Kanye West Wears Black KKK Mask During ‘Vultures’ Listening Event, Featuring Ty Dolla Sign, Lil Baby, Offset, Chris Brown And More
Kanye West continues to generate headlines and stir controversy, this time at the unveiling of his collaborative album with Ty Dolla $ign. The dynamic duo, consisting of the Chicago rap icon and the California crooner, introduced their joint project, "Vultures," in a vibrant outdoor setting at Miami’s Wynwood Marketplace during the early hours of Tuesday morning (December 12). The electrifying event was also livestreamed, allowing fans worldwide to tune in.
In a moment that has become emblematic of Kanye's penchant for pushing boundaries, he took the stage adorned in a black KKK mask, a bold move that immediately drew attention. This pointed black mask, reminiscent of the one featured in his 2013 "Black Skinhead" music video from the Yeezus era, added another layer to his already controversial image.
KANYE WEST AT THE 'VULTURES' LISTENING PARTY pic.twitter.com/0ctvgAw6r3
— Kurrco (@Kurrco) December 12, 2023
This latest incident adds to Kanye West's history of provocative gestures, including wearing a White Lives Matter shirt in 2022 and making a series of inflammatory remarks that included antisemitic comments and statements sympathetic to Adolf Hitler.
Even the lyrics of his recent single, "Vultures," have not escaped scrutiny, as Jewish groups condemn alleged antisemitic undertones, notably a line that reads: "How I’m antisemitic? I just fucked a Jewish bitch."
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The star-studded event in Miami featured performances by Offset, Lil Durk, Chris Brown, Kodak Black, Freddie Gibbs, and a special appearance by West’s daughter, North. Playboi Carti, although slated to attend, was notably absent due to being fashionably late, according to Kanye.
The audience was treated to exclusive previews of several tracks from "Vultures," showcasing collaborations with Nicki Minaj “New Body”, Lil Baby and Charlie Wilson “Everybody,” which cleverly samples the "Backstreet Boys", Young Thug “River”, Freddie Gibbs “Back to Me”, and Kodak Black and Bad Bunny.
North West is going to be part of the song "Vultures" by Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign! 💿🔥
— WhatsOnRap (@whatsonrap) December 12, 2023
pic.twitter.com/bRWMYEYK0r
North West is going to be part of the song "Vultures" by Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign! 💿🔥
— WhatsOnRap (@whatsonrap) December 12, 2023
pic.twitter.com/bRWMYEYK0r
North West is going to be part of the song "Vultures" by Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign! 💿🔥
— WhatsOnRap (@whatsonrap) December 12, 2023
pic.twitter.com/bRWMYEYK0r
— Big 🐰 (@FreddieGibbs) December 12, 2023
Ye, Young Thug & Ty Dolla Sign
— Donda Times (@dondatimes) December 12, 2023
"RIVER" pic.twitter.com/624nrQA2zE
YE, NICKI MINAJ, TY DOLLA SIGN
— Donda Times (@dondatimes) December 12, 2023
NEW BODY pic.twitter.com/7496ihIzUC
In an unexpected twist, Kanye introduced his first-ever musical collaboration with his 10-year-old daughter North, who delivered an impressive performance. The track also featured vocals from James Blake, signaling a potential separate album collaboration in the works.
Despite the star-studded affair, the live stream faced delays and technical challenges, with Kanye resorting to playing the album through an aux cord connected to his phone, adding an impromptu touch to the already unpredictable event.
Post-event, a countdown appeared on Kanye’s Yeezy website, possibly indicating the imminent release of the album. The timer is set to conclude at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST on Tuesday (December 12), leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Kanye West's musical journey.