain’t know you, know what I’m saying?” This introduction sets the tone for the track, blending personal memories with current controversies.
Featured Collaborators
The new song brings together several prominent figures from West’s life. Sean “Diddy” Combs is mentioned as being involved in the conversation, even though he is currently facing trial on charges related to sexual assault. His involvement in the track highlights West’s continued public support for him. Christian “King” Combs joins his father’s voice on the track with a rap verse that reflects his emerging presence in music. North West, who is only 11 years old, contributes her part with a rap verse that adds a youthful energy to the production. The track also features singer Jasmine Williams, who provides the hook with the line, “When you see me shining, then you see the light.” Each contribution offers a different perspective, making the song a unique blend of voices and experiences.
Legal and Publishing Issues
Controversy surrounds the release due to legal challenges and publishing concerns. Reports indicate that Kim Kardashian, West’s ex-wife and mother of North West, attempted to block the release of the song through legal channels. Her intervention points to underlying family disputes and complications over music rights. In addition, the track includes references to the classic 1998 song “Money Power Respect” by the Lox. A snippet of rapper Lil’ Kim’s vocal appears in the track, which adds another layer of complexity. Although Kanye West has released songs with uncleared samples before, this instance may be less problematic. The Lox track originally appeared on Diddy’s Bad Boy Records, yet there may be issues regarding publishing rights. In 2023, Diddy reassigned some of these rights to former Bad Boy artists amid ongoing legal battles. It remains unclear whether the reassigned parties have agreed to the new terms, raising questions about potential future litigation.
Production and Sampling
The track features a signature Kanye West beat combined with synthesizer textures. The production displays a mix of modern soundscapes and nostalgic references. The inclusion of the phone conversation recorded from prison adds a raw, personal element to the song. The subtle sampling of the Lox track not only pays homage to late-90s hip-hop but also connects the current project to a well-known era in music history. West’s choice to include these elements may indicate an effort to bridge past influences with his current creative direction.
Family and Industry Reactions
The release of the track has generated mixed responses among fans and industry insiders. Supporters of Kanye West have applauded his willingness to experiment with different sounds and to include personal connections in his work. The involvement of young North West has drawn additional attention, with many noting the unusual mix of family members and industry veterans on one track. Meanwhile, legal experts continue to scrutinize the publishing rights issues and the potential for disputes over uncleared samples. Reactions from representatives for both Diddy and West have not been forthcoming, leaving many questions unanswered. The situation remains fluid as more details about the legal and contractual implications of the song come to light.
Kanye West’s new track stands at the intersection of personal expression, legal complexity, and industry tradition. The mix of voices on the song, along with the unique production choices, reflects West’s ongoing evolution as an artist who is not afraid to mix personal history with public controversy.
