Photography by Axel Antas-Bergkvist.
More than a decade has passed since, former known as Kanye West, Ye stormed the stage at the VMA’s during Taylor Swift speech back in 2009. Since then, Ye has become one of the most controversial cultural figures; from openly supporting Trump by proudly sporting the infamous ‘Make America Great Again’ cap to his first presidential rally where he explained why he’s anti-abortion.
Yet, despite the countless controversies and allegations, his fans show up for him time and time again, forgiving – more like forgetting – his behaviour because of his musical success and contributions to the hip hop/rap scene.
But after countless manic instagram stories, posting private text messages and random outbursts, which he ends up entirely erasing from his profile once the affair is over, Kanye West’s behavior cannot be excused anymore. He may have revolutionised hip-hop, but that doesn’t mean he’s a good person. By giving him the benefit of the doubt, we’re collectively allowing Kayne to feel validated in his actions even when they affect those around him and beyond.
"The whole Ye tirade has seemingly come to an end, with the last act being him now eventually facing all the consequences."
Words lead to action – both good and bad. A group of nazis standing over a Los Angeles highway holding up antisemitic banners is never funny or a joke. Ye’s responsibility is written clearly on the banners ‘Kanye is right about the Jews’ in thick red letters, his words have taken on actual form. It has been a rough and probably tiring month for Ye defenders. From the White Lives Matter controversy to everyone cutting ties to the once celebrated rapper, the whole Ye tirade has seemingly come to an end, with the last act being him now eventually facing all the consequences.
Though at what point have we decided that enough is enough? It should have happened a long time ago, when Ye called 400 years of slavery a choice in an interview with TMZ, leaving the black community feeling deeply disappointed and betrayed. Further stirring up the BIPoC community, the rapper wore a ‘White Lives Matter’ shirt during the YZY Season Nine Paris fashion show in the beginning of the month which slogan hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan have claimed for themselves. After Vogue editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson criticised the insensitive and dangerous statement, Ye reacted in a true Ye way, instead of reflecting on his actions, he went into full rage by bullying the editor’s physical appearance. Similar to publicly harassing ex-wife Kim Kardashian’s partner at the time Pete Davidson, Ye presents himself as a person who shows no remorse for the pain he is causing, raising the question of where the apologies are. That same question is being asked by George Floyd’s family, who are filing for a 250,000,000$ lawsuit after Ye started to spread the lie that Floyd died of fentanyl instead of racially motivated police brutality.
"At a time, where even cancel culture is canceled and redeemed as a toxic online behavior, Ye still managed to get himself canceled."
After going onto Fox News to discuss the ‘White Lives Matter’ shirt and his connection to Trump, Ye expressed several concerning antisemitic prejudices, including the belief that Jews still control the monetary system. Followed by an uproar on social media that empathised with marginalised communities, it was finally enough. At a time, where even cancel culture is canceled and redeemed as a toxic online behavior, Ye still managed to get himself canceled. GAP ended their planned ten year partnership with Ye a month ago, with an immediate removal of all their collaborative items from stores.
GAP isn’t the only one cutting ties. Close friends and collaborators such as Anna Wintour, Vogue, Demna, Balenciaga and even his talent agency CAA (Creative Artists Agency) have distanced themselves from Ye. Now, Adidas dropped the artist and no longer produces Yeezy sneakers. Despite this, his voice will still be heard by the ones who are willing to listen to it, making the rest of us hate the new Kanye, the bad mood Kanye.