Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, took to X on Sunday, April 20, to shed light on the behind-the-scenes tension surrounding his acclaimed Donda collaboration with JAY-Z on the track “Jail.” While the song was initially praised as a powerful reunion between the two rap giants, Ye revealed that the process was far more contentious than fans imagined.
According to the Chicago artist, the conflict centered around JAY-Z’s pointed lyric:
“Stop all of that red cap, we goin’ home.”
The line directly alludes to Ye’s previous endorsement of Donald Trump and his highly controversial decision to wear the former president’s “Make America Great Again” hat.
Ye Felt Betrayed by JAY-Z’s Lyrics
In his emotional post, Ye expressed how deeply hurt he was by the inclusion of that line, calling it a breaking point in their creative process:
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“Why did JAY-Z have to say ‘no red hat’ on ‘Jail?’ That shit tore me to my soul. We fought about it and he told me either leave that line on there or take my verse off.”
The statement offers rare insight into the personal cost of their collaboration, revealing a power struggle over artistic control and public perception.
Ye went on to question whether external influences pressured JAY-Z into publicly calling him out, hinting that industry politics may have shaped the track’s final form. He asked fans if they believed his mentor was forced into the critique, subtly pointing to a larger narrative of isolation and censorship in his career.
Feud With JAY-Z and Beyoncé Heats Up
The revelation comes amid escalating tensions between Ye and the Carters, particularly following Ye’s controversial public remarks about JAY-Z and Beyoncé’s children. The backlash was swift, forcing Ye to issue an apology and express regret for crossing a personal line.
However, the damage may already be done. Sources close to the Carters say that JAY-Z and Beyoncé are now exploring potential legal action in response to Ye’s inflammatory comments—further straining what was once one of hip-hop’s most iconic alliances.
Ye Opens Up About Feeling Abandoned
Beyond the music, Ye voiced feelings of betrayal that go back years. Reflecting on his career and personal struggles, he shared:
“I always felt like the black sheep… I wanted family in this music shit.”
He expressed disappointment at JAY-Z’s lack of support, especially during some of his most vulnerable moments—including his very public custody battle with ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
A Rift That Runs Deeper Than Music
What initially appeared to be a creative disagreement has since exposed deeper emotional scars, touching on everything from political alignment and industry loyalty to personal betrayal. As Ye continues to speak out, it’s clear that this is not just a clash of egos, but a profound disconnect between two artists who once considered each other family.
