Kanye West demand 'Ye' as Preferred Name, Denounces Former

Kanye West’s chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, wrote a letter urging people to refer to the rapper as “Ye” instead of his former name.

Page Six obtained a letter that compared Ye’s fame to that of presidents and popes, highlighting his global recognition.

Milo Yiannopoulos speaking during a press conference in 2017. — The rapper’s chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, stated in a letter that West’s name change “was made fully, legally, and permanently.” Getty

The decision to adopt the name “Ye” was not taken lightly, with Yiannopoulos stressing that it was made legally and permanently.

A letter from Milo Yiannopoulos. — “He didn’t decide to change his name, potentially sacrificing some of the immense value captured by the brand of ‘Kanye West,’ lightly,” the letter read. Milo Yiannopoulos

He asserts, “This is who he is now. His name is Ye.” Yiannopoulos calls upon various entities, including streaming platforms, publishers, and stores, to update their records to reflect the change.

Kanye West at the 2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party — The British political commentator said the Grammy winner has referred to Kanye West “as his slave name.” AFP via Getty Images

Kanye West performing. — “Ye is a black man in America who wants the right to full self-determination just like everyone else,” the letter read.Getty Images

Highlighting Ye’s sentiments about his former name, the letter mentions that he has referred to it as his “slave name” on multiple occasions. Yiannopoulos underscores Ye’s desire for full self-determination, particularly as a black man in America.

This call for the name change comes more than two years after a Los Angeles judge approved West’s legal name change. West cited “personal reasons” for the alteration in court documents filed in August 2021.

West teased the transition to “Ye” after the release of his 2018 album “Ye.” He expressed his identity shift by proclaiming, “I am YE,” signalling a departure from his previous persona as Kanye West.

Kanye West in Paris. — In August 2021, West claimed in court documents that he was changing his moniker for “personal reasons.” Corbis via Getty Images

Kanye West walking. — In October 2021, an LA judge signed off on the “All of the Lights” rapper’s legal name change.GC Images

In an interview with Big Boy in June 2018, West elaborated on the significance of the name “ye,” noting its frequent occurrence in the Bible, where it means “you.” He explained that “Ye” symbolizes a collective identity, representing the entirety of humanity with its virtues and flaws.

This move to embrace the name “Ye” reflects West’s evolution as an artist and individual, capturing the essence of his introspective journey through his music and public persona.