Analysis
Kanye West talks about a wide variety of topics such as why people believe he is crazy, using AI on his next album, talking about
who won between Kendrick and Drake. The
previous interview they did together was before
Vultures 2 released.
Summary
Introduction and Personal Views
In this interview with Justin Laboy,
Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) discusses his connection to Japan, explaining his appreciation for the temples and respectful culture. He mentions that his wife believes he was an emperor in past lives. When asked about how he prioritizes his passions, Ye emphasizes that he puts his children first, followed by his own interests, and then considers the broader impact of his actions.
Music and Family
Ye discusses his daughter North West's musical training, noting that both his parents were professional teachers, making him "a natural teacher." He expresses his desire for North to become "the next frontier" and "hands down greatest" as he considers himself to be, comparing their legacy to royal lineages in Africa.
New Album "Bully"
Ye announces his upcoming album titled "Bully," explaining that the name was inspired by an incident involving his son Saint. He reveals plans to release the album in June on his daughter North's birthday. This would be his first solo project in three years since
"Donda". He describes the album as having a positive message where "every word matters, every bar matters," comparing its significance to Lauryn Hill's "Miseducation" and describing it as his own "miseducation" album.
Name Change
When discussing his legal name change from Kanye West to Ye, he explains that his friends have called him "Ye" since around 7th or 8th grade. He states that when people use "Ye," they tend to be more respectful compared to when they use "Kanye West" in headlines. He views this distinction as signifying a certain level of respect and appreciation for his artistic contributions.
Creative Process
Regarding his creative process for the "Bully" album compared to
"Vultures", Ye mentions collaborator Quentin Miller, praising his ability to write material that often requires no changes. He also notes he's "chopping up all the samples by hand" for the new album. Ye confirms that Mike Dean will be returning to work on "Bully," describing him as a key team member as Ye considers himself "a walking franchise."
Artificial Intelligence in Music
Ye draws parallels between contemporary views on AI and past reactions to autotune (referring to backlash to
808s & Heartbreak), sampling, and EDM, noting that there have always been musicians who resisted new technologies. He describes AI as the "next version of sampling" and demonstrates how AI allows producers to separate different elements of a song (vocals, bassline, drums) with ease. He emphasizes that despite resistance to new technologies, they ultimately become industry standards.
Experiences with Cancellation
Ye reflects on his experience being "cancelled," including having his accounts frozen. He describes it as "some Black Mirror episode" where "they wanted to do everything to prove to me that I didn't have a right to say anything out loud that went against people who own the media." He draws connections to current music industry controversies, discussing censorship and creative expression limits.
Mental Health and Diagnosis
In a significant revelation, Ye discusses his mental health, stating that he was previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder but later discovered he actually has autism. He explains this affects his tendency to fixate on specific ideas or positions, particularly when others tell him not to do something. He mentions no longer taking medication since learning about the autism diagnosis, noting the importance of finding treatments that don't impede his creativity.
Views on Drake and Kendrick Lamar
When asked about the rap battle between
Drake and
Kendrick Lamar, Ye acknowledges Kendrick's skill, stating "if you rap against Kendrick, you will lose." He compares it to fighting a character with an unbeatable move in Street Fighter. However, he suggests that Drake shouldn't be counted out, comparing him to Steph Curry who might "hit 200 points in one song."
Fashion and Personal Style
The interview includes discussions about Ye's fashion choices, including his Yeezy slides. He reflects on how wealth affects presentation, noting "when you got money you go in and try to prove you got money," but "when you're a billionaire you can dress super [casual]." This section includes anecdotes and comments about jewelry and personal style choices.The interview concludes with Ye referring to their conversation as their fifth interview together, declaring it "the best one" and describing it as "God level."*There may be errors on this page.