Love him or hate him, Kanye West is a bigger part of our lives than anyone would have ever expected. He rose on the scene as a music producer, producing hit songs for major artists like Jay-Z, and then launching into his own fame with his own rap career, with multiple hit songs and albums.
Although Kanye West’s music is its own subject for analysis and appreciation, he’s made a name for himself outside of his music. In fact, many people have an opinion about him without having ever heard one of his songs. That’s because he can’t seem to keep himself out of controversy.
Some may remember him saying “Bush doesn’t care about black people,” on live TV during Hurricane Katrina. Or it might be when he interrupted Taylor Swift’s award acceptance speech. Now Mr. West has made headlines once again, this time for finally appearing after the announcement of his divorce.
Rumors of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's divorce have circulated for years now, usually prompted by one of his outbursts, but it appears that this time it is for real. Kim Kardashian has recently filed for divorce from Kanye West as of last week. Many have wondered what Kanye has been up to since the divorce, and now we know. He was recently seen for the first time without his wedding ring while in Los Angeles visiting his Yeezy Academy.
He was seen with his youngest son, Psalm, who is only one years old, as well as bodyguards. He was seen in a blue sweatshirt and sweatpants, as well as jogging shoes. While this might sound like a depression outfit, this is nothing new for Kanye West who is usually found in monochromatic looks.
This newest picture is especially interesting because as of last week, he had been spotted wearing his wedding ring. This makes certain that none of these speculations are solely rumors. It’s been discussed since January that they would be splitting up, even inciting rumors that it was over an affair with Jeffrey Star. Kim was last seen listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s song “Drivers License.” The couple has had issues stemming from his bipolar disorder, and of course his famous presidential run. Apparently that was the breaking point for their relationship. Kim has now hired Laura Wasser, a famous divorce attorney for the stars.
The couple has four kids total, including Pasalm, North, 7, 3-year-old Chicago, and five-year-old Saint. With the Keeping up with the Kardashians show coming to an end, it’s unlikely we’ll see any of the fallout on air.
Kanye West has had a strange couple of years, if not decades. His discography itself acts as a historical document tracking his falling psyche. 2016’s The Life of Pablo was coated with an erratic energy akin to a snake writhing between crags to shed its skin. The follow up, Ye, felt like his id making its last attempt at holding onto itself. Jesus King showed a complete metamorphosis that we all experienced as he came out as a devout Christian.
For those who have been fans of Kanye West for a long time, this isn’t a complete surprise. Religion and Christianity has always been a part of his music and persona, naturally at odds with the rap lifestyle he found such a comfortable home in. Now without a home, without a family, what will this next album say of him?
