Kanye West—who has now legally changed his name to Ye—did not get final approval on his three-part documentary “Jeen-Yuhs,” which is now out on Netflix.
Even though Ye previously pleaded for the streaming platform to open its edit rooms for him to get involved in the production, things went the opposite way.
The directors behind the film Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah shed light on their decision to oust the rapper from having the final say on his story.
Why Kanye “Ye” West Did Not Get Final Approval On “Jeen-Yuhs”
MEGAFans worldwide can now get more familiar with Ye as Netflix has launched his documentary “Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy” on Tuesday, February 16.
Despite the series release, the rapper did not want his story out for the world to see without him making final creative decisions on the production.
While talking to ET, Simmons and Ozah explained why refusing to grant Ye his request was actually in his best interest and those of viewers.
Ozah clarified that suggestions from others are in line with his and Simmons’ organizational goals. He said, “Our company is called Creative Control, so that tells you a lot right then and there.”
Ozah buttressed that input is always welcome, and they make the best takeaways from the suggestions to align them with the objective of any intended film.
The 43-year-old noted that his partner and Ye had had many conversations about the creative control of the movie in the past, hinting that they have taken into consideration many directions from the rapper.
Simmons expressed disappointment when he saw the “Donda” rapper’s post about wanting to edit the final cut of the docuseries, but he “understood that that’s Kanye.”
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The 51-year-old said that he put his trust in God, who has brought him so far, and at that moment, he held on to that faith. He continued:
“And I know God’s gonna work it out because this film is very important for everybody who has a dream, for everybody after us.”
Last month, The Blast revealed that Ye appeared to be having cold feet over the release of his three-part docuseries, which is an intimate portrayal of his journey from rapper to business guru to a global brand.
“Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy” was compiled over 21 years by Simmons and Ozah and is filled with a lot of unseen footage from the “Jesus is King” star’s life.
The “Praise God” rapper took to his Instagram page on January 21 with a poster of his documentary, writing:
“I’m going to say this kindly for the last time. I must get final edit and approval on this doc before it releases on Netflix.
“Open the edit room immediately so I can be in charge of my own image. Thank you in advance [smiley face emoji].”
Simmons made it clear that he was not hijacking Ye’s voice when he confirmed to Variety that the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” alum said beforehand that he “100%” trusts him with the final cut.
MEGAThe “A Kid From Coney Island” director explained that the documentary was not about depicting the “Gold Digger” rapper in a positive light or not.
Simmons brought home his point by noting that the trilogy’s footage speaks for itself, highlighting that “what makes the film special is that it’s not something definitive; it’s his journey through my vision.”
The “Donda 2” Rapper Prophesied His Success As God’s Plan
Ye has set his name in stone as a Hollywood icon with over seven hit albums, multiple Grammys, a designer brand, and a billionaire status.
Earlier this month, The Blast shared the details of the “Jeen Yuhs” trailer—ahead of the February 16 release of the docuseries. In the clip, Ye prophesied greatness as his destiny.
The “Life of Pablo” star has an unshaken belief that God put success in his life story from the very start. He said, “I just think it was in God’s plan.”
Ye continued that God placed him on earth for a reason, and he has something to say with his rap career, even if he may not be the best. He concluded:
“The way I think I really won is I had the heart. If I do what I’m supposed to do, people are gonna look back like, ‘Man! Remember dude used to just make beats for people?”
