The infamous music artist Kanye West, also known as Ye, has made a name for himself recently on the internet with his series of antisemitic posts, references to fascist dictators and overall insensitive behavior. Ye fans all over the world have one question on their minds: “What happened to the guy who made ‘Graduation?’”
The downfall of Ye began in October 2022 at Paris Fashion Week. Ye appeared in a ‘White Lives Matter’ t-shirt, causing outrage among hip-hop fans, political activists and most of his diehard fans who noticed this new look. Instead of reflecting upon his decision or apologizing, Ye doubled down a week later, with a multi-day tirade on Twitter, attacking many celebrities and ending his spiel with what most felt was a threat to Jewish communities. These comments led to his ban on multiple social media platforms.
The next milestone in his downfall is his YE24 campaign, which was when Ye announced he planned to run for president in 2024. Many speculated this was not truly going to happen, but the doubts did not stop Ye from creating merchandise and campaign advertisements on social media to promote his campaign. YE2024 was shortly overshadowed by what some believe to be the beginning of the end for Ye. Ye made an appearance on Alex Jones’ podcast where he praised Adolf Hitler. These comments led to him losing many brand deals and eventually reaching what most thought would be rock bottom.
Ye faltered on and off the face of social media for months with intermittent online rants about various minority groups or the justification of his antisemitic actions. Occasionally an album or song would be dropped, most of which fans did not like as after the downfall began his music started to sound different with new vocals and beats. As of late, Ye has made some of his biggest mistakes.
In 2024, Ye was rumored to have begun recreationally using nitrous oxide, which led a stir of worried fans and medical professionals to raise concerns in regard to his health. Ye paid no mind to these warnings and did what he does best: be himself. He continued to act controversially, most recently advertising his website in a Superbowl ad. Once viewers reached his website they were prompted to purchase a t-shirt with a Nazi hate symbol on it.
The future of Ye is yet to be decided but the outlook is not so good right now. There has not been any word of him turning back on his current ways and going back to the same Ye who created the masterpiece “Graduation.” Ye fans spiral every time he posts another tweet or Instagram post, fearing it may be a new level of hate for minorities not before seen. Ye is a skilled lyricist and producer yet his reputation truly precedes him. All there is to do is hope one day he changes his ways, but for now all we can do is ask the question ‘Is Ye okay?’
