Kanye West continued his public feud with Adidas during a recent Vulture 2 listening party held in China. The event, which took place on September 15 on the island of Hainan, showcased West’s ongoing disdain for the sneaker and apparel giant.
The incident took place on Sunday, September 15, when Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign hosted the latest Vultures 2 listening party. During the performance, Kanye took a brief pause to hydrate. As he stood silently in the middle of the arena, the audience spontaneously began to chant, “F**k Adidas,” expressing their shared discontent with the brand. In the clip that quickly went viral, Kanye acknowledged the crowd’s sentiment. He then raised his hand and gave the middle finger, a gesture that elicited gasps and cheers from the audience.
Considering China’s strict obscenity laws, where gestures like the middle finger can be deemed offensive by the government, Kanye’s action was especially provocative. Addressing the crowd after the gesture, Kanye remarked, “I hope that was okay,” before launching into his next song, “All Falls Down,” from his 2004 album The College Dropout
Kanye’s animosity toward Adidas is well-documented. The sneaker and apparel company severed ties with him in October 2022 after Kanye West went on a month-long anti-Semitic rant. Since their split, Kanye has openly criticized Adidas, accusing them of copying his signature Yeezy designs and using them in their own footwear line. This feud has become a recurring theme in Kanye’s recent performances.
The incident in China was not an isolated event. In August 2024, Kanye held a similar Vultures 2 experience in South Korea, where he led the crowd in a “F**k Adidas” chant before performing “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” from his 2007 *Graduation* album. These moments have become a regular part of Kanye’s performances, signaling that his grudge against Adidas is far from over.
Kanye’s disdain for Adidas has resonated with his fanbase, many of whom view the split as a betrayal of the creative partnership that brought the iconic Yeezy brand to life. Adidas’s decision to sever ties with Kanye in the wake of his controversial statements marked a significant shift in the sneaker world. Kanye’s accusations against Adidas for allegedly replicating his Yeezy designs have fueled the fire of this ongoing public dispute.
By bringing his anti-Adidas sentiment to international stages like China and South Korea, Kanye is not only airing his grievances but also rallying his fans around his cause. His actions have sparked conversations about creative ownership and corporate relationships within the fashion and entertainment industries.
Despite the backlash and the potential for controversy, Kanye continues to use his platform to voice his opinions, unfiltered and unapologetic. His choice to express this discontent in countries with different cultural norms, such as China, where obscenity laws are strictly enforced, shows his willingness to push boundaries and stir public discourse.
The incident at the Vulture 2 listening party in China further solidifies Kanye’s stance against Adidas, highlighting his readiness to challenge norms and confront former allies in front of his global fanbase. Whether this ongoing feud will lead to any reconciliation or further escalations remains to be seen, but for now, Kanye West’s message is loud and clear.