Kanye West's rumored journey to Russia to perform a contentious concert has sparked widespread attention. Some have expressed concerns that his already tarnished reputation can worsen and his dwindling music career can ultimately end.
Per Mirror UK, allegedly, according to the Russian media, the celebrated artist was slated to headline a major event in Moscow on June 8, coinciding with his 47th birthday. Mash Telegram said a deal had been struck with organizers to hold the performance at Luzhniki Stadium in the Russian capital.
However, stadium officials swiftly refuted these claims, leaving Kanye West himself yet to address the allegations directly.
Eduard Ratnikov informed Russia's TASS (translated version here) that he had been in direct contact with West a couple of months ago, following the American artist's expressed desire to hold a concert in Russia.
However, Ratnikov dismissed the idea, stating, "But it ended with nothing because it is an absolutely empty story. When I saw this fake news today, I checked with the management of Luzhniki just in case, and there, naturally, they denied this news."
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Fans have expressed apprehension, urging him to reconsider whether the reports are accurate.
On Reddit, some said he is taking a huge unnecessary risk that can further damage his image and alienate further average fans. Some even joked that his next stop would be North Korea. Others compared him to Steven Seagal.
Twitter reactions are more amusing.
His present career cannot be undermined yet though.
It is true that over around a month in late 2022, Kanye West's career appeared to have irreparably crumbled.
His actions became increasingly erratic, leading to a decline into regressive populism characterized by a string of outrageous antics.
Among them were posting threats on social media, wearing a White Lives Matter T-shirt, and spreading stereotypes about Jews controlling the media that are antisemitic.
As a result, West was hit hard. According to Forbes, contracts with his record label and publisher, Universal Music Group and Sony Music Publishing, respectively, were canceled; CAA dumped him; and partnerships with Adidas, Balenciaga, and Gap were canceled.
However, the narrative has taken a remarkable turn less than two years later, as reported by the Guardian. West's latest album, Vultures 1, a collaboration with singer Ty Dolla $ign, soared to No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 album chart and No. 2 on the British charts.
Its lead single, Carnival, a collaboration with Playboi Carti and Rich the Kid, topped the Billboard Hot 100. Despite reports of venue reluctance, West recently headlined Rolling Loud Los Angeles alongside Dolla $ign, signaling a resurgence in his career against the odds.
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