Amidst ‘Vultures’ Landing in China, Fans Dig Out Decades Old Ye and Donda Memories From the Red Dragon

Published 08/31/2024, 12:35 AM EDT

via Imago

Ye (formerly Kanye West) has achieved the American dream and, with his renaissance-like return to the music industry, he has focused on expanding that dream's global influence. With the release of ‘Vultures 1 & 2,’ the rapper has already made up for his absence with impressive chart success and record-breaking album sales. However, by reviving his signature listening parties, including an upcoming event in China, he has given fans a chance to take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his time in China with Donda West from decades past.

As fans count days for the event to actualize, his memories of China have brought a blend of the old and new, infusing the nods to his success with a touch of nostalgia.

Inside Ye’s childhood with Donda West in China

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Ye is preparing to deliver a solo performance at the upcoming ‘Vultures’ listening event in Haikou City, China, on September 15. In the lead-up to the pinch-me moment, Donda Times on X has seized the opportunity to revisit Ye's childhood memories in China dating back to 1987 when he was 10. In a 2004 interview with Vibe Magazine, the ‘Donda’ rapper first shared his experience of living in China, while Donda West taught at Nanjing University as part of a program aimed at strengthening US-China relations.

Although Ye was in a foreign land, he quickly picked up Mandarin and made many friends, driven by his fascination with the culture and history, which later influenced his art and music. His mother noted that the rapper developed a fondness for lamb skewers and would often showcase his breakdancing skills to the Chinese kids in exchange for their skewers. The rapper remembered many of the children had never seen a Black person before and would touch his face, assuming it was “paint.”

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As the outlet released childhood pictures to illustrate those memories, fans became increasingly convinced that Ye was destined for greatness, seeing him as nothing short of a prodigy.

Ye and Donda West’s memories in China have fans all nostalgic ahead of Vultures tour

There are numerous reasons why Ye is often cited as the most-nominated rapper in discussions about the greatest of all time. As fans revisit his childhood memories with his mother in China ahead of the ‘Vultures 2’ listening experience, this has added yet another attestation. With these memories coming to the forefront as the big day approaches, fans are anticipating what new boundaries Ye might break, given he has already accomplished so much.

Many fans took this opportunity to honor Donda West, while for others, revisiting these memories served as a refreshing reminder.

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With Ye’s solo performance in China marking his first solo stage appearance in eight years, the excitement is already reaching a fever pitch. Now, with a renewed focus on his existing connection to the Celestial Empire, it remains to be seen if this event will resonate as strongly as his childhood memories did as fans find a route to a home away from home.

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Ye’s ‘Vultures’ Listening Party Announcement for China Vanishes Into Thin Air Leaving Fans Perplexed

What do you think of Ye's fans digging up old childhood memories of the rapper with Donda West ahead of 'Vultures' listening experience in China? Let us know in the comments below!

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Anushka Bhattacharya

1179 articles

I'm Anushka Bhattacharya, an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. Armed with a degree in literature, I once wielded my words to catalyze change within society through my work with NGOs. However, as I stumbled into the exuberant hole of crime thrillers and documentaries on Netflix, it was love at first sight and pushed me into entertainment journalism.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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