Kanye West legally changed his name to ‘Ye’ back in 2021, and he is now insisting the public comply with that identity switch.
A letter written by political commentator and Yeezy chief of staff Milo Yiannopolous last month began making the rounds online on Saturday (March 23), once it was spotted by TMZ. In it, the controversial British figure made it clear that his boss has disowned his previous name.
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“Ye is one of the most recognizable people in the world, on par with presidents and popes,” the note began. “He didn’t take the decision to change his name, potentially sacrificing some of the immense value captured by the brand ‘Kanye West,’ lightly. The change was made fully, legally, and permanently. This is who he is now. His name is Ye.
“We are reaching out to streaming platforms, publishers, stores, unions, lyrics websites and data resellers. This change will happen everywhere. Your platform has been identified as one of the most visible places this change may occur, and we passionately hope you will be able to fully and properly reflect the new name and identity of such an enormously influential and historic figure.”
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It continued: “He has on several occasions referred to it as his slave name. Ye is a black man in America who wants the right to full self-determination just like everyone else.
“My colleagues and I are reaching out at his urging and hope you can assist in this effort by bringing any and all instances of his name into line on your services.”
Kanye West’s team sends letter about name change: "This is who he is now" pic.twitter.com/9LiXKHzhxs
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) March 23, 2024
In a similar spirit, the “Flashing Lights” hitmaker took to social media last month to share a screenshot of a DM exchange with internet personality Justin Laboy, revealing his intentions to change his Instagram handle.
In the snap, he wrote: “I’m closing my Kanye West Instagram account. My name is Ye. No brand or numbers gonna force me to call myself what they want me to still be.”
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The 46-year-old captioned it: “Name being changed to Ye on insta shortly.”
The post originally had a longer caption, but was later shortened.
It initially read: “Somebody has Ye as an account I would like to have my name so I can change my account to my legal name Nobody finna bully nothing Not no promoters Not no DSPs I don’t care My name is Ye now You call me Kanye West then you calling me out of my name.”
In a second post, he shared a screenshot of a text-message exchange between himself, Laboy and an unknown contact.
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In it, Laboy wrote: “Instagram has approved […] They just got into the office and called immediately.”
In a second text, he added: “Waiting on info they need to make it happen today.”
