Ye, formerly known as Kanye West
‘s recent actions have intensified scrutiny over his polarizing public persona. Following a series of inflammatory social media posts, including self-identifying with extremist ideologies, the artist faced severed partnerships with major agencies and platforms. His 2025 Grammy Awards appearance with wife Bianca Censori, marked by her revealing outfit, further fueled debates about propriety and influence. Amid mounting backlash, Ye’s latest creative endeavor, a remix of his chart-topping track ‘Carnival’ has ignited fresh controversy.
The rapper’s unconventional casting call for a hooligan choir included divisive requirements that left fans and critics stunned.
Ye’s hooligan choir casting call draws fury
Ye recently announced an open casting call via X
for male volunteers to join a choir for his ‘Vultures’ hit ‘Carnival’. The post, titled “THE HOOLIGANS
,” listed stringent eligibility criteria: participants must have a shaved head or agree to shave it, possess a skin tone darker than Sean Combs, and adhere to a specific body type. Most controversially, applicants are required to wear symbols associated with hate groups during performances.
The announcement specified auditions would occur in Los Angeles from March 15–19, dismissing digital submissions with a brash “F*** AN EMAIL ADDRESS.
” Fans criticized the requirements as discriminatory and inflammatory, with many accusing Ye of exploiting shock tactics. Social media erupted with debates over artistic freedom versus ethical responsibility, while advocacy groups condemned the normalization of harmful imagery.
Read More: “Kanye is back”- Fans Get Their Hopes Up For a Resurgence as Ye Reveals Another ‘Bully’ Snippet
As backlash mounted, Ye has dropped a surprise track featuring unexpected collaborators including his daughter North West.
Ye’s new track reveals tensions
Ye released ‘Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine’, a synth-driven track reportedly featuring Sean Combs, Combs’ son Christian King Combs, 11-year-old North West,
and vocalist Jasmine Williams. The song opens with a purported phone call between Ye and Combs, where the latter expressed gratitude for Ye’s support of his children. North’s rap verse and Williams’ soulful hook added emotional layers, but the release faced hurdles.
Reports from TMZ revealed Kim Kardashian
sought action to block the song’s distribution, citing concerns over North’s involvement. Despite this, Ye shared text exchanges reportedly showing his defiance. The track’s themes of loyalty and legacy contrasted sharply with its turbulent rollout, leaving audiences divided on whether it signaled redemption or further self-sabotage. As debates over Ye’s creative choices collide with mounting public criticism, the ‘Carnival’ remix saga and familial collaboration reveal an artist unyielding to norms, yet increasingly isolated in his defiance.
Read More: New X Poll Reveals ‘Vultures’ Is Least Favorite “new Kanye” Album of Ye, Bested By This Iconic One
What do you think about Ye’s choir casting demands? Is this artistic rebellion or a step too far? Share your thoughts in comments below!
