The Early Years of Their Friendship
Kanye and Jay-Z’s relationship began in the early 2000s when Kanye, as a talented producer, helped revitalize Jay-Z’s career with his production on the album The Blueprint. Their collaboration on this album marked the start of a successful partnership, and Kanye was soon signed to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records. Despite Kanye’s success as a producer, he struggled to secure a solo rap career, as his style didn’t fit the dominant “gangsta” image that was mainstream in hip-hop at the time.
However, Jay-Z was initially reluctant to sign Kanye as a rapper. It was only after Roc-A-Fella co-founder Dame Dash convinced him that they signed Kanye in 2002. With their collaboration, they released the critically acclaimed album Watch the Throne in 2011, which solidified their bond and cemented their place in hip-hop history.
The Strain Begins
However, as the years went on, the friendship began to fray. Kanye’s personal life, particularly the tragic death of his mother, Donda, and his increasing isolation, caused tension between him and Jay-Z. At the same time, Kanye’s growing fame and relationship with Kim Kardashian seemed to distance him from Jay-Z and his wife, Beyoncé.
One of the key moments that revealed the cracks in their friendship occurred in 2014, when Jay-Z and Beyoncé skipped Kanye and Kim’s wedding in Italy. This was a turning point for Kanye, who felt hurt by their absence and accused Jay-Z and Beyoncé of not being there for him during a time of personal significance.
The Alleged Control and Tension
Kanye’s recent revelations shed light on how Jay-Z’s behavior began to feel more controlling. Kanye revealed that he felt Jay-Z was trying to keep him under control, especially with regard to his career and decisions. Kanye’s success, particularly in the fashion industry and his outspoken nature, might have threatened Jay-Z, who is known for his business acumen and carefully curated public image.
In a candid interview, Kanye spoke about how Jay-Z was never truly a “friend” but more of a figure who sought to control him. He implied that Jay-Z used his influence and resources to make Kanye feel indebted to him. Kanye mentioned that Jay-Z was “controlling” his moves in ways that limited his ability to make independent decisions in the industry, and he believed that Jay-Z felt threatened by Kanye’s increasing power and influence.
The $20 Million Loan Controversy
One of the most significant moments that led to the unraveling of their friendship was the fallout over the $20 million loan Kanye claimed Jay-Z provided him. In an interview, Kanye clarified that Jay-Z did not give him the money out of his own pocket, but rather as part of a business deal involving touring. However, Kanye felt that Jay-Z used this as a means of exerting control, expecting Kanye to feel a sense of obligation and loyalty for the money provided, even if it wasn’t a personal gift.
Kanye expressed his frustration, saying that Jay-Z’s approach was not about helping him but rather about manipulating him, forcing him to remain under his thumb. Kanye explained that he didn’t want to owe anyone anything and resented the idea that Jay-Z was using the money to control him.
The Final Straw
The tension between Kanye and Jay-Z escalated when Kanye publicly criticized Jay-Z and Beyoncé during his 2016 Saint Pablo tour. He claimed that Beyoncé used her power at the MTV Video Music Awards to secure a win over his and Drake’s music video, accusing her of blackmailing the VMAs to get the award. He also called out Jay-Z for not offering him support when Kim Kardashian was robbed in Paris that year. This public outburst marked a definitive break in their relationship, with Kanye’s fans accusing Jay-Z of using him for his own benefit.
Jay-Z’s response came through his 2017 album 4:44, in which he addressed the fallout on the track “Kill Jay-Z.” He accused Kanye of backstabbing him and spoke about how Kanye’s actions hurt their friendship, calling it a betrayal.
Kanye’s Reflections on Loyalty and Control
In his interviews, Kanye has reflected on how he felt controlled by Jay-Z, particularly in regard to the business side of their relationship. Kanye explained that he is a deeply emotional and loyal person, which made him feel even more trapped by the way Jay-Z tried to manipulate their friendship. He believed that Jay-Z’s attempts to control him were not about support but about maintaining power in their shared industry.
Kanye’s frustrations were not just about money or business; they were about control over his life and career. Kanye’s artistic independence and outspoken nature made him unwilling to follow the traditional paths Jay-Z seemed to set out for him.
Moving Forward
Despite their bitter fallout, Kanye and Jay-Z have occasionally hinted at a potential reconciliation. In 2019, they were seen together at P. Diddy’s 50th birthday celebration, and in 2021, Jay-Z contributed to Kanye’s Donda album, sparking hope among fans that the two might be mending their relationship. However, Kanye’s outspoken criticism of the entertainment industry and his claims that Jay-Z and Beyoncé are controlled by “Hollywood elites” have only deepened the divide.
Whether or not Kanye and Jay-Z ever fully repair their bond remains to be seen, but Kanye’s revelations paint a picture of a friendship marked by power struggles, manipulation, and conflicting desires for independence.
