Release

Kanye West Achieves First No.1 Hit in Over a Decade Amid Controversy

Published March 12, 2024

Kanye West, also known as Ye, has garnered both critical acclaim and controversy throughout his career. Despite this, he has managed to secure his first number one hit in 13 years with his song 'Carnival' from the album Vultures 1. The track features artists Ty Dolla $ign, Rich the Kid, and Playboi Carti, and has sparked a multitude of reactions across the internet.

Historical Achievement in Music

'Carnival' marks West's fifth career number one and a notable achievement of spanning number one hits across three decades, a first for a rapper. The success arrives not long after West faced backlash for antisemitic comments, causing him to lose various endorsements.

Public Reaction Mixed with Criticism and Praise

Online, opinions have been sharply divided. Some have been starkly critical, suggesting that West's return to the top of the charts reflects poorly on the state of popular music. Others have raised concerns about supporting West given his recent history of hate speech and controversial views.

In contrast, a segment of West's fanbase continues to support him ardently, admiring his independence from major record labels and his broader contribution to music and fashion.

Controversy Surrounds 'Carnival'

Besides the debates over its quality and West's actions, 'Carnival' itself sparked legal controversy due to an unauthorized sample of Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man'. The interaction with Ozzy Osbourne further highlighted the divisive nature of West's latest work.

Looking ahead, Kanye West's fans anticipate the release of Vultures 2, which suggests further discussion and potential controversy as the rapper continues to make waves in the music industry.

Kanye, controversy, number-one