During a performance at the Paradise Festival in Manila on the 10th, Kanye West opened up about his ongoing conflict with Taylor Swift.
The rapper claimed that interrupting Swift's thank-you speech at the 2009 VMA awards marked "the beginning of the end of her life." While delivering his song "Famous," which includes the controversial lyric "I made that bitch famous," West addressed the audience and shed light on the incident.
This Manila concert marked the debut of West's latest work, "The Life of Pablo," featuring the track where he disses Swift. Seizing the opportunity, West defended his actions at the 2009 VMAs, where he controversially claimed that Beyoncé deserved the award Swift received. Despite facing repercussions, such as Lady Gaga canceling a joint tour, West remains steadfast in his belief that artists should prioritize truth over external opinions.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the incident, West stated, "Since that night, I've had to fight everyone every day of my life, just to say what everyone thought." He emphasized the artist's duty to resist control from the industry or public opinions, receiving cheers from the concertgoers.
At the recent Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift, 26, secured her second Best Album win for "1989." In her acceptance speech, she addressed young women, advising them to stay focused on their work amidst those who might attempt to undermine their success. Although not explicitly referencing West, the timing, coming shortly after the release of West's song "Famous," led many to interpret Swift's words as a response to the rapper's derogatory lyrics.
