Kanye West, known for his polarizing actions and statements, has demanded that people stop using what he refers to as his “slave name” and instead address him by his legal name, Ye.
A Controversial Request
The rapper, who is no stranger to headlines, has once again sparked widespread conversation, this time over his name. Known for high-profile moments ranging from his split with Kim Kardashian to his whirlwind relationships with Julia Fox and current “wife” Bianca Censori, Ye’s latest demand is causing a stir online.
West’s chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, issued a formal letter to emphasize the importance of addressing him by his legal name. In the letter, obtained by Page Six, West is described as “one of the most recognizable figures globally, on par with presidents and popes.” The letter also highlights that the decision to change his name was not made lightly, noting that Ye could be “sacrificing the immense value associated with the name Kanye West.”
The Legal Name Change
In 2021, Ye legally changed his name to the single mononym. As reported by TMZ, a Los Angeles court approved the petition, eliminating his middle name and surname altogether. Despite this legal change, the media and various platforms continue to use his former name interchangeably.
Yiannopoulos is now urging streaming platforms, publishers, and other major outlets to consistently use “Ye” when referring to the artist. He is working with lyrics websites, unions, and data resellers to ensure that the name change is universally recognized, claiming these are “some of the most visible places” where Ye’s name is misused.
Ye’s Perspective
The artist has shared his reasoning behind the name change in interviews. Speaking with BigBoyTV, Ye explained: “I believe ‘ye’ is the most commonly used word in the Bible, and in the Bible, it means you. So I’m you, I’m us, it’s us.”
He elaborated further, stating that his name’s evolution symbolizes a journey of self-reflection: “It went from Kanye, which means ‘the only one,’ to just Ye – representing the good, the bad, the confused, everything.”
Fan Reactions
The response to Ye’s insistence on being called by his legal name has been mixed. While some respect his wishes, others remain critical.
One fan commented: “I respect what people want to be called, whether it’s their name or pronouns, but I still can’t get behind some of his antics.”
Another supporter wrote, “I’m sad that people don’t understand what he’s trying to convey.”
A Symbolic Change
Ye’s name change was foreshadowed in 2018 with the release of his self-titled album, Ye. Around the same time, he tweeted: “I am the being formally known as Kanye West. I am YE.”
Despite the legal recognition of his new name, Ye’s battle to have it universally acknowledged underscores his desire to fully embrace this symbolic shift, leaving the name Kanye West in the past.