Kanye West has officially changed his name to “Ye.” Yup, you heard that right: He is now just known as “Ye” with no last name or middle name. I think this is just pure genius.

The official name change was reported on Oct. 18. Many people were shocked, while others mocked the name and laughed at this unique choice. 

Ye (pronounced like “yay”) has not given any specific reason for his name change other than “personal reasons.” However, a Tweet by Kanye West in 2018 states: “Who or what is Kanye West with no ego? Just Ye,” which might mean he wants to become more humble and less intensely presented. Despite the different pronunciation, Ye,” also means “you” in older times, as in “Hear Ye! Hear Ye!”

I suspect that this choice was made ahead as far back as 2018, when his Twitter handle was “Ye” for some time and he also had an album titled “Ye” that was released in June 2018. 

Another explanation is that West may have done it to get publicity so the news would still be pointed in his direction. Although he is definitely getting the public’s attention, based on the comments of a recent article on his name change, it seems the public’s response is not overwhelmingly positive or negative.

I don’t understand the change, but I think this name change is simple and expressive and, admittedly, easier on the tongue. “Kanye West” has always been a famous name, and I believe people will definitely look past this change and call him “Kanye” anyways.”

Certainly, people will probably refer to him as Kanye when referring to his earlier music since it will probably be listed that way on streaming music services, such as Spotify. 

Although “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” will no longer be on the air after this season, Kim Kardashian has continued to use his former last name, as do his children. Ye has said that he was considering changing his son’s name, as well, but decided against it.

Kanye knew what he was doing; he just needed that split from Kim to really push himself to this change. People do some exceptionally spontaneous things when someone they’ve been with for a long time leaves them in the dust.

Now, to drive someone to change something so personal could be thought of as a negative outcome right? Wrong. Change allows people to grow and improve and it doesn’t always have to be physical either.

I think Ye needed this change to reflect on his own issues and alter his views into something positive, even if it’s not a large change.

This new name is definitely unforgettable, only two letters and it still represents his magnificent music and artistry. Ye’s pure simplistic genius idea made him who he is, the name itself reflects that.