Kanye West, the artist formerly known as Kanye Omari West and then simply as "Ye," is reportedly making headlines again, this time for a potential name change to "Ye Ye." According to recent business filings in California, the rapper's official name may now be "Ye Ye." While West has yet to make a public announcement or confirm the change himself, the documents, filed by his chief financial officer, Hussain Lalani, have already sent the internet into a frenzy.
This wouldn't be the first time the controversial artist has altered his moniker. In 2018, he initially announced his desire to be known as "Ye," explaining that it was the most commonly used word in the Bible and meant "you." He legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, a move that was widely publicized and seen as a significant rebranding effort. Now, less than five years later, the possibility of another shift has sparked a range of reactions online, with many finding the situation ripe for jokes and memes.
The business filings list "Ye Ye" as the name associated with several of West's ventures, including Yeezy Apparel, Yeezy Record Label LLC, and Getting Out Our Dreams Inc. This suggests that, at least from a business perspective, the name change is already in effect. However, it remains unclear whether West intends to legally change his personal name to "Ye Ye" or if this is solely a branding decision for his companies.
News of the potential name change has elicited strong reactions across social media platforms. Many users have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to express their amusement and disbelief. Some have questioned the reasoning behind the change, while others have created humorous memes and comments. One user joked, "Should've been HEHE cause he's a joke," while another commented, "He is off his meds again oh god." The general sentiment appears to be a mixture of confusion, curiosity, and playful mockery.
Adding another layer to the story, West's wife, Bianca Censori, has also recently registered her own company, named Bianca Censori Inc. While this is a solo venture, West is reportedly involved as a director, with his longtime lawyer handling the legal aspects. This development adds to the ongoing narrative of West's evolving business and personal life.
The artist himself alluded to a change on X, stating on June 1, 2025, that he would be creating a new account because his name is Ye. This could be interpreted as a hint towards the "Ye Ye" moniker, though he did not explicitly confirm it.
It's also worth noting that the potential name change comes shortly after West publicly stated that he would refrain from spreading antisemitic content on social media. Following a period of widespread criticism and the loss of several brand endorsements due to his controversial remarks, this purported shift could be seen as an attempt to rehabilitate his image. For example, he reportedly changed his controversial song 'HH' to 'Hallelujah,' replacing references to Nazism with those of Christianity.
Whether "Ye Ye" is here to stay remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Kanye West's every move continues to captivate and generate conversation across the globe.