Whatever don't kill 'Ye, can only make him stronger. Kanye West has recently won a copyright lawsuit over the lyrics for his hit single "Stronger" off his Graduation LP. In 2010, producer Vincent Peters sued Kanye saying that he originally played his song for John Monopoly at his home in Chicago in 2006, and was "shocked" when he heard Kanye's track, which he felt incorporated significant portions of his lyrics.
The crux of both songs lyrics are a quote from 19th Century German philosopher Nietzsche, and now the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed the suit on the grounds that many songs have taken from this quote. Judge Diane Wood's ruling said "although the fact that both songs quote from a 19th century German philosopher might, at first blush, seem to be an unusual coincidence, West correctly notes that the aphorism has been repeatedly invoked in song lyrics over the past century.” Further, the ruling states, "We are not persuaded that the similarities alleged by Vince P rise to the level of copyright infringement."
Take a look at the two hooks:
Vincent P, "Stronger" - What don’t kill me make me stronger/The more I blow up the more you wronger/You copied my CD you can feel my hunger/The wait is over couldn’t wait no longer.
Kanye West, "Stronger" - -N-N-now th-th-that don’t kill me Can only make me stronger /I need you to hurry up now Cause I can’t wait much longer/ I know I got to be right now Cause I can’t get much wronger/Man I’ve been waitin’ all night now That’s how long I’ve been on ya.
[Source]