The Last Straw: Why We Have to Stop Defending Ye
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a Ye fan. Not just a casual listener—I’m talking about the type to dissect every bar, defend his creative choices, and stand firm in the belief that, despite his controversies, Kanye West was still one of the greatest artists of our time. I justified his antics as the price of genius. I brushed off his wild statements as misunderstood brilliance. I saw him as someone fighting against the industry, pushing boundaries, and redefining culture in ways no one else dared. But this? This is different.
Feduary 7th . Written by Ryan Packer
Over the years, Ye has tested even his most loyal fans. From the Trump endorsement to the antisemitic comments, the erratic social media rants, and the public feuds, I still tried to separate the art from the artist. But when he tweeted, "F*** Virgil," I felt something snap. That wasn’t just another outburst. That was pure disrespect.
The antisemitic remarks were already a breaking point for many. He doubled down on hate speech, spewing rhetoric that not only damaged his career but also emboldened dangerous ideologies. Watching him spiral into a place where he openly aligned with extremist views was horrifying. For years, fans and collaborators gave him grace, chalking up his words to mental health struggles or media manipulation. But at some point, accountability matters more than excuses. Words have power, and his words have been reckless, harmful, and completely indefensible.
Virgil Abloh wasn’t just a collaborator—he was someone I idolized. He was a pioneer, a visionary, and someone who changed the landscape of fashion forever. His journey from Chicago to the top of the luxury fashion world was nothing short of inspiring. He represented everything I admired—creativity, innovation, and breaking down barriers that weren’t meant to be crossed. His influence went beyond Off-White and Louis Vuitton; he shifted the culture. And the fact that Ye, after all these years, could reduce Virgil’s legacy to a petty insult? It’s beyond unacceptable. It’s disgusting.
And let’s be real—deep down, Ye wishes he had Virgil’s level of creativity. Virgil was effortlessly forward-thinking, someone who blended art, fashion, and culture in ways that felt fresh and exciting. Ye has always been chasing that, but lately, his work feels more like a desperate attempt to stay relevant rather than a true evolution of his artistry. His jealousy was obvious when Virgil took the helm at Louis Vuitton, and instead of celebrating his friend’s success, Ye let resentment consume him. That bitterness is still showing, even now.
It made me reevaluate everything I had been excusing. The brilliance of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, the innovation of Yeezus, the cultural impact of The College Dropout—they don’t erase the harm he’s causing now. It’s not just about the music anymore. It’s about a pattern of destruction, of betrayal, of unchecked ego and malice.
And let’s be real—his music and fashion have been on a downward spiral. The quality isn’t there anymore. His recent projects feel uninspired, lacking the depth and polish that made him a legend in the first place. The production, the lyrics, the vision—it all feels rushed and hollow. The same goes for his fashion. Yeezy was once a revolutionary brand, but now, it’s more of a meme than a movement. The designs have become lazy, the quality questionable, and the impact non-existent. Because at the end of the day, billions of dollars can’t unlame a lame.
Maybe it’s time Ye surrounded himself with real people instead of yes men. People who will hold him accountable, challenge his worst instincts, and push him toward self-reflection instead of self-destruction. Because right now, he’s spiraling down a path that only leads to more isolation, more resentment, and a complete loss of everything he once built. The people around him aren’t helping—they’re enabling. And as long as that continues, so will his downfall.
We have to stop defending him. Ye’s art shaped culture, but his actions have shattered any loyalty that remained. Some things aren’t defensible, and some lines, once crossed, make it impossible to return.
This was the last straw.
