Kanye West’s Vultures 1 album, released in 2024, was one of the most divisive projects of his career — and nearly a year later, it’s still making headlines. The latest controversy stems from comments made by rapper Freddie Gibbs, who revealed that West was deeply upset over his contribution to the track “Back to Me.”
Speaking candidly on the Butcher Block Podcast, Gibbs explained that instead of celebrating his performance, West grew resentful when fans began hailing Gibbs’ verse as one of the project’s standout moments.
“This na Kanye was mad about that shit,” Gibbs said during the interview. “That na was telling nas like, ‘Man, how the f this n***a think his verse is the best on my album?’”
According to Gibbs, the reaction was unexpected and hurtful. He said he had approached the collaboration with admiration for Kanye West and believed the Chicago producer-rapper would be proud of him.
“When I sent it to him, I sent it to him thinking that, with the premise, he’d be proud of me. ‘Cause I look up to you,” Gibbs explained. “So I would think that, I rapped on your album, and people talking about it like this, you would think that a n***a like you would be proud of me. That pissed him off.”
Gibbs went further, describing the situation as “a slap in the face,” revealing that he had placed some of his own projects on hold in order to record with West overseas.
“I’m putting my shit on pause to be on Vultures,” Gibbs said. “I could be recording Alfredo 2. I put a lot of shit on hold to come to Italy to work with you. And for you to shit on some of my best work ’cause you mad ’cause n***as saying it’s better, you know what I’m saying?”
The anecdote has added a new layer of drama to Vultures 1, which was already controversial due to West’s public image at the time of its release.
Kanye West Reportedly Upset With Freddie Gibbs’ Verse on Vultures 1 as New Documentary Teases Explosive Insights
Adding fuel to the conversation, a new documentary about West’s turbulent last six years is about to premiere. Titled In Whose Name?, the film is directed by 19-year-old filmmaker Nico Ballesteros, who spent years following West with a camera through his creative highs and personal lows.
The documentary covers a host of pivotal and controversial moments in West’s life:
-
His divorce from Kim Kardashian
-
Antisemitic comments and subsequent backlash
-
Public meltdowns and erratic social media posts
-
The Donda album rollout and his experimental Sunday Service concerts
A minute-long teaser trailer released this week offered a glimpse into the film’s raw and unfiltered approach. It shows West in candid moments, speaking about his struggles with mental health and his refusal to take prescribed medication.
“I would rather be dead than be on medication,” West says in one scene. “Either they destroy me or I destroy it… I’m almost like a masochist… I write whatever I want when I want! It’s words!”
The trailer also flashes images of West wearing his infamous “White Lives Matter” shirt, a move that drew heavy criticism worldwide, and highlights tense exchanges with Kardashian during the breakdown of their marriage.
In Whose Name? is set to premiere on September 19 and will be released in cinemas nationwide.
For many fans, the Gibbs story and the documentary together illustrate the duality of Kanye West’s legacy. On one hand, he remains an influential creative force who inspires admiration and attracts collaborators willing to pause their own work for the chance to be part of his projects. On the other, he is often described as combative, unpredictable, and unwilling to share the spotlight.
Kanye West has long been known for his sensitivity to criticism and his competitiveness when it comes to artistic recognition. The idea that another rapper could outshine him on his own album reportedly sparked frustration — even though Gibbs’ verse was widely celebrated.
At the same time, the documentary teaser suggests that West himself has been wrestling with internal battles, including the pressures of fame, mental health struggles, and the tension between his need for artistic freedom and the expectations of the industry.
Unsurprisingly, social media lit up following Gibbs’ comments. Some fans sided with the Indiana rapper, praising his verse and criticizing West for failing to support an artist who looked up to him. Others defended West, arguing that his pride as both an artist and producer made it natural for him to react strongly when collaborators were perceived as overshadowing him.
The upcoming documentary is expected to further polarize audiences. Supporters hope it will shed light on West’s humanity, offering understanding of his struggles. Critics worry it may risk glorifying or excusing his more harmful behavior.
Source- Hiphopdx
