How Ye Gave a Special Nod to His Mother by Renovating His Childhood Home in Chicago

Published 06/09/2024, 10:26 PM EDT

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On June 8, 1977, 27-year-old Donda West chose to bring into the world one of the greatest rappers of all time, and hip-hop fans continue to express gratitude to this day. Yet it is not just fans who have acknowledged the impact of West’s decision but also, Kanye West, now known as Ye, who has paid tribute to his mother countless times. Even amid his success, Ye has never strayed from his roots, and in renovating his childhood home in Chicago, he may have found a way to honor his mother’s memory indefinitely.

The Atlanta rapper had long entered the GOAT talks with his musical imprints. But by revitalizing his Chicago residence, he has likely enlisted himself as the greatest son of all time.

When Ye sealed the tomb of honors for Donda West by revamping his Chicago abode

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For Ye fans, it is a well-known fact that the rapper enjoys indulging in the luxuries afforded by his success, often acquiring lavish estates. However, he has never let go of the memory of his humble beginnings in a three-room flat in Chicago where he lived with his mother, Donda West. Choosing to honor her memory, Ye included this significant place in his roster of palatial estates, by completing the renovation of the South Chicago home last year, proudly displaying his mother's initials.

Ye acquired the property in 2016 with his longtime friend and fellow rapper Che Smith, who assists in maintaining its pristine condition. The Yeezy founder then installed a black steel fence around the restored 1,600-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-bathroom residence. The renovated home now boasts a new roof, and wooden staircases at the front and rear entrances accompanied by comprehensive security camera coverage. The yard is adorned with tree stumps painted in Jamaican colors and proudly displays a small Haitian flag.

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While it might appear that Ye's tribute to his childhood home was limited to this gesture, there is more to the story. He once recreated the Chicago abode during one of his renowned listening parties, adding another layer to his homage.

When Ye recreated the Chicago home for Donda's listening party

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When Ye announces new music, he is known for generating excitement with his listening parties. So, when he released his album 'Donda' as a tribute to his mother, he ensured that the anticipation was well rewarded. During one of the listening parties at Soldier Stadium, Ye constructed a set resembling his childhood home in Chicago. 'Donda' itself was a profound tribute to his mother, featuring old recordings of her voice.

By recreating the house on stage, however, Ye elevated his homage to another level of significance. The Chicago home reportedly holds sentimental value, being the same house Donda West purchased in the 1980s and later sold before her passing. While Ye had already honored his mother by repurchasing the house, his meticulous recreation of it onstage cemented his place in the hearts of mothers everywhere.

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What do you think of Ye's tribute to Donda West with renovation of his childhood home in Chicago? Let us know in the comments below!

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Anushka Bhattacharya

856 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: Aliza Siddiqui

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