Scooter Braun and Kanye West: A Relationship That Has Come to an End
Scooter Braun, a prominent figure in the music industry, has shared his thoughts on his relationship with Kanye West, revealing that their connection is no longer active. The record executive emphasized that the bond they once had has been severed, and he no longer recognizes the person he used to know.
Braun began managing Kanye West in 2016 after parting ways with his previous manager, Izzy Zivkovic. Their collaboration lasted until 2018, when they decided to go separate ways. This decision came after reports suggested that Kanye wanted an in-house team for his music career.
In a recent interview on the “Question Everything” podcast, Braun reflected on the changes in Kanye’s persona. He stated, “I don’t know him anymore. I think the person that I knew wasn’t someone who says those things.” Braun admitted that it’s challenging to mourn a friendship while the person is still alive, but sometimes it’s necessary to move on.
He further explained that the version of Kanye he once knew was completely different from the one he currently interacts with. Braun expressed that he prefers to stand proudly in who he is and his knowledge of those around him rather than be part of Kanye’s new world. Regarding Kanye’s potential for redemption, Braun mentioned that he doesn’t know the rapper anymore and that his priorities have shifted.
“I have three beautiful kids that need a dad to focus on them and make sure they’re prepared and strong in this world. That’s going to be my focus,” Braun said.
The Professional Split Between Scooter Braun and Kanye West
The professional split between Braun and Kanye occurred in April 2018. According to Variety, the separation was amicable, as Braun reportedly declined Kanye’s offer to bring his services in-house. Kanye instructed his core team, including his attorney at the time, to conduct all business through his Yeezy company, aiming to restructure his management.
This decision came shortly after Kanye’s plan to release five consecutive musical projects with various artists. Their collaboration began in 2016, a period marked by controversy for the rapper. This included the cancellation of his “Saint Pablo” tour and erratic behavior during performances. Kanye made several pro-Donald Trump remarks and left the stage mid-performance upon learning about Kim Kardashian’s robbery in Paris. The year ended with his hospitalization for psychiatric evaluation in Los Angeles.
Scooter Braun’s Feud With Taylor Swift
Braun’s career faced significant challenges in 2016 when Taylor Swift’s masters were sold along with Big Machine Records by Scott Borchetta to Braun. The deal, worth approximately $300 million, sparked outrage among Swift, who felt betrayed. She released a statement expressing her disappointment, stating that she had pleaded with Borchetta for years to allow her to own her original work.
Despite the backlash, several artists, including Justin Bieber, defended Braun, noting that he had no ill intentions towards Swift.
The Impact of a Failed Marriage
Last month, it was revealed that Braun opened up about the psychological and professional impact of his failed marriage. Braun and his former wife, Yael Cohen, separated in 2021 after seven years of marriage and three children. The marriage officially ended in 2022, and Braun is still dealing with the aftermath.
He shared that he experienced suicidal thoughts during the turmoil in 2020, feeling overwhelmed by the loss of his family. Braun described the situation as a reality check, highlighting that even with a successful career and a seemingly stable family life, he could still feel unhappy.
A New Chapter for Scooter Braun
In a significant life decision, Braun stepped away from managing musical acts last year after two decades in the industry. He cited the need to focus on his family and personal endeavors as the primary reason for his exit. Braun detailed that after reflecting on his past, he realized the sacrifices he made for his career were no longer justifiable with his children to care for.
“I never saw how this chapter would end, hell, I never even saw it happening. But it did. And I will cherish every moment of it. I made my plan… but it turns out I like God’s plan better. Cheers!” he concluded in his announcement post.
What’s Next for Kanye West?
As Braun moves forward with his life, the question remains: how will Kanye West respond to this change? Only time will tell if their paths will cross again or if they will continue down separate roads.
