Legendary producer and rapper Kanye West has insisted that the fans, music publications and commentators refer to him as ‘Ye’ from now on as he publicly denounces his surname, West, as a slave name.
The emcee has previously been outspoken about his views on slavery in the US and has upset his own community in the process, claiming that slavery of Black Americans was a choice and likening the music industry to a plantation.
West changed his name officially in 2021. However, streaming platforms have continued to hold his music under the name ‘Kanye West’. Furthermore, music publications and radio hosts have used his birth name interchangeably.
Now, the beatmaker’s chief of staff, the controversial British conservative commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, has written an open letter insisting that companies such as Spotify, Apple Music and others recognise the 2021 name change and stream his music under the stage name Ye.
The letter, which was obtained by the renowned entertainment publication Page Six, reads, “Ye is one of the most recognisable people in the world, on par with presidents and popes.”
It continues, “He didn’t take the decision to change his name, potentially sacrificing some of the immense value captured by the brand of ‘Kanye West,’ lightly. The change was made fully, legally, and permanently. This is who he is now. His name is Ye.”
Yiannopoulos demanded that the most visible companies follow the Chicago artist’s requests. The letter added, “He has on several occasions referred to it as his slave name. Ye is a black man in America who wants the right to full self-determination just like everyone else.”
It was rumoured that in 2021, the artist also considered changing his name to ‘Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West’. However, for now, the industry will have to refer to West as Ye.