In a shocking revelation, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has opened up about his traumatic childhood experiences in his latest song titled "COUSINS." Released on April 21, 2025, the 2:17-minute track features explicit lyrics where Ye confesses to performing oral sex on his cousin until he was 14 years old. The song, which has stirred intense reactions, is a raw reflection of his troubled past and emotional struggles.
Ye’s admission comes alongside a confession posted on his X account, where he details how he and his cousin, who is now serving a life sentence for killing a pregnant woman, would look at adult magazines together. Ye reflects on this exposure, stating, "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." This startling confession is not just a personal story; it’s a glimpse into the complexities of his childhood.
The lyrics of "COUSINS" are striking and unfiltered. In the first verse, Ye raps, "Hanging with my cousin reading dirty magazines / We seen some niggas kiss and we ain’t know what that shit mean / Then we start reenacting everything that we had seen / That’s when I gave my cousin head, gave my cousin head." The repetition of this confession leaves little room for misinterpretation, and it’s likely to spark heated discussions among fans and critics alike.
In the second verse, Ye anticipates the backlash, stating, "And I know these niggas ’bout to judge me now / Started off when we was hanging out / Told my cousin not to tell nobody / People tell me take it to my grave / ‘Truth will set you free someday’ / I don’t think they understand / That I’m not attracted to a man." Here, he clarifies that the acts were driven by curiosity rather than sexual orientation, addressing potential assumptions head-on.
The chorus reveals Ye’s current emotional state, as he sings, "Nitrous don’t help me, it just put me in a trance / I’m talkin’ about euphoria, I am not talkin’ about a man / Told her, ‘Don’t leave me ‘cause I need you by my side’ / As long as you don’t leave me, then I’ll probably be alright." These lines hint at substance use as a coping mechanism and underscore his vulnerability during a turbulent period in his life.
Amidst these revelations, Ye has also been navigating rumors regarding his marriage to Bianca Censori. Speculation about their split first emerged in February 2025, with reports indicating that the couple had contacted divorce lawyers. However, a representative for Ye denied these claims, insisting that they were not separating. In a bid to quell the rumors, Ye recently shared a photo with Censori, where they posed against a stone wall, igniting further speculation about the state of their relationship.
The couple tied the knot in 2022 and made headlines for their dramatic appearances, including a memorable moment at the 2025 Grammys when Censori revealed a see-through dress by removing her fur coat. Earlier this month, DJ Akademiks previewed a new song titled "Bianca," where Ye expresses his longing for his wife, singing, "Bianca, I just want you to come back..." This emotional plea adds another layer to the ongoing narrative of his personal struggles.
Ye’s willingness to bare his soul, however controversial, is nothing new. His career has long been marked by moments of unfiltered honesty, from his early rants to his gospel-inspired works. This latest release, "COUSINS," feels like a cry for understanding, wrapped in the chaos of his personal life. Given its sensitive subject matter, the song is poised to ignite heated discussions online.
Ferg, a former member of the ASAP crew, has publicly supported Ye following these revelations. On April 21, he took to Twitter, expressing his admiration for Ye’s courage in addressing such a sensitive topic. He tweeted, "Good for @kanyewest, now you can be whole. When people start to act out, you never know the root of the issue! Sending love, brother your a goat." This support comes as Ferg himself has shared his own experiences of sexual abuse, indicating a willingness to lend an ear to Ye during this tumultuous time.
As Ye continues to navigate the public commentary surrounding his situation, it’s clear that he is at a crossroads. The juxtaposition of his personal struggles and artistic expression has always been a hallmark of his career. Whether through the lens of redemption or reckoning, Ye’s music serves as a canvas for wrestling with guilt, faith, and forgiveness.
In the broader context, Ye’s revelations in "COUSINS" challenge societal norms about discussing trauma and abuse. His candidness invites listeners to reflect on the complexities of childhood experiences and their long-lasting impacts. While some may judge him harshly, others may find solace in his vulnerability.
As the conversation around "COUSINS" unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will affect Ye’s career and personal life. Will he find redemption through this artistic expression, or will it further complicate his already tumultuous journey? One thing is certain: Ye’s willingness to confront his past, no matter how painful, keeps him a polarizing figure in popular culture.
The release of "COUSINS" and the surrounding discussions exemplify the ongoing struggle many face in reconciling their past with their present. As fans and critics alike weigh in on the implications of Ye’s revelations, the music world watches closely, eager to see how this chapter in his life will unfold.
