Kanye West has legally changed his name to “Ye” and wants the music industry to use that name exclusively

Some people describe Kanye West as brilliant and genius, and others feel his antics are bizarre.

Still, regardless of how fans think about the musician, almost everything he does gets attention.

His latest comments on his preferred name choice and the reason for it are no exception. It was recently announced by Milo Yiannopoulos, West’s chief of staff, that the musician only wants to be called “Ye.”

“Ye is one of the most recognizable people in the world, on par with presidents and popes,” a letter from Yiannopoulos reads, per Page Six. “He didn’t take the decision to change his name, potentially sacrificing some of the immense value captured by the brand of ‘Kanye West,’ lightly. The change was made fully, legally, and permanently. This is who he is now. His name is Ye.”

Why Does Ye No Longer Want To Be Called Kanye West?

It is challenging for fans and industry professionals to adapt to this new change, but Ye wants the music industry to take it seriously. The letter details how “streaming platforms, publishers, stores, unions, lyrics websites, and data, resellers” need to start using his preferred name only. “He has on several occasions referred to it as his slave name,” the letter states. “Ye is a black man in America who wants the right to full self-determination just like everyone else.”

The Praise God rapper has changed his social media to “Ye,” and in October 2021, he took legal steps to change his name, which the Los Angeles Superior Court granted. At the time, his reasons were described as “personal,” per USA Today. “There being no objections, the petition for change of name is granted,” Judge Michelle Williams Court said.

Long before the musician was officially granted the change, he had been public about wanting to alter his legal name. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) in 2018, he wrote, “formally known as Kanye West … I am YE.” But West, or Ye, has made headlines for changing not just himself but also his partners.

How Has Kanye West Changed His Wife Bianca Censori?

In recent months, there has been much discussion about West’s wife, Bianca Censori, and her changing image. Her style has evolved, but sources close to her have also claimed that her personality and behavior have been altered.

A recent report claims Censori’s parents demanded she fly back to Australia with West so her father could have a serious discussion with them. “Kanye has been invited to go to Australia, and Bianca is hesitant to allow this to happen because she knows how her father will react,” a source told Daily Mail. “Her dad still plans to have a sit-down with Kanye, and Leo will not be intimidated by Kanye’s power or control. No one is expecting this to be all rainbows and family portraits.”

These are not the only accusations against the rapper. In October 2023, a Daily Mail source claimed he has “a set of rules for Bianca, which includes never speak and wear what he wants her to wear.” It was also claimed he determined her food choices and required her to work out regularly.