Kanye West, a figure once celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions to music and culture, now faces increasing scrutiny over his treatment of women and the evolution of his relationships. As the artist continues to navigate his controversial persona, a disturbing pattern emerges that intertwines admiration with control, ultimately shaping a legacy that raises questions about power dynamics and gender roles.
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Kanye’s wife, Bianca Sorri, made headlines not just for her striking appearance but for the unsettling echoes of past relationships. The image of a silent, obedient partner sparked discussions about Kanye’s history of transforming women into extensions of his own vision. Each relationship seems to tell a familiar tale of admiration turned possessiveness, where women are celebrated as long as they conform to his ideals.
Kanye’s musical journey reflects this duality. From the vulnerability expressed in tracks like “All Falls Down” to the problematic depictions in “Gold Digger,” his work reveals a complex relationship with femininity. Early in his career, his mother, Donda West, served as a grounding influence, shaping a more empathetic view of women. However, after her passing in 2007, a shift occurred. His music grew colder, mirroring a detachment from genuine love and connection.
The evolution of Kanye’s relationships is starkly illustrated through his romances with figures such as Amber Rose and Kim Kardashian. While he initially positioned these women as muses, his desire for control became apparent as their autonomy was systematically undermined. Amber Rose, once a celebrated figure in Kanye’s world, faced public humiliation when she dared to assert her own identity, while Kardashian’s transformation from reality star to high-fashion icon was orchestrated by Kanye himself.
Kanye’s public struggles with mental health, particularly his bipolar disorder, add another layer of complexity to his relationships. As he oscillated between moments of brilliance and erratic behavior, his treatment of women became increasingly troubling. His marriage to Kim Kardashian, which began with admiration and creative collaboration, devolved into public disputes and emotional turmoil, further illustrating the imbalance of power in their dynamic.
The release of songs like “Runaway” hints at an awareness of his toxic behavior, yet they do not translate into accountability or change. Instead, Kanye frames himself as a tragic figure, warning women to leave before they are irreparably damaged by his volatility. This self-serving narrative obscures the harm he inflicts on those around him.
As Kanye’s relationships disintegrate, his worldview appears to grow more rigid and patriarchal. His recent alignment with conservative ideologies reflects a desire to impose control over not only his partners but also his daughters, fearing for their futures in a world he once thrived in. This shift towards traditionalism is embodied in his relationship with Sorri, who now seems to exist solely within the confines of Kanye’s vision.
Moreover, Kanye’s public support for powerful men accused of abuse raises alarming questions about his complicity in a culture that objectifies and exploits women. His refusal to distance himself from figures like Diddy, despite serious allegations, highlights a troubling pattern of enabling rather than protecting.
As the narrative of Kanye West continues to unfold, the artist’s legacy transforms from that of a visionary to a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and control. The once-heroic figure now grapples with a reputation marred by misogyny and a deep-seated need for validation, leaving fans and critics alike to ponder the implications of his actions and the future of his influence in the music industry.
In this unsettling evolution, the question remains: can Kanye West’s legacy be redeemed, or has he irrevocably transformed into a symbol of the very issues he once sought to challenge? As his story progresses, the stakes for the women in his life—and for society at large—have never been higher.