'Rolling Stone' Investigation Reveals YEEZY Staffers' Damning Allegations Against Ye

From being “fired for liking Drake” to claiming Ye said his inspiration for YZYSZN9 came from “Skinheads and Nazis.”

Fashion
56.1K 55   Comments
Prefer Hypebeast on Google
Save

Ye, the artist formally known as Kanye West, has had a tumultuous life in the press as of late. Following his controversial and ill-fated YZYSZN9 show that caused an uprising around his “White Lives Matter” statement and Candace Owens co-sign, the rapper-turned-fashion mogul saw his partnership with adidas officially terminated, his collection under YEEZY GAP revoked, and his billionaire status removed.

Now, Rolling Stone has investigated the inner workings of YEEZY, and the revelations are uncomfortable, to say the least.

“Skinheads and Nazis were his greatest inspiration,” one tells RS, explaining Ye’s creative process when designing the YZYSZN9 collection. A former senior Adidas executive that worked with YEEZY corroborates this, saying this kind of rhetoric had been heard before — something that has been previously reported by CNN, which stated sources confirmed Ye’s “obsession” with Hitler. “He would praise Hitler by saying how incredible it was that he was able to accumulate so much power and would talk about all the great things he and the Nazi Party achieved for the German people,” the CNN statement read.

The same member of staff that commented about “skinheads” explained how they didn’t rise to Ye’s claim initially. “It’s a point of inspiration for him because I think there’s so much pain that comes from that place, especially for Black people… The minute he turns it around, uses it, [and] puts himself in a position of making money off of it, I feel like he does something to it — he takes ownership over it.”

RS‘ sources also claim that, aside from Ye’s troubling views, the YEEZY working environment was also “a cult-like atmosphere where sycophancy thrived.” One adidas YEEZY designer said that “his anger at us in everyday interactions was just inappropriate, and honestly an HR nightmare,” and an adidas YEEZY senior member corroborates this, adding “how he is on social media is exactly how he’s like with employees.”

Aside from working environments and problematic opinions, the article goes on to outline what many YEEZY employees thought of Ye’s work when it comes to fashion design.

As a contractor tells RS, “I never understood his vision nor found it relevant; he lacked holistic vision and education in terms of apparel, design, and construction.” However, a semblance of understanding was threaded throughout the article, with others noting, “I think he doesn’t trust himself… The designers would gossip. With music, he’s so sure-footed, but with design, it wasn’t the same. He loves it; he wants to do it. It was like second-guessing [himself] because he’s entering a world he’s not formally trained [in].”

The article concludes with one final comment from a senior member of the adidas YEEZY team, who said, “nothing has ever compared to the amount of chaos, the amount of stress and [the amount of] anxiety you go through working for YEEZY.”

Head to Rolling Stone to read more.

For more on this, take a read of adidas: Life After YEEZY by Hypebeast.

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Ye Reveals Official Look at the YEEZY 800 "Stealth" Along With New Release Details
Footwear

Ye Reveals Official Look at the YEEZY 800 "Stealth" Along With New Release Details

The tactical silhouette introduces an all-black colorway with mesh underlays and angular paneling.

Ye Shares First Look at the YEEZY 800
Footwear

Ye Shares First Look at the YEEZY 800

His latest independent footwear model adopts a retro running design in an all-black colorway.

Ye Unveils Four Pastel Colorways for the Upcoming Yeezy 800
Footwear

Ye Unveils Four Pastel Colorways for the Upcoming Yeezy 800

The retro running silhouette expands beyond its initial monochromatic preview with vibrant new options.


Ye Announces 'Bully (Deluxe)' Release Date Alongside New Visuals
Music

Ye Announces 'Bully (Deluxe)' Release Date Alongside New Visuals

The multidisciplinary artist locks in a June release for the expanded version of his twelfth studio album.

KOZABURO Unveils Snow Peak Collab for FW22
Fashion

KOZABURO Unveils Snow Peak Collab for FW22

Featuring weather-proof footwear and outerwear.

Key Pieces from Honey Fucking Dijon and Tom of Finland's Capsule Collection
Fashion

Key Pieces from Honey Fucking Dijon and Tom of Finland's Capsule Collection

Engaging and eye-catching everyday pieces.

Y2K Brand Paul Frank Makes a Comeback Courtesy of MadeMe
Fashion

Y2K Brand Paul Frank Makes a Comeback Courtesy of MadeMe

Working together to produce baby tees, mohair sweaters, satchels and heaps of nostalgia.

Human Made Readies Vol.1 of its Season 24 Outdoor Collection
Fashion

Human Made Readies Vol.1 of its Season 24 Outdoor Collection

Featuring a range of padded goods.

Dover Street Market Opens New Store in Beijing
Fashion

Dover Street Market Opens New Store in Beijing

Featuring China’s first Supreme drop.

Take a Full Look at the Marc Jacobs x doublet Collection
Fashion

Take a Full Look at the Marc Jacobs x doublet Collection

Fueled by a mutual penchant for diversity, humor, and unique spirit.


Best New Tracks: Rihanna, Stormzy, Nas x Hit-Boy and More
Music

Best New Tracks: Rihanna, Stormzy, Nas x Hit-Boy and More

10 music projects to dive into this weekend.

Stone Island's 77FW FOOTWEAR PROGRAM Looks to U.K. Grime, Rock, and Football
Footwear

Stone Island's 77FW FOOTWEAR PROGRAM Looks to U.K. Grime, Rock, and Football

Delivering three silhouettes informed by the subcultures it’s a part of.

The Nike Dunk Low LX Receives a Black and Cream Suede Makeover
Footwear

The Nike Dunk Low LX Receives a Black and Cream Suede Makeover

Releasing in Spring 2023.

'Constantine 2' Director Gives Progress Update on Keanu Reeves Sequel
Entertainment

'Constantine 2' Director Gives Progress Update on Keanu Reeves Sequel

Revealing the script status and what to expect so far.

nendo Unveils New Logo Design for Tokyu Hands
Design

nendo Unveils New Logo Design for Tokyu Hands

The store now goes by its nickname HANDS.

Jameson and HOMECOMING’s New Documentary Highlights the Worldwide Creativity of the African Diaspora
Music

Jameson and HOMECOMING’s New Documentary Highlights the Worldwide Creativity of the African Diaspora

Heading to Lagos, Atlanta, and London while featuring the likes of Julie Adenuga, Izzy Bossy, and Pa Salieu.

More ▾