Kanye West made headlines once again during a dynamic performance in Seoul, South Korea, on August 23rd, where he managed to surprise the audience with a shoutout to Drake, while also taking aim at Adidas. The Chicago rapper was performing alongside Ty Dolla $ign at Goyang Stadium as part of their highly anticipated Vultures 2 listening experience, and the show was packed with memorable moments.
Kanye kicked off the sold-out concert with a dramatic entrance, riding a horse onto the stage, immediately captivating the audience. But it was his words, rather than his entrance, that left a lasting impression. As he prepared to perform his hit song “I Wonder” from the 2007 album Graduation, Kanye took a moment to acknowledge his complicated relationship with fellow rapper Drake. “This one for Drake,” Kanye announced, dedicating the song to the Toronto rapper. The gesture was unexpected, considering the long history of tension between the two artists.
Kanye’s feud with Adidas has been well-documented, with the rapper accusing the company of stealing his ideas and plotting against him. These feelings were echoed in one of his latest tracks, “My Soul,” from the upcoming Vultures 2 album. In the song,
Kanye raps, “We mass targeted, mass marketed / Mass incarceration, mass in police stations / Mass incorporated, f**k Adidas.”
However, Kanye didn’t let the moment pass without expressing his ongoing frustrations with Adidas, a company he has had a tumultuous relationship with. At one point during the performance, Kanye led the crowd in a chant of “f**k Adidas,” making it abundantly clear that he still harbors resentment toward the sportswear giant. This animosity stems from the fallout of their Yeezy partnership, which ended in 2022 following Kanye’s controversial antisemitic remarks.
Despite the tension, the concert wasn’t all about grievances. Kanye also used the stage to debut a new track titled “Bomb,” which features rising rapper Yuno Miles and his daughter, North West. While it remains unclear whether this track will be part of the Vultures 2 album or saved for a future project, fans were thrilled to get a taste of what Kanye has been working on.
In addition to new material, Kanye treated the audience to several of his classic hits, including “Through the Wire,” “Touch the Sky,” “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” “Runaway,” and “Black Skinhead.” He kept the energy high, frequently urging his DJ to move quickly between tracks, keeping the crowd on their toes.
Kanye’s relationship with Drake has long been a subject of speculation. The two rappers have had a rocky history, with their rivalry reaching new heights in 2021. However, the tension appeared to ease after they shared the stage at the “Free Larry Hoover” benefit concert later that year. Kanye later suggested that their performance together was more about supporting J. Prince than reconciling with Drake.
As the concert came to a close, it was clear that Kanye had once again left his mark. His ability to blend personal grievances with powerful performances continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Kanye West’s performance in Seoul was a reminder of his unpredictable nature and his ability to command attention both on and off the stage. With new music on the horizon and unresolved feuds still simmering, it’s clear that Kanye will continue to be a dominant force in the music industry.
