Rapper Ye’s troubling past six years will be explored in a bizarre new documentary about the controversial rapper formerly known as Kanye West, hitting theaters next year.
Directed by Nico Ballesteros, “In Whose Name?” was reportedly made with an iPhone, “a billion-dollar budget and a commitment to truth,” according to the synopsis published by Variety. At the time of publication, the film was not listed on IMDb.
Both Ballesteros and Utopia Movies, which also distributed indie darlings “We’re All Going to the World’s Fair” and “Shiva Baby,” shared a first-look image in a joint Instagram post. It features a silhouette, presumably of the 47-year-old Grammy winner, standing in front of what looks to be the sun.
The post also featured a screen grab of a text said to be from Ye, saying the film is “very deep” and that watching it “was like being dead and looking back on my life.”
Ballesteros has directed for Ye three times before, all in 2021. He helmed the musician’s “Come to Life” music video, and his “Donda” TV specials at Soldier Field and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
According to the synopsis, the film boasts never-before-seen footage and acts as an “unfiltered aspects of celebrity life which confront the provocative opinions, grand visions and bold contrarianism that defined him as the world’s most controversial artist.”
Ye’s mainstream stardom has waned in recent years, following repeated antisemitic and racist screeds, as well as other erratic and volatile behavior.
News of the doc comes on the heels of the “Heartless” rapper settled with Adidas, after the brand severed ties with him over said rants, and his former personal assistant accusing him of sexual assault.
Lauren Pisciotta sued Ye in June for sexual harassment and wrongful termination. She amended the lawsuit last month to allege that Ye drugged and sexually assaulted her during a studio session co-hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The Harlem-born mogul, 54, was taken into federal custody in mid-September on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Combs, who is currently locked up at Brooklyn’s notorious MDC, is also at the center of multiple lawsuits accusing him of rape, drugging, and other crimes.