Kanye West and Italian Football Ultras

Recent Hit: "Carnival"

• In February 2024, Kanye West, now known as Ye, topped the US Billboard charts with "Carnival."
• This marked a return to the charts after years of controversies.

Kanye's Controversies

• Controversial actions include:
  • Upsetting Taylor Swift
  • Associating with Donald Trump and Nick Fuentes
  • Anti-semitic remarks on Alex Jones' podcast
• Consequences:
  • Termination of Adidas Yeezy deal, costing $1.5 billion
  • Music deals with Sony and Def Jam lapsed

New Album: "Vultures 1"

• Released at the start of 2024
• Features a collaboration with Italian Ultras from Inter Milan

Collaboration with Italian Ultras

• "Carnival" and "Stars" include chants by Ultras from Inter Milan's CN 69.
• CN 69 given writing credits on both tracks.
• CN 69 is an heir to one of Italy's oldest and most political Ultra groups.

Origin and Culture of Italian Ultras

• Ultra culture has roots in Uruguay, Argentina, and 1950s Europe.
• Modern Ultra culture emerged in Italy in the late 1960s.
• AC Milan's Fossa dei Leoni and Inter's Boys San form significant early Ultra groups.
• Inter's Ultras known for tfos, chants, choreography, violence, and far-right politics.

Notable Events and Figures

• 2019: Execution of Lazio's Ultra leader, Fausto Pelle.
• 2022: Assassination of Inter Ultra capo Vittorio Boiocchi.
• Post-assassination: Inter Ultras rebrand as CN 69.

Kanye's Interaction with Italian Ultras

• October 2023: Kanye visits Italy, impressed by Ultra culture after attending a Serie A game.
• Planned collaboration for a concert at RCF Arena, Reggio Emilia, was canceled.
• Two producers on "Vultures 1" had connections with Inter's Ultra scene.
• January 27, 2024: CN 69 recorded chants for Kanye's album.
• February 2024: Kanye attends a Champions League match in Milan.

Conclusion

• Kanye West's engagement with Italian Ultras marks a unique cultural crossover.
• His musical comeback with "Vultures 1" ties in elements of European football fandom with his art.