Kanye West is once again drawing attention — this time over what he wants people to call him. The rapper, now legally known as Ye, says he no longer wants anyone using what he calls his “slave name.”

A New Debate Around His Identity

Ye has been a constant presence in headlines for years, from his divorce from Kim Kardashian to his whirlwind relationships. Now, it’s his name that is sparking fresh discussion.

Fans and critics quickly reacted. Some said they respect anyone’s chosen name, even if they don’t agree with Ye’s behavior. Others argued that people misunderstand the meaning behind his decision.

His Team Pushes for Consistency

Ye’s chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, recently sent letters to media outlets and digital platforms demanding they stop using “Kanye West.” The message describes Ye as “one of the most recognizable people in the world” and says the name change was not taken lightly.

The letter also claims he may be sacrificing significant value associated with his former name, yet he wants full recognition of his new identity.

A Legally Approved Name

A Los Angeles judge approved Ye’s petition in 2021, eliminating both his first and middle names. Despite the legal change, many outlets still switch between Ye and Kanye, which Yiannopoulos wants to end.

Why He Chose the Name

Ye has said the word “ye” appears frequently in the Bible and represents “you” — symbolizing unity and shared humanity. He explained that his transformation reflects both his personal growth and his artistic message.

After teasing the change on social media in 2018, he summed it up simply: “I am YE.”