Kanye West Wears, Showcases "White Lives Matter" Design At "YZYSZN9"

BY Erika Marie 6.5K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Celebrity Sightings - Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring/Summer 2023 - Day Seven
(Photo by Edward Berthelot/GC Images)
Hip Hop is debating this one, as some say he's trolling while others weren't kind.

If there is something Kanye West knows how to do, it is pull controversial moves that get the world talking. The Rap and Fashion icon has been at the forefront of debates and division in recent years as his business and political moves have stirred the pot. West's presidential run confused many, as did his takes on slavery and Harriet Tubman.

Despite it all, his popularity has only grown as he continued to push forward with several creative, sports, and educational avenues. Donda Academy is upon us, we've received two Donda records, and today (October 3), he debuted YZYSZN9 on Livestream.

The runway show in and of itself was a look that commanded the world's attention, but some people quickly pointed out that West's show featured garments that read, "White Lives Matter." The controversial phrase is a counter-activist take on the Black Lives Matter movement. West was also seen wearing a shirt of the same design.

The apparel appeared in black and white versions with large, bold prints of the words. This, of course, has caused quite a few conversations, especially in Hip Hop and politics. It is unclear what his motivation was behind the design, but we're sure we'll all hear much more about it in the days to come.

Check out a few images and reactions below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.