Kanye West was sending out some mixed messages while at The FADER headquarters this week. Rocking his infamous MAGA (Make America Great Again) hat, he was also wearing a white sweatshirt with Colin Kaepernick’s name written across the front.
Whether it was intentional remains a mystery. He does explain in a video posted to social media that he’s “redesigned” the hat.
“The elephant in the room is I wear my hat, right?” he says. “But it’s my hat. I redesigned it. I changed the brim and changed the shape right here. And I put positive energy into that hat.”
“But it’s my hat, I redesigned it. I changed the brim, I mean I changed the shape right here and I put positive energy into the hat.” @kanyewest at the @thefader offices this morning.
? @Jasonmpetersonpic.twitter.com/uhYZHb7L5U
— TeamKanyeDaily (@TeamKanyeDaily) September 27, 2018
Kanye has raised several eyebrows due to his outspoken support of Donald Trump but he says it’s nothing more than“free thinking.” But to many, the MAGA is a symbol of racism and hate, while Kaepernick’s activism has become a beacon for justice, unity and peace.
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After the former San Francisco 49er released his Nike ad, ‘Ye supported his efforts.
“I stand for giving everyone a voice,” he said. “Adidas giving me a voice and Nike giving Colin voice on a big business level makes the world a more advanced place.”
I stand for giving everyone a voice. Adidas giving me a voice and Nike giving Colin voice on a big business level makes the world a more advanced place.
— ye (@kanyewest) September 10, 2018
‘Ye’s conflicting messages weren’t lost on Twitter users. Many viewed the stunt as a cheap marketing ploy for his upcoming album Yandhiwhile others are convinced he hasn’t left the sunken place.
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Check out some of the reactions below.
Kanye West wearing a MAGA hat and a Colin Kaepernick sweatshirt to the Fader offices to push Yandhi is peak cognitive dissonance and clickbait, but more importantly it’s a 0/10 fit
— ??????? (@broazay) September 27, 2018
I wonder if he thinks this trolling makes people want to buy his music? RT @HipHopWired: Sunken Place MAGA Hat Rocker Kanye West Says New Album Drops Saturday https://t.co/HD75ioj2Pipic.twitter.com/NW5WRE4h9p
— Beige Boy Bob (@ali_N_pdx) September 27, 2018
I’m dropping an album tonight. Let me wear a MAGA hat and Kaepernick sweatshirt to get people to talk about me- Kanye West Mind
— Terrence Garrett (@BigTG559) September 27, 2018
Kanye West is the Mr. Magoo of MAGA
— I’m Gary (@noyokono) September 27, 2018
I dont know if @kanyewest is really sick or becoming the biggest attention whore since his wife! He still rockin the MAGA hat. He a sell out ?
— Certified Fresh (@DCFresh) September 27, 2018
A @Kaepernick7 sweater with a MAGA hat….. Unbelievable Kanye West…. https://t.co/Hkxp5AuZDR
— Juan Guerra (@lunchBoxx89) September 27, 2018
Kanye West really rockin’ a MAGA hat with a Colin Kaepernick shirt? This dude ain’t left the sunken place. He has truly lost it…
— David A. ???? (@DavidAlwaysWins) September 27, 2018
Kanye prolly think he’s “bringing people together” by wearing a Kaep sweater and a MAGA hat…. but nah, I’m not here for it pic.twitter.com/56OGUolNPT
— Brilliance (@GreatBrilliance) September 27, 2018
