West knows better than anyone that a few decent beats to remind people of The Old Kanye are usually enough to replenish one’s goodwill, bleak as it may be. Of course, Kanye West was never really going to get canceled. If West has successfully pulled off anything this album cycle, it is managing expectations with all the shameless savvy of his in-laws, the Kardashians. Even “free-thinkers” know nothing really comes for free. Those who are obsessed with money assume goodwill can be bought.

And then, in keeping with his tradition of elaborate, immersive rollouts, he chartered private planes for 150 or so influencers to listen by Jackson Hole campfire to seven tracks he farted out to meet his arbitrarily self-imposed deadline. In the month leading up to ye, during which he and his team of producers and songwriters created the 24-minute album in its entirety, West proudly donned a Trump-autographed MAGA hat, sputtered that slavery seemed like a choice, and offered a steady stream of empty platitudes urging his followers to “stop thinking so much” and “google dopamine.” He was broadly considered “canceled,” a term we use because we at some point collectively decided to project our sociopolitical hopes and fears onto millionaires. It was there, in Jackson Hole-the most economically imbalanced city in America-where Kanye threw together his eighth album in the midst of a public unraveling that, in a society where celebrity wasn’t deified, would be the stuff that ends a career. We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil’s life.There is something about the crumbling of American civilization that makes you want to say “fuck it” and go full cowboy cue Kanye West and friends cosplaying Wyoming as a concept, living out a dude-ranch fantasy beneath the Tetons. He often said, “Everything I do is for the 17-year-old version of myself,” believing deeply in the power of art to inspire future generations. Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design. Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered. He chose to endure his battle privately since his diagnosis in 2019, undergoing numerous challenging treatments, all while helming several significant institutions that span fashion, art, and culture. For over two years, Virgil valiantly battled a rare, aggressive form of cancer, cardiac angiosarcoma. He is survived by his loving wife Shannon Abloh, his children Lowe Abloh and Grey Abloh, his sister Edwina Abloh, his parents Nee and Eunice Abloh, and numerous dear friends and colleagues.

'We are devastated to announce the passing of our beloved Virgil Abloh, a fiercely devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend.

Ye album cover