Kanye West has made a shocking revelation regarding his childhood, claiming he engaged in sexual acts with a cousin, a confession that he detailed in a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The 47-year-old rapper shared that his upcoming song, titled "Cousins," draws inspiration from this traumatic experience, which he described as an incestuous relationship that has haunted him for years.
In a post dated April 21, 2025, West stated, "This song is called COUSINS about my cousin that’s locked in jail for life for killing a pregnant lady a few years after I told him we wouldn’t 'look at dirty magazines together' anymore." This shocking admission comes as West continues to navigate a tumultuous personal life, marked by erratic behavior and controversial statements.
West's cousin, who has not been named, is serving a life sentence for murder, a fact that the rapper has previously alluded to in interviews. He expressed feelings of guilt, suggesting that he may have played a role in his cousin's violent actions. "Perhaps in my self-centered mess I felt it was my fault that I showed him those dirty magazines when he was 6 and then we acted out what we saw," he wrote. This reflection reveals a disturbing connection between their childhood experiences and the eventual tragic outcome of his cousin's life.
The lyrics of "Cousins" delve deeper into their childhood interactions, with West rapping about their confusion regarding the explicit content they encountered. He recalls, "Hanging with my cousin reading dirty magazines," and expresses a desire not to be judged for their actions. The song also touches on themes of substance use, with references to nitrous oxide and Percocet, indicating a struggle with coping mechanisms.
In a separate tweet, West boldly stated, "My name is Ye and I sucked my cousin's d**k till I was 14. Tweet sent." This explicit admission has drawn significant media attention, further adding to the rapper's controversial public persona. The accompanying music video features a mix of found footage and animation, including surreal and provocative imagery that has been met with both intrigue and concern.
West's behavior has raised alarms among fans and critics alike, especially given his history of erratic social media activity. Less than a month prior to this incident, he donned a black KKK robe during an interview, where he also expressed that he never wanted children with his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, despite their four children together. His statements have often sparked outrage, including his continued defenses of Adolf Hitler and the Nazis, which have led to accusations of antisemitism.
In a 2018 interview, West mentioned his cousin, stating, "My cousin is locked up for murder and I love him. So he did a bad thing, but I still love him." This sentiment appears to persist, as he grapples with the implications of their shared past. In a documentary, Kardashian shared insights about the cousin, revealing that he received a double life sentence for a murder committed at 17, further complicating the narrative surrounding West's family.
West's recent claims have reignited discussions about his mental health. The rapper has previously been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder but has recently suggested that he may have been misdiagnosed and is now considering a diagnosis of autism. His mental health journey has been turbulent, marked by public outbursts and controversial statements that often leave fans concerned for his well-being.
As the world awaits the release of "Cousins," the implications of West's revelations continue to unfold. His willingness to discuss such personal and painful experiences in his art raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and the responsibilities that come with it. While some may find his confessions brave, others view them as a troubling reflection of a troubled mind.
In the wake of these revelations, West's future in the music industry remains uncertain. His upcoming album, reportedly titled "Cuck," is anticipated to delve further into his personal experiences, but the reception of his work is likely to be mixed given his recent controversies. As fans and critics process his latest statements, the conversation surrounding mental health, childhood trauma, and the impact of fame on personal relationships continues to evolve.
Ultimately, Kanye West's latest outburst serves as a reminder of the complexities of celebrity culture and the often blurred lines between public persona and private pain. Whether he will find redemption through his art or face further backlash remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his journey is far from over.