10 Artist Features That Were Removed Later (& Why)

10 Times Singers Cut Other Artists Out of Their Songs

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at the most notable instances when artists or samples that were initially included on songs were later removed due to various controversies, legal issues or creative differences.

#10: “Anything (To Find You)” (2011)

Monica feat. Rick Ross

This 2011 track from Monica originally featured a verse from rap icon Lil' Kim, sampling Notorious B.I.G.'s classic "Who Shot Ya." The collaboration between Monica and Kim seemed perfect, as both artists were influential figures in ‘90s hip-hop and R&B. Radio stations even received the version featuring Kim's verse in July 2011. However, by the time the single officially dropped, Kim's contribution had vanished entirely. Reports confirmed that contractual issues tied to B.I.G.’s estate, which was run by his mother, Voletta Wallace, prevented clearance of the version including Kim. Rather than scrap the single, Monica released a revised cut without her, depriving fans of what could have been a powerhouse collaboration.

#9: “I Thought About Killing You” (2018)

Kanye West

The opening track from Kanye West's 2018 album "Ye" initially contained a haunting electronic sample that underpinned the song's unsettling monologue. This sample came from experimental artist Kareem Lotfy's track "Fr3sh," released on the compilation "mono no aware" by the label PAN. There was just one problem – West never secured permission to use it. By November 2018, PAN threatened legal action over the unauthorized sample, and West was forced to release an updated version without Lotfy's work. If you play early physical copies versus later digital streams, you’ll hear the difference. It’s a textbook example of how quickly a track can change once rights holders push back.

#8: Untitled Song

Damso & Roméo Elvis

Belgian hip-hop has been making waves globally in recent years, with artists like Damso leading the charge. In September 2020, Damso was set to release what fans anticipated would be a groundbreaking collaboration with fellow Belgian rapper Roméo Elvis. However, the project came to an abrupt halt when sexual assault allegations against Elvis surfaced on social media. Damso didn't hesitate to announce the cancellation of their unreleased track, taking a firm stance against the alleged behavior. Elvis later issued a public apology acknowledging his "inappropriate gestures," but the damage was done – the collaboration remains unreleased to this day.

#7: “Fading” (2010)

Rihanna

When Rihanna released her 2016 album "ANTI," the track "Fading" initially featured a beautiful sample from Irish singer-songwriter Enya's atmospheric "One by One." The ethereal quality of Enya's composition perfectly complemented Rihanna's vocals, creating a dreamy sonic landscape that fans quickly fell in love with. However, in a post-release surprise, the sample quietly disappeared from streaming versions of the song. Though neither camp has publicly detailed exactly what happened, industry insiders point to licensing complications as the culprit. The revised version maintains the song's emotional core but lacks the distinctive Enya elements that gave the original mix its unique character.

#6: “Alone Again” (1991)

Biz Markie

In 1991, Biz Markie's career trajectory changed forever due to his song "Alone Again." The track heavily sampled Gilbert O'Sullivan's 1972 hit "Alone Again (Naturally)" without permission, triggering a watershed legal battle. When O'Sullivan heard his melancholic masterpiece repurposed without consent, he filed suit against Markie and Warner Bros. Records. The resulting case, Grand Upright Music, Ltd. v. Warner Bros. Records Inc., ended in a devastating ruling that fundamentally transformed hip-hop production. The court's decision established that all samples must be cleared before use, forcing the removal of Markie's song from his album and shelves nationwide. Later editions seemed to alter the problematic material. This case single-handedly ended the sampling free-for-all of hip-hop's golden era.

#5: “New Body”

¥$

Originally crafted for Kanye West's scrapped 2018 album, "Yandhi", "New Body" featured a verse from Nicki Minaj addressing body image and plastic surgery alongside Ty Dolla Sign. The track leaked online, building significant anticipation among fans eager for its official release. However, when West pivoted to Christian themes for his 2019 album "Jesus Is King", the song underwent a dramatic transformation. The explicit lyrics were rewritten with religious content, and most notably, Minaj's verse was completely excised despite her reportedly recording new Christian-appropriate lyrics at West's request. The reworked version ultimately didn't make the final album either, leaving Minaj's contribution to exist only in leaked demos.

#4: “De Pies a Cabeza” (2016)

Maná feat. Nicky Jam

In 2016, Maná re-recorded their 1992 classic “De Pies a Cabeza” with reggaetón star Nicky Jam. This reworked version was warmly received by fans, as it fused Maná's melodic rock sensibilities and Nicky Jam's rhythmic flow. However, the wonderful partnership between the artists crumbled in September 2024 when Nicky Jam appeared at a Trump rally in Las Vegas wearing a MAGA hat and endorsing his campaign. Following the appearance, where Trump awkwardly referred to Nicky Jam as "she" and called him "hot," Maná announced they would remove their collaboration with Nicky Jam from digital platforms, stating they do not work with racists. Soon after, the 2016 version disappeared from streaming services, leaving only the original song.

#3: “Energy” (2022)

Beyoncé

Beyoncé's 2022 album "Renaissance" faced controversy before it even officially dropped. The original version of the track "Energy" featured Beyoncé singing a melody of "la la las" that interpolated the iconic vocal run from Kelis's 2003 hit "Milkshake." When Kelis discovered this through social media rather than direct contact, she publicly called out Beyoncé for "theft" and disrespect. Though producers Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo were credited as writers of the original "Milkshake" hook, Kelis stated that she felt blindsided as the actual performer. In response to the backlash, Beyoncé quietly updated the track on streaming platforms, removing the disputed interpolation days after the album's release.

#2: “Levitating” (2020)

Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby

Dua Lipa's disco-infused hit "Levitating" became an even bigger smash when she released a remix featuring DaBaby in October 2020. The collaboration shot to the top of charts in multiple countries, with DaBaby's energetic verse complementing Dua's infectious vocals perfectly. However, everything changed in July 2021 when DaBaby made homophobic remarks during his Rolling Loud Miami set, including inflammatory comments about people living with HIV. Dua Lipa quickly condemned his statements, saying she was "surprised and horrified." In the aftermath, radio stations and playlists gradually reverted to the original version of the song, effectively erasing DaBaby from one of 2021's biggest hits. The solo cut ultimately outlasted the remix, spending a record-breaking 77 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.

#1: “Do What U Want” (2013)

Lady Gaga feat. R. Kelly

Lady Gaga's provocative collaboration with R. Kelly became one of her most controversial singles. The sexually charged duet raised eyebrows upon release, but Gaga initially defended working with Kelly. The pair even performed a suggestive rendition on “Saturday Night Live” and had filmed a music video directed by Terry Richardson that was ultimately shelved. Everything changed on January 10, 2019, when Gaga broke her silence following the "Surviving R. Kelly" docuseries. In a heartfelt statement, she apologized for the collaboration, citing her own sexual assault trauma and admitting her "thinking was explicitly twisted" at the time. True to her word, Gaga had the track completely removed from streaming services within 24 hours, replacing it with a version featuring Christina Aguilera instead.

Have any other notable musical removals caught your attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!