Kanye West, now known as Ye, famously declared his unmanageability, yet recent developments indicate a shift as John Monopoly steps back into the role of his manager. Sources confirmed to Billboard on Monday, March 11th, that this Chicago native, who was pivotal in launching Ye’s career in the early 90s, is officially back at the helm. Monopoly’s initial tenure saw him manage West alongside Gee Roberson and Kyambo “Hip-Hop” Joshua, marking a significant era in Ye’s ascent.
Their professional paths diverged for over a decade, but John Monopoly remained within Ye’s orbit in recent years. The reunion culminated in Monopoly’s official appointment, highlighted by public praise from West during a Vultures listening event in Los Angeles. Ye openly acknowledged their shared history and the crucial role Monopoly played in his early career.
John Monopoly returns as Kanye West's manager amidst the release of "Vultures" album with Ty Dolla $ign, pictured together.
This managerial shift follows a period of change in Ye’s professional team. His parting with Izvor Zivkovic in March 2018 concluded a near-decade long collaboration. A brief reunion with Gee Roberson occurred around the Donda era in the early 2020s. Scooter Braun’s involvement as co-manager in late 2015 also proved short-lived, ending in April 2018. The return of John Monopoly signals a potentially more stable and familiar partnership for West.
John Monopoly and Kanye West: A Chicago Reunion
The rekindled partnership with John Monopoly is not just a professional arrangement; it’s a Chicago homecoming. Monopoly’s deep roots with West, dating back to discovering him in the vibrant early 90s Chicago music scene, provide a foundation of understanding and shared history that is rare in the music industry. This pre-existing relationship could be instrumental as Ye embarks on ambitious new projects.
One of the immediate outcomes of John Monopoly’s return is the planning of a large-scale world tour, slated to commence in the coming months. Sources indicate this will be a full-fledged production tour, a departure from the more intimate listening events Ye has recently hosted. This tour marks Kanye’s first major tour since the Saint Pablo Tour in 2016, which was abruptly halted in November of that year.
World Tour on the Horizon Under John Monopoly’s Guidance
Despite facing challenges in booking venues due to past controversies, Ye, with John Monopoly by his side, is reportedly determined to bring his vision to a global stage this summer. This tour is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide, especially after several years of relatively limited live performances from West.
In recent years, Ye has made sporadic stage appearances, including joining Travis Scott’s UTOPIA Tour in Orlando in January and surprising audiences at Rolling Loud festivals in 2021 and 2022 alongside Future and Playboi Carti respectively. His last full concert was in December 2021, a benefit show with Drake aimed at raising awareness for Larry Hoover’s incarceration.
Currently, Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign are riding high on the success of their collaborative album Vultures 1, which debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 chart for two consecutive weeks. They are actively promoting Vultures 2, continuing with listening parties across the country, building anticipation for the next phase of their musical journey. A live performance of the Vultures series is also scheduled at Rolling Loud California, further cementing this dynamic duo’s presence in the current music landscape.
With John Monopoly back in his corner, Kanye West appears poised to embark on a significant new chapter, blending his established legacy with fresh ambitions, promising an exciting future for both the artist and his dedicated global fanbase.
