Over the past weeks, Ye said he was done with adidas & GAP, and since then he has doubled down on the matter, as he now plans to go at the shoe and clothing industry alone. Although he did say he will honor his current contracts until they are done, but after that, “No more companies standing in between me and the audience.” Ye stated in a recent phone interview with Bloomberg.

A few colorways of the YEEZY BOOST 350 & 350 V2

“It’s time for me to go at it alone, It’s fine. I made the companies money. The companies made me money. We created ideas that will change apparel forever. Like the round jacket, the Foam Rnr, the Slides, that have changed the shoe industry. Now it’s time for Ye to make the new industry. No more companies standing in between me and the audience.” He also stated about both companies, “They my new baby mamas, I guess we’re just going to have to co-parent those 350s.”

With the billions in revenue GAP and adidas stand to make, as they are only paying out royalties, thus getting the lion’s share. You would think both companies would at least try to make it work. Ye has been battling both companies publicly, and I’m sure neither GAP or adidas is too happy about it, really all he is asking for is for them to honor the contracts. In his words “adidas coloring my shoes like I’m dead,” or “ GAP having meetings about me without me.” Now unless all sides agreed to new terms, or went their separate ways after settling on a number, actually breaking either contract would not be easy, even if it was just the companies wanting to break it, and not Ye. If this public battle has shown us anything, none of who are involved would ever agree on a number. Ye’s adidas contract is up in 2026, and GAP apparel agreement isn’t up until 2030. It looks like they are just gonna have to agree to disagree.

Part of the YEEZY GAP ENGINEERED BY BALENCIAGA first launch back at the beginning of 2022

Ye intends to keep Yeezy Supply going, but with this recent talk about co-parenting 350’s, plus the postponed Resin and Bone restock moving to a placeholder date in December. Does this mean we could see alot of planned releases be put on hold this year? How will doing everything independently affect prices and drops? These question will be answered soon, as it don’t look like he is gonna drag his feet proving a point that he can do it by himself.

Ye also stated in the interview “No one should be held in that position where people can steal from them and say we’re just paying you to shut up. That destroys innovation. That destroys creativity. That’s what destroyed Nikola Tesla.” Referring to adidas making a slide in the same style as a Yeezy, saying it was “blatant copying”

A post that has since been deleted of Ye showing his frustration withadidas making slide very similar to the YZY Slide

The fashion industry is only small part of what Ye has on his plate these days. He recently opened up a DONDA School, and is preparing to move forward with opening up more across the country. Which will end up basically being little communities having schools, farms, dorms and even shopping together. Products sold at DONDA campuses will be available exclusively through physical YEEZY stores and online storefronts, and are being designed by current YEEZY staff. Ye has already been working with former adidas executive Eric Lidtke, who runs an independent plant based clothing company. Since Ye’s public call out to adidas and GAP, he has been asking for specialists at opening retail stores to get with him, to help move his plans forward. Maybe when adidas and GAP gets some new executives, Ye and these companies could come back together and make it work. Kasper is stepping down at adidas, and GAP is looking for a new replacement still, since they got rid of Sonia Syngal this Summer. Only time will tell, one thing is for sure YEEZY isn’t going anywhere.

A comparison between the YZY Slide and the Adellite 22

Stay tuned as more develops, we will be sure to keep you updated. Make sure to follow all our social medias to stay up to date on all things Yeezy.

SOURCE: Bloomberg