Kanye West, now known as Ye, has expressed interest in mentoring Kodak Black after viewing a widely circulated video of the rapper. The footage, which shows Kodak sitting in the middle of a street eating fried chicken while wearing a chain from Ye’s DONDA collection, resonated with the music and fashion mogul, prompting him to consider reaching out.
To Ye, the video symbolized something deeper, motivating him to offer guidance to the young artist. The idea of mentorship is not entirely new between the two, as Kodak Black previously spoke about his admiration for Ye. In a 2023 interview on N.O.R.E.’s Drink Champs podcast, Kodak stated, “Kanye, I felt like I can be his mentor or something. It would be very fruitful for his life. Kanye, when you see [this], holler at me.” Now, it appears Ye may be responding to that call in his own way.
The two artists have already collaborated musically, most notably on the track Field Trip from Vultures 2, released in August 2024. The song, featuring Playboi Carti and Don Toliver, showcases their creative synergy, further fueling speculation about a deeper artistic and personal connection.
Ye has long been vocal about fostering creativity and mentorship in the industry. His interest in guiding Kodak Black aligns with his broader vision of supporting artists, helping them navigate fame, and encouraging them to use their talents meaningfully.
While no official meeting has been confirmed, the potential for mentorship has sparked discussion among fans and industry insiders. Some view it as an opportunity for both artists to grow, while others remain curious about what such a partnership could bring.
As Ye continues to balance various creative endeavors—including his highly anticipated Bully project and his marriage to Bianca Censori—his willingness to connect with Kodak Black underscores his ongoing commitment to building a supportive and collaborative artistic community. Whether this mentorship materializes remains to be seen, but it has already sparked conversations about the impact of guidance and shared creative vision in hip-hop.
