Here's why Kanye West is suing his record label and publisher

Kanye West has filed suit in the Los Angeles Superior Court against the Universal Music Group (UMG) and EMI Music Publishing (EMI).

West is trying to get out of his deals with both UMG and EMI, and get back some of his recording and publishing ownership.

The simmering back-scene tension explains why his Yandhi album has been delayed a number of times although he started work on it almost immediately after he released Ye.

The Universal suit includes Def Jam and Roc-a-Fella Records and UMG’s merchandise company Bravado.

West signed to EMI Music Publishing in 2003. It has now owned by Sony Corp, and administered by Sony/ATV.

In his documents, West contends the deals are unfair, not appreciative of the substantial money he’s made them, is owed money and wants “to be set free from its bonds.”

Last October West posted online that his beef with EMP was that he had wanted to buy back his publishing.

He was initially given the figure of $8 million -- $9 million, but later advised he would not be able to buy his songs.

He sent a message to Sony/ATV’s top executives: “I need my publishing. I got the money.

“I’m not going to say the ‘s’ [slave] word. I’m not Prince; I don’t need to write it on my face.”

West himself is on the receiving end of a lawsuit – this time from Taiwanese fabric company which claims West’s apparel company didn’t pay for some of their materials for his Yeezy sneakers.

Toki Sen-I Co is demanding $624,000.