Kanye West has responded to the media backlash that followed his decision to display his Yeezy Gap clothing in large bags.
In a recent interview with Fox News, the artist now legally known as Ye clarified that the bags are not “trash bags” and slammed the media for trying to stifle him creatively.
“Look man, I’m an innovator,” Ye said. “And I’m not here to sit up and apologize about my ideas. That’s exactly what the media tries to do. Make us apologize for any idea that doesn’t fall under exactly the way they want us to think.”
The display was criticized by some as insensitive as customers had to dig through the pile to find their sizes. West was sure to point out that is art is “not a game” and that he’s “fighting” for a chance to bring innovation to clothing.
“This is, like, not a joke,” he adds “This is not a game. This is not just some celebrity collaboration. This is my life, you know? I’m fighting for a position to be able to change clothing and bring the best design to the people.”
Gap struck a 10-year deal with Kanye West in 2020 to create the Yeezy Gap line, bringing a more accessibly-priced version of the rapper’s famed brand to consumers around the world.
“We are excited to welcome Kanye back to the Gap family as a creative visionary, building on the aesthetic and success of his Yeezy brand and together defining a next-level retail partnership,” said Mark Breitbard, global head of the Gap brand.
Following the line’s announcement, Gap Inc. shares surged by as much as 42%, adding over $1 billion to Gap’s market capitalization.
The first piece from Yeezy Gap was a $200 jacket, which sold out instantly. Back in July of this year, Ye took to Instagram to detail his reasons for partnering with the storied clothing brand, while detailing the success the luxury fashion house has enjoyed since he joined.
“On my mom’s birthday, I was able for the first time to sit in on a Gap call with Bob Martin, Bob Fisher, and other leads of the company,” Ye captioned his Instagram post. “Bob Martin was one of the most inspiring people I’ve heard speak in business. He kept saying go to the stores on the call.”
He adds “We sold 14 million dollars worth of the perfect black hoodie at 80 dollars a hoodie off of a television commercial that was ran one time…Bob I need to meet with you as soon as possible.”
Watch West’s interview with Fox below.