From the outside looking in, the vision for Kanye West’s future is unclear. The father of four has been pulled in various directions lately, from his tumultuous presidential campaign, which was previously halted, to negotiating with brands like Adidas after seriously tarnishing their working relationship last year. It’s been some time since he’s given us new music, but over the weekend, footage of Ye filming what appears to be a visual for a track from 2021’s DONDA began circulating online.
In the brief clip, we see West aggressively gesturing toward the camera while listening to “Off The Grid.” He appears to be working on the project without collaborators Fivio Foreign and Playboi Carti, though that doesn’t mean we won’t see them participate in the finished product. It remains unclear when the “Waves” artist plans to drop the long-awaited visual, but we do know he’s using it to continue forward with his latest fashion agenda – repopularizing the shoulder pad.
We’ve seen plenty of bold looks from West in recent weeks, some of them seemingly referencing Nazi symbolism and others simply leaving the world confused. Regardless of what the masses have to say, Lil Wayne made it clear during a recent interview that he still thinks his “Forever” collaborator is a genius. The Louisana native dropped by the All the Smoke podcast on Friday (June 9) to chat, at which time he didn’t hesitate to give Ye his flowers.
“He’s a genius… What I mean by that is he can stop being Kanye West at any time and start being Kanye East and be the best at that as well,” the 40-year-old explained to the show’s hosts. “He’s a genius when it comes to music. Whatever route he wanna go, he’s gonna be packing arenas.”
Check out a clip of Lil Wayne’s thoughts on Kanye West in the IG post below, or scroll further to catch his full appearance on the All the Smoke podcast. Who do you prefer between Weezy and Yeezy? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
2022 saw a side of Kanye West that caused many former friends and collaborators to denounce the rapper. From his troubling comments about the Jewish community to wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt at Paris Fashion Week, the 46-year-old wasn’t shy about publicly aligning himself with controversial ways of thinking. The latter statement caught the attention of Vogue editor, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, who labelled Ye as “dangerous” and “irresponsible” for promoting such messages.
At the time, the “Stronger” rapper was often using platforms like Instagram to send out hateful messages. Unsurprisingly, Johnson’s thinkpiece about his outfit earned her a diss post from West, who declared that Johnson “is not a fashion person.” The Yeezy founder further wrote, “You speak on Ye I’mma speak on you. Ask Trevor Noah.” In the months since they’ve both seemingly moved on from the beef. However, the photographer who took the photo of Gabriella that Ye used is now taking legal action against him.
Kanye West aka Ye is seen on October 28, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
According to TMZ, Michaela Efford has confirmed that she didn’t give the multi-talent permission to use her image on his social media. The photographer captured the snapshot in September of last year, and approximately one week later it appeared on West’s IG for his millions of followers to see. Efford claims that Ye’s use of her image has harmed her ability to successfully market and make money from it. As a result, she’s seeking unspecified damages from the embattled star.
That’s not the only legal action he’s facing at this time either. Just last week, a third teacher from his Donda Academy school sued the Chicago native as well. Elsewhere in the news, Kanye West’s DONDA documentary has leaked online, and it contains some seriously heated moments. Among them is the father of four’s threats to boot Jay-Z off of his tribute album to his late mother, which ultimately didn’t end up happening. Read more about the controversial film at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Kanye West has given fans a glimpse into his creative process by releasing a trailer for his upcoming DONDA documentary. On June 7th, the footage surfaced on various media outlets, including YouTube, and offered a captivating preview of the documentary that delves into Kanye’s journey while creating the DONDA album. Kanye’s Reflection On His Mother’s […]
As many tribulations as Yeezy has been through his illustrious career, today is a day that even Kanye West himself cannot deny is reason to celebrate.
Born to the late Dr. Donda West in Atlanta, Georgia on this date in 1977, the iconic emcee, singer, producer, clothing designer, and self-proclaimed “genius” has become a household name over the past two decades. From his role as an in-house producer for the now-defunct Roc-A-Fella Records to the revolutionary ‘Ye who proclaimed “George Bush doesn’t care about Black people” to the “KoonYe” as he was called when he famously, yet erroneously proclaimed “Slavery is a choice,” there’s no predictability when it comes “Yeezus”.
Even though Ye has managed to confuse some with his statements about slavery some years back, but he still managed to make a monumental contribution ($2 million) to the legal teams and families of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd while simultaneously paying full college tuition for Gianna Floyd, George Floyd’s daughter. Ye also gave a memorable performance at the going home services for late rap legend DMX
Salute to Kanye and wish him many more birthdays and success in his endeavors!
Rapper Kanye West and legendary rapper Ice Cube have come together to address their differences following Kanye’s controversial remarks on the Drink Champs podcast that were deemed anti-semitic. The two met face-to-face at Ice Cube’s home, engaging in a discussion to resolve the issue. Kanye had previously claimed that Ice Cube’s social media posts inspired […]
We are in another episode of Ye versus the Paparazzi. Ye, his wife Bianca Censori, and his son, Psalm, were just trying to go to church, and of course, the paparazzi followed him there.
The paparazzi got too close to him, and Ye exploded, yelling at the camera people who were getting too close.
“Like seriously, bro, all of you motherfuckers stop following me,” Ye could be heard saying.
This incident comes as Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, may have to open his wallet after tossing a photographer’s phone into the street when she was filming.
The incident happened in January as Ye left one of his daughter’s basketball games with North West. With paparazzi following him, Ye pulled over to do something about it.
One of the paparazzi members at the event, Nichold Lechmanik, stated she was filming Ye as he ran the pockets of another photog, saying she was fearful of what the rapper and fashion icon possessed.
In a video, Ye could be heard saying, “You all ain’t gonna run up on me like that!” and “If I say stop, stop with your cameras.” Ye would snatch her camera iPhone and toss it.
Lechmanik’s partner was also in the car and stated she received a “death stare” from the rapper.
Lechmanik says not only was she traumatized, but she also lost out on money due to the incident. She is now suing the rapper for assault, battery, and negligence. She also wants an injunction from Ye from contacting any other photographer.
The Recording Industry Association of America awards artists various certifications for their singles and albums sold. Overall, the highest of these certifications is Diamond, awarded for sales of 10 million units and above. Many rap songs have achieved this feat, with some artists having multiple Diamond-certified songs and albums. Here are 11 rap songs that have been certified Diamond by the RIAA.
Travis Scott may have numerous acclaimed songs in his repertoire, but “Sicko Mode” is arguably his signature single. In 2020, the rap song was certified Diamond for over 10 million units of sales. Because of its success, “Sicko Mode” is often heralded as the highlight of his third album, Astroworld. It was also Scott’s first song to top the Billboard Hot 100.
10. Drake – “God’s Plan” (2018)
Drake is one of the most commercially successful artists in music history, and this feat extends to his certifications. As a lead artist, Drake has three Diamond-certified songs across the genres rap, afrobeats, and R&B. His 2018 single “God’s Plan” was certified 15x Platinum in 2022 and is one of the most successful singles. It also debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100 and broke numerous streaming records. Additionally, the music video was praised for showing the artist’s generosity to fans and institutions in Florida. “God’s Plan” won the Grammy for Best Rap Song. His other singles to also achieve Diamond status are “One Dance” featuring Kyla and Wizkid, and “Hotline Bling.”
9. Lil Wayne ft. Static Major – “Lollipop” (2008)
“Lollipop” was released in 2008 and remains one of Lil Wayne’s most radio-friendly singles. The Diamond-certified rap song featured Static Major and was released two weeks after his death. “Lollipop” was notable for featuring heavy use of auto-tune and its several suggestive lyrics. The single hit the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and was one of the biggest songs of the 2000s decade. “Lollipop” won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Song in 2009. It was certified 10x platinum in 2022.
8. Eminem – “Lose Yourself” (2002)
Eminem is no stranger to achieving Diamond status. He holds the record for the rapper with the most Diamond albums in history. Adding to that, he has three Diamond-certified rap songs to his name. The most iconic of the trio however, is the Oscar winning “Lose Yourself” from the film 8 Mile. “Lose Yourself” was acclaimed upon its release, and the song’s most recent certification in 2022 is a testament to its longevity. “Lose Yourself” is also officially certified 13x Platinum. His other two songs to additionally achieve this feat, are “Not Afraid” and “Love the Way You Lie”, the latter featuring Rihanna. Unsurprisingly, both songs are featured on his impressive seventh studio album, Recovery.
Cardi B’s rise to fame remains one for the books. After becoming a Vine star and a growing fan base from her time on Love & Hip Hop: New York, Cardi B struck gold. Her debut album Invasion of Privacy received critical acclaim and housed two Diamond-certified rap songs. Specifically, her official major label debut was “Bodak Yellow,” which turned Cardi B into a household name straightaway. The aggressive single became a significant turning point in Cardi B’s career. As of 2022, the song has been certified 11x Platinum.
6. Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – “See You Again” (2015)
“See You Again” by Wizk Khalifa and Charlie Puth quickly rose to the top of the charts following its release. The rap song was certified Diamond in 2019, four years after its release. “See You Again” was a part of the soundtrack for Furious 7 and was a tribute to Paul Walker. Walker was most known for his role in the Fast & Furious franchise. “See You Again” is also second to Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” for the rap songs that have spent the most weeks at the peak position on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. Post Malone – “Congratulations” (2017)
Post Malone holds the record for the artist with the most Diamond-certified songs in RIAA history. The rapper has a whopping eight singles that have achieved this feat. One of these singles, and one of his most popular, is “Congratulations,” which features Quavo. “Congratulations” was released in 2017 as a single off his debut album Stoney. All in all, Post Malone’s seven other songs to achieve this feat are: “I Fall Apart,” “Better Now,” “Circles,” “Psycho,” “White Iversion,” “Rockstar,” and “Sunflower.”
4. Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen” (2014)
In late 2014, Fetty Wap rose to prominence with his official debut single “Trap Queen.” The song earned the rapper his highest charting single on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at the penultimate spot. Fetty Wap achieved Diamond status in 2019 when it was officially certified 10x Platinum. Moreover, the sleeper hit also secured the rapper with a record deal at 300 Entertainment.
Nicki Minaj’s widely popular single “Super Bass” achieved Diamond status in 2021 after being certified 10x platinum. “Super Bass,” like other singles off her debut album Pink Friday, successfully merged Hip Hop and pop rap. The music video also further reiterated Minaj’s Barbie-esque style, featuring numerous pink props. It won the award for Best Hip Hop Video at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.
2. Lil Nas X – “Old Town Road” (2019)
Lil Nas X has achieved numerous record-breaking feats with his debut single, “Old Town Road.” It is also the fastest song in history to be certified Diamond. The country-rap single, which featured Billy Ray Cyrus, also combined two genres that have previously failed to achieve mainstream attention as a unit. In addition to these, “Old Town Road” is also the longest-running song atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart, rap or otherwise. The single remained at the No. 1 spot for 19 consecutive weeks. With 17 million units sold, it is the second-most certified single.
1. “Stronger” (2007)
“Stronger” by Kanye West was certified Diamond in 2021 for 10 million units sold. The single, which was notoriously mixed to perfection over 70 times, blended electronic and rap music. An iconic staple in Kanye West’s incredible discography, “Stronger” featured a sample from Daft Punk’s “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” After the song’s commercial success, Daft Punk achieved mainstream fame in the United States. Furthermore, the high-octane song is a techno club favorite and is credited for revitalizing disco-infused music in the 2000s.
The women Kanye West has been linked to throughout his life don’t have a lot in common. Aside from their willingness to go along with his experimental fashion, of course. He previously helped re-invent Kim Kardashian’s image (and even brought her to her first Met Gala). Since then, the 45-year-old has given Julia Fox and Chaney Jones plenty of luxurious gifts to add to their collection. After a handful of whirlwind romances over the past year or so, Ye decided the single life wasn’t for him in late 2022. At that time, he settled down with his new wife, Bianca Censori.
Since breaking news of their surprising relationship to the world, we’ve seen the Yeezy architect and founder step out together in some strange looks. Not only has The Life of Pablo artist been criticized for continuously sporting what appears to be Nazi symbolism on his clothing, but now he’s also added shoulder pads to his roster of regular silhouettes, along with controversial sock shoes.
Kanye West and Bianca Censori Continue to Surprise Us
Kanye West and Bianca Censori are seen on May 13, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Photo by Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Censori has also been spotted in similar minimalistic footwear. Rather than channelling her man’s football-inspired vibes, she’s been creatively shielding her face from the cameras with several of her latest looks. Last week she and the father of four headed out as she donned a white wrap around her face. Over the weekend, Bianca elevated her look a bit. This time she donned a black dress with a larger-than-life collar, and mesh fabric draped over her head.
Ye was also adorned in all-black, wearing his “yeggings” with a “Polizei” t-shirt we’ve seen him rock often when out with his wife over the past few weeks. Find photos from Kanye West and Bianaca Censori’s latest outing together here. Are you a fan of the couple’s unusual fashion? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
In a new documentary, Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins opens up about her former group mate, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. She shared that she believes if Lisa Left Eye were alive today, she’d be the “female Kanye.” The documentary, titled TLC Forever, features accounts from T-Boz and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas about their experience being part of the sensational group. The Lifetime feature documentary premiered today.
“She’d be the female Kanye West,” T-Boz claims. “I said that because Lisa was always just saying things,” she explained, “If she had Twitter fingers, she’d be all over the place and have something to say about everything and not care. She’d be making all of the shocking comments.” She continued, “And Kanye was the only comparison I could think of about what my sister would be like now.”
Left Eye was pronounced dead in 2002 at age 30, following a severe car crash in Honduras. Chilli discussed the artist’s passing during promotion for the documentary with US weekly. “I remember I didn’t listen to the radio for a long time ‘cause I didn’t wanna hear reports about her,” she described. “We didn’t want people coming up, saying, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry,’” Chilli continued, “and I know that they meant well, but when you’re in pain, you just don’t wanna hear any of that. It took me a long time to refer to her in the past [tense], because I couldn’t believe it. And I think it has so much to do with, when you’re young like that, you think you’re invincible.”
T-Boz also discussed having sickle cell anemia in the documentary, as well as her 2010 surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. She explained, “Maturing over the years and realizing how many things I have triumphed over makes you start reminiscing, like, dang, I got through that and that?” The artist added, “I just thought I might as well tell people so they’ll understand, and hopefully it will help someone.”
Although Kanye West is making a comeback with a new collaboration. Fivio Foreign recently announced the release of their joint single, “Concussion,” which dropped on June 1st. In the track, Kanye positions himself as a veteran of hip-hop, addressing the hardships and resilience of himself and those who came before him. According to TMZ, Fivio […]
