August 23, 2024 - Seoul, South Korea - Kanye West made waves at the Goyang Stadium in Seoul during his 'Vultures 2' listening experience alongside Ty Dolla $ign. The sold-out event, which supports their latest collaborative album, saw Ye extend an olive branch to Drake while also reigniting his feud with Adidas.
Kanye West’s Performance Highlights
Kanye's entrance was nothing short of grand, arriving on horseback to a packed stadium. During the performance, Ye surprised fans by dedicating his classic track "I Wonder" to Drake, signaling a potential reconciliation with the Toronto rapper. This public gesture is noteworthy given their tumultuous history, which has seen the two rap titans exchange disses and reconcile multiple times over the years.
In a move that contrasted his goodwill towards Drake, Kanye doubled down on his disdain for Adidas. He led the South Korean crowd in a "fuck Adidas" chant, further cementing his ongoing battle with the sportswear giant. This chant comes after months of tension between Kanye and Adidas, following the termination of their lucrative Yeezy partnership in 2022 due to Kanye’s controversial comments.
New Music Debut and Classic Hits
During the show, Kanye also debuted a new song titled "Bomb," featuring rising rapper Yuno Miles and his daughter North West. The track’s inclusion in future projects remains uncertain, but it reflects Kanye's ongoing experimentation and collaboration with emerging artists. Yuno Miles expressed his gratitude towards Kanye on social media, further highlighting the significance of this collaboration for his career.
In addition to performing tracks from the 'Vultures' series, Kanye revisited several of his classic hits, including "Through the Wire," "Touch the Sky," and "Runaway." These performances reminded fans of Kanye’s deep catalog and his enduring influence on the hip-hop industry.
Kanye West and Drake's Complicated History
Kanye's relationship with Drake has been one of the most complex in modern hip-hop. Despite their past collaborations, the two have frequently found themselves at odds. Kanye's shoutout to Drake during the Seoul show contrasts sharply with his previous jabs, such as the verse on the remix of "Like That" earlier this year, where he criticized Drake.
Their rivalry reached a peak in 2021 during the release of their respective albums, Donda and Certified Lover Boy. The feud escalated to the point where Kanye doxxed Drake by posting his home address online. However, the two later reconciled and performed together at the "Free Larry Hoover" benefit concert in Los Angeles, though rumors have persisted that Drake's participation was more of a favor to Rap-A-Lot Records mogul J. Prince than a genuine reconciliation.
Kanye’s Longstanding Feud with Adidas
Kanye's public disdain for Adidas has been ongoing, with accusations ranging from intellectual property theft to legal disputes. In recent months, Kanye has claimed that Adidas has been conspiring against him and potential collaborators. His feud with the brand was palpable during the Seoul show, as he encouraged fans to join him in his "fuck Adidas" chant.
This animosity was also evident in the lyrics of "My Soul," a track from Vultures 2, where Kanye raps, "We mass targeted, mass marketed / Mass incarceration, mass in police stations / Mass incorporated, fuck Adidas." The lyrics reflect Kanye's broader critique of corporate influence and his personal grievances with the brand.
The Future of Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s Vultures Series
As Kanye and Ty Dolla $ign continue to develop the 'Vultures' series, fans are eager to see how the music will evolve. The debut of "Bomb" during the Seoul show hints at more surprises to come, with potential additions to Vultures 2Â or the anticipated Vultures 3Â album. Kanye's willingness to experiment with new sounds and collaborators keeps the series fresh and unpredictable.
Conclusion
Kanye West's performance in Seoul was a testament to his enduring influence in the music industry and his ability to stir controversy. Whether it’s showing love to Drake or reigniting his feud with Adidas, Kanye remains a polarizing figure whose actions resonate far beyond the stage. As he continues to push boundaries with the 'Vultures' series, fans and critics alike are left wondering what his next move will be.
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