Report: Kanye West Wanted to Name Album After Hitler

Sources who have worked with the artist formerly known as Kanye West have claimed he’s long-held a fascination with Hitler.

CNN reports that several people who have been close to Ye said he once wanted to name an album after the Nazi leader. “He would praise Hitler by saying how incredible it was that he was able to accumulate so much power and would talk about all the great things he and the Nazi Party achieved for the German people,” said one business executive, who chose to remain anonymous. Those in his close circle were apparently “fully aware” of his alleged interest in Hitler, and four sources said his 2018 album Ye was at one point almost named Hitler.

The executive claimed Ye created a hostile work environment, and his “obsession” with Hitler is at least partly to blame. They left the position and came to a settlement with Ye over alleged harassment in the workplace. When they cut ties with the multi-hyphenate, they signed a confidentiality agreement in which Ye denied the allegations made against him. Ye apparently also openly spoke about his “admiration” for the Nazis and Hitler’s propaganda, and said he read Hitler’s manifesto Mein Kampf.

The report comes not long after former TMZ employee Van Lathan Jr. said Kanye professed his “love” for Hitler during his infamous 2018 “slavery was a choice” interview. One of the sources who spoke with CNN said they were present during that TMZ visit, and corroborated Lathan’s comments.