Kanye West has never been one to shy away from controversy, but his latest move against the fashion industry has set social media ablaze. On January 20, the multi-hyphenate artist and designer launched into a passionate Instagram tirade, accusing major corporations of exploiting his creative influence to bolster their own profits. The rant, which has since been deleted, sheds light on the ongoing tension between West and his former partners, particularly Adidas, as he prepares to launch his Yeezy women’s clothing line.
In the post, Kanye expressed frustration with what he perceives as corporations leveraging his platform while failing to honor his creative vision. “No corporations leveraging my platform,” the Chicago native declared. “Using me to get to get to us. Overcharging our community while ignoring my vision and direction.” For Kanye, it seems, this is not just business—it’s personal.
The Fallout With Adidas
One of Kanye’s most pointed criticisms was directed at Adidas, a company he famously parted ways with in 2022 following the backlash over antisemitic remarks. During his tenure with Adidas, Kanye’s Yeezy brand became one of the most successful collaborations in the fashion world. However, their partnership soured amid allegations that Adidas copied his designs, such as the highly popular Yeezy foam runners and slides. According to Kanye, Adidas halted production during the COVID-19 pandemic, only to later revive and repurpose his creations without his involvement.
“They were trying to play me,” Kanye asserted, alleging that his designs were taken and rebranded without proper acknowledgment. Despite being advised to reconsider leaving the brand, Kanye opted to sever ties and chart his own course, declaring that his creative vision is finally “coming to life.”
A “John Wick Vendetta”
In true Kanye fashion, his grievances were framed in dramatic terms, likening his quest for retribution to the titular character of the John Wick film series. Known for his unrelenting vengeance, Wick has become a pop culture symbol of fighting back against overwhelming odds—a comparison Kanye seemed to relish. Quoting lyrics from his song “Off The Grid,” Kanye declared, “I have a John Wick vendetta. Against every fashion company. As my fellow Gemini Tupac said, Die mutherf**ker Die. Now play off the grid.”
Kanye’s reference to Tupac Shakur further underscores his combative tone. Like Tupac, Kanye sees himself as a revolutionary figure fighting systemic exploitation, particularly within industries that profit heavily from Black creativity while failing to uplift the Black community. His accusations against Adidas echo broader conversations about cultural appropriation and exploitation in fashion, themes Kanye has repeatedly addressed throughout his career.
Fashion Revolution or Business Strategy?
The timing of Kanye’s explosive statements is no coincidence. With the launch of his Yeezy women’s line on the horizon, he is likely doubling down on his reputation as a disruptor in the fashion world. Over the years, Kanye has pushed boundaries with avant-garde designs and a visionary approach to branding. However, his public feuds and controversial statements often overshadow his creative work, leaving many to wonder whether his latest tirade is a genuine fight for justice or a calculated business strategy to drum up buzz for his new venture.
Regardless of intent, Kanye’s ability to dominate the cultural conversation remains unmatched. His feud with Adidas and other fashion giants highlights the complexities of navigating partnerships in an industry where creative control often clashes with corporate agendas.
The swag he has out right now.
Black Cosmopolitans, Kanye West is back in the headlines, and this time, it’s all about fashion. On January 21, Kanye revealed a sneak peek of his new Yeezy women’s line, leaving fans and critics buzzing. Inspired by the ultra-risqué looks of his wife, Bianca Censori, the teaser featured a bold black thong bodysuit with thin straps. True to Kanye’s dramatic flair, the announcement came with a warning: “For anyone in clothing that doesn’t work at Yeezy, be afraid. Be very afraid.” 
This isn’t just another fashion line; Kanye made it clear that his latest venture is deeply personal. He took to Instagram to vent frustrations about corporations “overcharging our community while ignoring my vision and direction.” Kanye declared he has a “John Wick vendetta” against fashion companies, positioning this new project as a rebellion against industry norms.
The design itself sparked intense reactions. Supporters called the line groundbreaking, with comments like “We’re soooooo back” and “Bianca’s clothing line boutta go crazy👀.” But not everyone is impressed. Critics flooded social media with quips about the bodysuit’s minimalist design. One user joked, “That’s a weird COVID mask,” while others dismissed it as impractical or unappealing.
Despite the controversy, Kanye’s ability to keep us talking is undeniable. His announcement came with no release date, keeping fans on edge for what’s next. Whether you’re here for the drama, the fashion, or simply the spectacle, one thing’s for sure—Kanye West knows how to command attention.
What’s Next for Kanye and Yeezy?
As Kanye prepares to launch his new women’s line, the fashion world is watching closely. Will this be the moment he reclaims his narrative and proves his detractors wrong? Or will his war against the fashion industry further polarize his audience? One thing is certain: Kanye West’s impact on fashion and pop culture is undeniable, and his unfiltered approach ensures that he’ll remain a topic of conversation for years to come.
