What happens when one of the biggest names in music decides to stir up some controversy? Well, Kanye West certainly knows how to make headlines, and his recent appearance at Wynwood Marketplace was quite the shocking one. After the buzz of Art Basel Miami Beach, fans were in for a surprise when Ye took the stage for an album listening party.
But it wasn’t just the music that had people talking. Oh no, Kanye had something else up his sleeve – or rather, on his head. You won’t believe it, but he actually wore a black Ku Klux Klan hood during his performance of the title track from his upcoming joint project with Ty Dolla $ign, titled Vultures. And to make things even more horrific, his 10-year-old daughter North West was right there beside him!
Of course, Twitter exploded with confusion and frustration over this unexpected fashion statement. I mean, seriously, Kanye? You’re a Black man, and you choose to wear a symbol associated with hatred and racism? It left fans scratching their heads and wondering what on earth he was thinking.
This isn’t the first time Kanye has courted controversy with his fashion choices. Remember when he debuted his Yeezy Season 9 collection during Paris Fashion Week? Well, he rocked a long-sleeved shirt with “White Lives Matter” emblazoned on the back.
Now, we know that Kanye has always been one to push boundaries and challenge societal norms. But this latest stunt has left people divided. Some argue that he’s just being provocative and trying to make a statement about race, while others see it as nothing more than a tasteless and offensive fashion choice.
Just before multiple brands and organizations cut ties with the musician over his anti-Jewish rants, West was spotted wearing a “White Lives Matter” shirt during his YZY fashion show last year.
West and Ty Dolla $ign’s project—billed under the superduo name ¥$—will be released independently, given the former artist’s termination from Def Jam Recordings. The album is set to drop on Friday (Dec. 15, 2023).