Drink Champs created history when the podcast turned REVOLT show ran by N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN was able to book the artist formerly known as Kanye West. Ye didn’t fail to deliver when it comes to his consistent stance on everything from politics to Drake. Although he attempted to be diplomatic and maintain a balance, there were some clear grievances he shared.
In the midst of his moment of honesty, which will clearly be taken as pettiness, the music producer had time to share some of his big visions for the future and plans for society, such as completing epcot-style housing and an unconventional school for an egalitarian community. The proud Gemini fulfilled the traits of the sign minute by minute as he claimed that “this interview is going to get [him] killed.” We certainly hope not, because even though he is easily misunderstood, his intentions seem good. Here are five things we learned about Mr. West from the epic and entertaining Drink Champs interview.
5. The Only Ways Ye Will Go On ‘Verzuz’ Is…
In order to do the popular celebrity battle event Verzuz, Ye said that he would need at least four people in the ring to go against him. The collection of contenders would have to include producers, artists with good albums, artists with radio hits, and Geminis that are MCs. Whew! N.O.R.E. pressed the issue even further and asked Ye who does he think the people would want to see “Day One Ye” battle. Of course, Ye responded Drake, to which N.O.R.E. agreed and added JAY-Z. Ye followed by saying he would never do a Verzuz with JAY because the Roc Nation owner is his “boss.” Another way to get the platinum-selling artist on Verzuz is to let him battle himself — old Kanye West versus new Ye. Doesn’t sound like a bad idea.
4. Ye Has Continuously Faced White Supremacy In The Industry
When it comes to his upward bound journey in the entertainment industry, Ye has more than a few grievances and most of it stems from his constant exposure to white supremacy. Everyone remembers the debacle when a drunk West ran up on an award stage midway through Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech to proclaim Beyonce’s greatness. However, Ye explains that he was already frustrated with the powers that be who never seem to recognize the artistry of Black musicians.
Believe it or not, Watch the Throne and My Dark Twisted Fantasy, two impeccable albums that he released in the same year, did not receive any nods for album of the year — something Ye believes was done with intention. Ye went on to say how the pocket-counting publication Forbes was dismissive of the “Jesus Walks” star as they continued to turn a blind eye to his billionaire status while almost taunting him with more press on Kylie Jenner’s accolade of becoming a billionaire.
3. He Prefers Black Future Month Over Black History Month
With all the shocking things that Ye has said since the inception of his polarizing career, this one should not be a surprise. Ye is against having a Black History Month. In fact, he thinks it’s a hinderance to the Black community. In his mind, the February homage perpetuates a mindset on Black people that won’t allow the community to progress past their history.
“This is here to remind you of who they want us to be, not who we really are,” said Ye. “We are not immune from who we influenced by.”
2. Ye Explains The Smoke With Drake In His Own Unique Way
The smoke that Ye has with Drake runs deep. In fact, it’s so deep that Ye had to address it in bits and pieces throughout the two-hour interview. What it all comes down to is that Ye claims that Drake was throwing shots at him throughout his music — hit singles, at that. The two major things that Drake allegedly did was pretend like he had an affair with Kim and threaten to take out Ye’s life. At one point, Ye emphasized that he “loves Drake” and even gave him props for making rap music “accessible.” Then, he followed up by challenging major entities, such as Universal Music Group’s CEO Lucian Grainge and Disney. He also denies being the first to leak Drake’s home address, and said that the “Way 2 Sexy” rapper basically did it himself when he bragged on it and made it “Googleable.”
“Sicko Mode, they would play it at the kid’s party. So, I have to bring my kids to a party where this man threatening my life on a song. Welcome to Calabasas. And then they wonder why you end up in the hospital. It has to be some type of respect.” — Ye
Ye’s position on most of his enemies followed the same pattern. He even said that signing Big Sean was one of his worst decisions and spoke about Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith, who is a close associate of JAY-Z’s, for bringing him bad vibes. Others he took slight shots at included producer Just Blaze, who he called a copycat, designer Virgil Abloh, and Kim K.’s publicist and nannies. But, then would attempt to lighten up the room by saying in so many words that he didn’t mean any harm.
Bottomline, he loves Drake and the smoke was just a misunderstanding.
Watch the Entire Drink Champs Interview with Ye HERE
1. Ye Still Calls Kim K. His Wife
Although Kim Kardashian appears to have moved on to comedian Pete Davidson, Ye still refers to her as his wife. At the 34:02 mark of the interview, Ye first refers to Kim as his wife when he says, “My wife, because she’s still my wife because there ain’t no paperwork.”
West believes that there are certain parties that are interfering with him being with his family, and it involves Kim’s publicist and even, SNL.
He continues at the 1:18:47 mark of the interview, “SNL making my wife say I divorced him on TV because they just wanted to get that bar off and I ain’t never see the papers. We haven’t divorced. So, how we — ’cause that ain’t no joke to me. My kids want their parents to stay together. I want us to be together.”
No paperwork? Interesting.
Are You Not Entertained?
West is a marketing genius when it comes to getting the attention of the public. The very “meme-able” entertainer knows how to press buttons and spark conversation. With that said, he also says things that makes you think. To totally ignore the issues that he addresses by calling him “crazy” or “bipolar” is just a deflection and tactic to ignore very serious topics. So, amid all the chatty pattiness or “tea” that Ye serves, it’s worth the time to hear what he’s really saying.
