Kanye West, a renowned and highly controversial music icon, fashion mogul, and entrepreneur, is recognized for his ostentatious and luxurious lifestyle. His avant-garde fashion, multimillion-dollar homes, and flamboyant events vividly portray his affluence. However, his father, Ray West, standing quietly in the backdrop of Kanye's high-profile life, made a shocking decision.
While Kanye West continued to make headlines with his luxurious lifestyle, his father, Ray West, has chosen to live in a homeless shelter on purpose. A decision that appeared to contradict the privileges made available to him by his son's riches.
How Much Is Kanye West's Net Worth?
Kanye West estimates a substantial $500 million of net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth as of recent. Making him one of the wealthiest black individuals in the history of the United States. His impressive wealth has been amassed over a successful career in music spanning over two decades.
West's discography, boasting sales of 160 million albums and singles, significantly contributes to his wealth, with the value of his music catalog alone estimated at around $110 million. However, Kanye's wealth extends far beyond his success in the music industry.
His entrepreneurial ventures, particularly his complete ownership of the Yeezy brand, have significantly elevated his financial status. The estimated enterprise value of Yeezy added a staggering $3-5 billion to Kanye's net worth as at March 2021. Additionally, he reaps annual royalty earnings from the brand, which range from $150 to $200 million.
Further bolstering his financial standing is Kanye's partnership with The Gap, estimated to be worth around $1 billion, as well as his substantial real estate holdings, estimated to be worth approximately $100 million. His real estate assets are worth $120 million.
His music catalog, which includes G.O.O.D Music, is valued at $80 million. The Yeezy website is worth around $100 million. The Yeezy brand's estimated value stands at a colossal $5 billion. His partnership with The Gap is valued at $1 billion, and his cash, equities, and other assets total roughly $400 million.
Is Kanye West And His Father, Ray West, On Good Terms?
The relationship between Kanye West and his father, Ray West, is complex, shaped by the passage of time, life-changing events, and the trials of parenthood. The Sun reported that following Ray and Kanye's mother, Donda West's divorce in 1980.
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Kanye moved to Chicago with his mother but maintained a connection with his father, spending summers with him in Washington DC. This childhood arrangement laid the foundation for their ongoing relationship.
Despite the physical distance and the primary influence in his upbringing, Kanye has acknowledged the role his father played in his life. His respect and appreciation for Ray West, evident in his songs and interviews, signify the depth of their bond.
In 2019, Kanye even admitted in his music video for "Follow God" that it took him over four decades to realize that his father was his best friend, indicating the evolution of their relationship. His 2020 presidential campaign speech shed more light on their bond when he disclosed that they managed to maintain a strong relationship despite his father's initial intent to get rid of him.
Their bond, while strong, isn't without friction. As seen in the Netflix documentary "jeen-yuhs," Ray West's concern for Kanye is palpable. Their disagreements are also laid bare in Kanye's award-winning track "Father Stretch My Hands," where he describes their heated exchanges.
Kanye's since-deleted Instagram post, where he wrote about making his father proud for the first time in 45 years, encapsulates the underlying respect and longing for approval that characterize their relationship. This shared history, filled with ups and downs, paints a picture of a complex yet resilient bond between Kanye West and his father, Ray West.
Why Did Kanye West's Father, Ray West Move Into A Homeless Shelter?
Ray West is a multifaceted individual with a vibrant history spanning various career paths. According to Hollywood Life, his journey began in the field of photojournalism, where he lent his lens to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
His talent captured prominent figures, from the illustrious poet Maya Angelou, the influential civil rights leader Ralph David Abernathy, and even former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. His curiosity and ambition led him to venture into other professional spheres. He took on roles as diverse as a paparazzo, a marriage counselor, and a store proprietor, manifesting his adaptability and versatile set of skills.
Kanye West's father, lead a different life by quitting media career and choosing to settle in the Dominican Republic for the purpose of his philanthropic endeavors, specifically focusing on the Good Water Foundation, an organization he established. An initiative that embodies his lifelong devotion to societal upliftment.
His life took an intriguing turn when Ray opted to live in a homeless shelter. Kanye West clarified this unusual decision, stating that his father wasn't homeless but wanted to immerse himself fully in service to those struggling with drug addiction. This same dedication to service inspired the inception of his Dominican Republic-based foundation, focusing on victims of prostitution and systemic corruption.
In an interview with DailyMail, Ray's ex-wife Brenda Bentley shared that despite facing daily peril in a crime-ridden neighborhood, Ray West is unwavering in his commitment to his cause. His dwelling place in the Dominican Republic is far from the safe and comfortable homes most individuals his age yearn for. Yet, Ray remained steadfast and passionately worked on his mission.
Ray West's choice to live amongst those he serves, braving natural disasters and constant danger, underlines his profound commitment to his mission which is a world away from his son Kanye's lifestyle of glam. His myriad occupations and life experiences have shaped him into the person he is today.
Despite Kanye West's wealth and glamorous lifestyle, his father, Ray West, has chosen his own path. He prefers a simple life in the Dominican Republic, dedicating his efforts to philanthropy and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. His passion for activism took a backseat as his photojournalism career took off.
