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Los Angeles, CA — Kanye West’s recent DJ set at his Vultures 2 album release party has stirred controversy after he prominently played tracks by Diddy and R. Kelly, despite their respective legal troubles. The event, held on August 11, 2024, featured Kanye taking control of the music, mixing an eclectic array of songs from the likes of Prince, Eurythmics, and The Eagles.
The most notable aspect of the set was Kanye’s decision to play consecutive tracks from Diddy and R. Kelly. Producer Mike Hector, who attended the event, tweeted about Kanye’s selection, highlighting the provocative choice. Hector's tweet, "I’m at this party and Kanye DJing. He played 2 Diddy songs and then a R. Kelly song right after. This n-gga do not give a fuck," sparked significant attention.
Kanye has previously referenced both Diddy and R. Kelly in his music. His hit "Carnival" from the Vultures 1 album includes the lines, "Now I’m Ye-Kelly, bitch, now, I’m Bill Cosby, bitch / Now, I’m Puff Daddy rich, that’s #MeToo me rich.” Despite his past collaborations with R. Kelly and controversial comments defending accused individuals like Kelly and Michael Jackson, Kanye’s recent actions seem to underscore his ongoing disregard for public sentiment regarding these figures.
Kanye’s relationship with Diddy has been rocky in recent years, particularly following accusations from Kanye about Diddy being a "fed" and other public disputes. This DJ set appears to further complicate their relationship.
The party and Kanye’s music choices have reignited debates about the separation of art from the artist, a theme Kanye has addressed in the past. In a 2019 Sunday Service performance, he controversially suggested that the criticism of artists with problematic histories was akin to removing all art from museums.
As Kanye West continues to navigate his complex public persona and relationships, his latest DJ set serves as a reminder of his unpredictable nature and willingness to challenge societal norms.
