Rapper Ye, Formerly Known As Kanye West Interview with ABC News Live

In case you missed it, this morning on “Good Morning America,” a portion of ABC News Live Prime Anchor Linsey Davis’ interview with Ye aired. In the clip, Ye discussed his social media use, co-parenting and more.

Watch more on ABC News Live tonight at 7 p.m. ET and tonight on “Nightline.””A Conversation with Ye: Linsey Davis Reporting,” a half-hour special on ABC News Live, airs at 8:30 p.m. ET and streams later on Hulu.

WATCH: https://gma.abc/3LwNkx2

Credit “ABC News//Good Morning America”

Ye opens up in ABC News exclusive interview

By Mark Guarino, Katie Conway

Ye said he has “new respect” for ex-wife Kim Kardashian and felt sorrow for causing stress in the relationship since Kardashian filed for divorce in February 2021.

“This is the mother of my children, and I apologize for any stress that I have caused, even in my frustration, because God calls me to be stronger,” Ye, the recording artist and entrepreneur formerly known as Kanye West, said in an exclusive morning interview that aired Thursday on “Good Morning America.” “I need this person to be less stressed and of the best, sound mind and as calm as possible to be able to raise those children at the end of the day.”

In a wide-ranging interview that covered Donda Academy, a school he started in California, to his plans to once again run for president, Ye repeatedly circled back to the responsibility that he has as a celebrity and his insistence that he have a say in the future of the four children he fathered with the global social media and reality TV star.

“As a dad and as a Christian. And I have a right to have a voice on what my kids are wearing, what they’re watching, what they’re eating,” he said. “I have a platform where I get to say what so many dads can’t say out loud.”

Ye said he “absolutely” wants his children to attend Donda Academy, “a gospel school” he created named after Donda West, his late mother who chaired the Department of English, Communications, Media Arts and Theatre at Chicago State University on Chicago’s South Side. She died in 2007.

“I’m their dad. It has to be co-parenting. It’s not up to only the woman. Like, men have a choice also. Men’s voices matter,” he said.

The private school, which Ye said was originally named the Yeezy Christian Academy, is located in Simi Valley, California. According to the school’s website, the academy’s mission is to help students “learn fundamentals, grow in their faith, and experience two enrichment classes.”

Ye said the school gives “kids practical tools that they need in a world post the iPhone being created.” He said the school is in its third year and has an enrollment of 82 students.

“So many schools are made to set kids up for industries that don’t even matter anymore,” he said, pointing out that the focus areas of the school is “on practical skills” such as engineering, computer programming and farming. He added that the school has tutors who focus on specific areas and could “actually turn your kids into, like, geniuses.”

“And if your kids are geniuses … they’re three grade levels ahead,” he added.

Ye told ABC News he hired a female basketball coach to help improve the skills of North, his 9-year-old daughter. He also helps coach North “every morning,” he said. The effort, Ye added, showed dramatic results. “She trained every day and I really stayed on her. And when she came back, she had the confidence,” he said.

Ye, who created the fashion brand Yeezy, also addressed the dissolving of his partnership with the Gap. Last week, Ye sent the Gap a letter terminating the 10-year partnership, saying the clothing retailer breached its contract to sell his Yeezy Gap line of apparel. Ye said he plans to open his own line of stores simply called YZY.

Mark Breitbard, Gap brand president and CEO, said the company and West are “not aligned” in how they work together, according to a memo sent to employees and reviewed by the Wall Street Journal. “Simply put…while we share a vision how we work together to deliver this vision is not aligned,” Breitbard wrote, according to the Journal.

It was all kind of a disregard for the voice of something that I co-created.

In addition to criticizing the Gap, Ye has recently criticized Adidas, a retailer that carries his apparel. Ye has been working with the athletic brand since their partnership was announced in 2016, but lashed out at Adidas when the brand released its Adilette 22 sandals, which resemble Ye’s Yeezy slides. Ye called their footwear “a fake Yeezy.”

“It was all kind of a disregard for the voice of something that I co-created. I co-created the product at Adidas. I co-created the product at Gap,” Ye said.

“That means that I was there for some specific agenda, not for Yeezy Gap to be everything that it could be, or this dream that I had about what the Gap could be,” he said. “It’s time for me to make my own thing.”

Adidas Chief Executive Kasper Rorsted said in August that West was probably the most important partner the company had, according to the Wall Street Journal. Adidas is trying to find a path toward continuing the partnership, the paper reported.

Since his ongoing battle with Adidas, Ye said he’s determined to learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of his brand.

“We had to level up,” Ye said. “Really show ’em who’s the new boss in town, that I’m the boss of me. I’m no longer just the man ridin’ atop the polo horse. I’m not just a mascot in the middle of the games, gettin’ the crowd hyped up sayin’, ‘Hey, wear this, do this,’ but you know, just learn financial engineering. Learn how to — learn how to really run a company.”

Ye added that he plans to move forward with an Oct. 3 fashion show in Paris that was initially planned in conjunction with the Gap. He secured a new producer for the event, he said, via Instagram.

Today, YZY Gap engineered by Balenciaga announced a new line of outerwear and knitwear, which will be made available online. YZY Gap engineered by Balenciaga also announced that YZY Gap will be available at stores outside of the U.S. for the first time at Gap’s Tokyo and Shanghai flagship stores.

Potentially, another presidential run

In November 2020, Ye conceded his run for president. He had loaned $6.8 million to his 2020 presidential committee, essentially self-funding his campaign during the first month and a half of his run, according to a Federal Election Commission disclosure filing.

Ye said he “absolutely” plans to run for president again but did not specify when.

“That time wasn’t in God’s time,” he said.

Ye said he is often misunderstood because of his adamancy for his Christian faith, which drives him to perform “Sunday Service” with a gospel choir at different locations around the U.S. He said he’s a “radical” for wanting to promote “the idea of family, the idea of God, the idea of protecting your children’s innocence for as long as possible.”

“When you remove the love and fear of God, you open up the love and fear of everything else. And it’s easier to have sheep when people don’t have God. It’s easier to control the people if people are not controlled by God. Because then they can be controlled by how many likes they have or whatever’s happening on their TikTok or how much money or the perception that people have,” he said.

“But we only have one audience here and that audience is God. And He’s watching us at all times,” Ye said. “He’s got my back.”

Ashanti Joined “Good Morning America”

This morning, singer Ashanti joined “Good Morning America” to talk about rerecording her debut album to own her masters and her new children’s book.  In case you missed it, the performances included a special appearance from Ja Rule.

Ashanti performs a medley of hits on ‘GMA’ The Grammy-winning singer performs some of her most popular jams, including “Rock Wit U,” “Happy” and “Mesmerize,” and brings out a special guest.

Ashanti performs ‘Falling for You’ and ‘Foolish’ on ‘GMA’ The hit singer performs her brand-new song live for the first time along with one of her biggest hits.

Ashanti chats about new music and re-recording past hits The singer said she was inspired by Taylor Swift to re-record her debut album, which was released 20 years ago.

Credit: Good Morning America/ABC News

Martin Lawrence and Tessa Thompson join “GMA” and Meg Thee Stallion Summer Concert Performers

In case you missed it, on “Good Morning America” actor and comedian Martin Lawrence talked about 30th anniversary of ‘Martin,’ and reunion special on BET+ as well as his favorite character and career.

Plus, actress Tessa Thompson discussed her latest role and “GMA” announced the 2022 summer concert series which will include performances from Meg Thee Stallion, Ozuna, and The Black Eyed Peas. Martin Lawrence talks about 30th anniversary of ‘Martin’ The comedy legend and the cast of the hit ’90s sitcom reunited for a new special on BET+.

Actress Tessa Thompson also discusses her role as Valkyrie in ”Thor: Love and Thunder” and Creed 3.

Plus GMA Announces 2022 Summer Concert Series Performers include such superstars as Megan Thee Stallion, aespa, the Black Eyed Peas, Ozuna, Demi Lovato and OneRepublic. 

 

Good Morning America” announces its sizzling hot lineup for the 2022 Summer Concert Series with K-pop girl group aespa kicking off the free concert series on Friday, July 8.

Sponsored by Massage Envy, this year’s concert series lineup includes some of the biggest stars in music, including OneRepublic, Megan Thee Stallion, Demi Lovato, Ozuna, and the Black Eyes Peas.

Each concert will take place from Rumsey Playfield in Central Park in New York City.

This link will be updated as additional performances are announced.

·        July 8 – aespa #aespaonGMA

·        July 15 – OneRepublic #OneRepublicOnGMA

·        August 12 – Megan Thee Stallion #MeganTheeStallionOnGMA

·        August 19 – Demi Lovato #DemiLovatoOnGMA

·        August 26 – Ozuna #OzunaOnGMA          

·        September 2 – Black Eyed Peas #BlackEyedPeasOnGMA

Credit ABC News//Good Morning America

GMA3: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW’ HEADS TO NEW ORLEANS 

To kick off this year’s ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola®, ABC News’ “GMA3: What You Need to Know” co-anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes and ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jen Ashton will host a special broadcast originating from the heart of New Orleans at Brennan’s in the French Quarter.  

 

On Thursday, June 30, the “GMA3” team will be live from “The Big Easy” to kick off the festival, which ends on Sunday, July 3. Drawing more than 500,000 attendees annually over the holiday weekend, ESSENCE Fest is one of the largest festivals in the country. 

 

As DJ D-Nice spins throughout the show, Robach, Holmes, and Dr. Ashton will interview actress Marsai Martin and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and look at the hottest fashion trends to expect at this year’s festival with ESSENCE beauty and fashion editor Blake Newby. The show will also give viewers a look back at the history and beginnings of ESSENCE Fest and detail how it became the massive celebration of Black culture it is today with ESSENCE CEO Caroline Wanga. 

 

“GMA3” executive producer Catherine McKenzie said, “After these last few years, as cities are opening their doors to embrace tourists, we are excited to take the show on the road and capture the joy throughout ESSENCE Fest and New Orleans. We hope this coverage will shine a light on this important celebration and help grow appreciation for the amazing contributions of Black culture to American society.” 

 

“As the nation’s largest festival by per day attendance, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is the crown jewel of celebrating Blackness, which fuels commerce, capital, and capacity that garners true economic impact for our global community,” said Wanga. “We are excited to return to New Orleans live and thrilled that there are options for virtual participation, that our full diasporic family, through our unapologetic “It’s The Black Joy for Me” manifesto, is happy to share with GMA3.” 

 

In addition, this year, The Walt Disney Company is the exclusive entertainment sponsor for ESSENCE Fest, bringing talent, exclusive screenings and experiences from across the Company’s iconic brands and touchpoints, including ABC, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Disney Cruise Line, Disney+, Disney Studios Content, Disney Television Studios, Disneyland Resort, ESPN, Freeform, FX, Hulu, Marvel Studios, National Geographic, Onyx Collective, Pixar and Walt Disney World Resort. Specific programming, experiences and talent appearances will be announced next week. For more information about Essence Fest, click here. 

 

Follow “GMA3” and the journey to ESSENCE Fest on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For more information, attendees can download the ESSENCE app or join virtually on Essencefestival.com.  

 

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Essence Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand’s multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

 

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Outdoor Must-Haves

I hosted a Lifestyle Segment on Monday, July 12th on ABC 33/40 Talk of Alabama. During the segment, I shared summer must-haves while hosting an outdoor event.

The products showcased were meant to assist with helping everyone enjoy their guests!

PROTECT YOUR PARTY GUESTS FROM MOSQUITOS – 15-20FT RADIUS OF PROTECTION

Thermacell | E55 Thermacell Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller (An Amazon Best Seller) – provides 20ft of protection ($39.99 on Amazon / Thermacell / Home Depot, Loews, Walmart etc.)

Thermacell | Patio Shield Metal Edition in Rose Gold provides 15ft of protection ($34.99 on Amazon / Thermacell / Home Depot, Loews, Walmart etc.)

Protect Your Skin with IBKÜL’s (IB-Cool) IceFil UPF 50+ Tops Available For The Whole Family

IBKÜL | Mens Womens & Children Tops ($19 – $99 depending on style) – Available on ibkul.com and Amazon. 

Make Your Eyes Pop Even With A Mask On with Easy-To-Use Magnetic Lashes

Lola’s Lashes | Easy To Use And Glamorous Lashes best selling magnetic Lashes in the UK | $28 – $65 at lolaslashes.com

Protect Your Pets & Kids From Ticks While You Enjoy A Beautiful Outdoor Memorial Day Weekend Backyard BBQ.

Thermacell | Tick Control Tubes (6 pack for $24.99 @Thermacell)

Click on the link to view the segment: Talk of Alabama | Summer Must-Haves | Kimberly West

Watch this segment: ABC TALK OF ALABAMA – MOSQUITO PREVENTION

Talk of Alabama Fashion Segment: Makeup Techniques, Shapewear, and Much More

On July 2, 2019, I hosted a television segment on Talk of Alabama:  ABC 3340 discussing simple fashion tips to elevate anyone’s everyday style.

I was excited to serve as the Fashion/Style Expert and shared makeup techniques, shapewear basics, color placement, and classic accessories.

Why talk about everyday style tips?  Because it’s easy for women to wear the same hairstyle or favorite jacket for several years. Refreshing your overall look can uplift your mindset and self-esteem.

MAKEUP
During the segment, I discussed how to cut down on the early morning routine with the use of face palettes from companies such as Makeup Geek.  Face palettes remove the need for various products and keep the bathroom area organized.  They’re easy to store in your cosmetics bag as well.

The most important makeup tip shared on-air was wearing a bright-colored lipstick to elevate the face during an early morning routine!

SHAPEWEAR
Owning shapewear basics such as a bodysuit or camisole will make those fitted shift dresses, align skirts, or slim-fit slacks lay smoothly and camouflage problem areas.

COMPLEMENTARY COLORS
When shopping, purchase items that are in complementary colors according to your skin tone, eyes, and hair color.  The IBKUL Mock Neck Summer dress is the perfect addition to anyone’s seasonal wardrobe.

This dress has rich colors and the sleeveless design can be dressed up with wedge sandals or dressed down with a denim jacket.

ACCESSORIES
Accessories are like icing on a cake!  Wearing the right accessories can elevate any look; it’s suggested to start with classic pieces such as stud earrings, tortoiseshell sunglasses, leather belt or black handbag.

From there, you can incorporate trendier items for a fun look.  The pieces shown on-air included a straw handbag and hat, pearls, hoop earrings, tote bag, and aviator sunglasses.

Need help with your overall look, then click here:  Fashion Consultant and  Personal Shopper

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: New Year, New You Beauty Must-Haves

Monday marks the official beginning of the new year!  Everyone’s setting goals and changing their beauty regimen.

I hosted a Lifestyle Segment on Talk of Alabama – ABC 3340; themed “New Year, New You” sharing beauty advice through the use of hair care products.

A few of the tips shared on-air included applying Root Touch-Up, Clip-In Hair Extensions, and It’s a 10 Haircare Products.  This was a fun segment and to showcase the hair extensions I wore a human hair color strip.  Details about the segment included:

Use a Root Touch-Up Marker to cover gray roots without a permanent chemical process.

Insert colored extensions from Hairdo USA for a glamorous hair style without committing to an entirely new hue.  Don’t forget to use a wrap around pony for quick star-worthy style!

It’s a 10 Haircare products are holiday and salon-worth products that can be used at-home.  This product line is a celebrity favorite amongst Gabrielle Union and Gwen Stephani.  The products can be used on all hair types while protecting, smooths, and conditions. This product can even be used on kids and pets! There’s also something for the men in our life!  He’s a 10 Miracle Pliable Paste and 3-in-1 Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Treatment: He’ll love these versatile stylers that glide easily through hair and body with zero sticky residue and a clean feel. These grooming essentials will save men money and time.

Hair:

Root Touch-Up Marker

Human Hair Color Strip

Long Wave Pony

French Braid Band

It’s a 10 Haircare

Hairdo How to Tips and Videos:

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Breast Cancer Awareness Fall Must-Haves

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  To celebrate efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation I hosted a Lifestyle Segment with ABC 33/40 on Monday, October 30, 2017.  The television appearance featured beauty and wellness tips to help women that are undergoing cancer treatment.

A few of the suggestions discussed on-air included the use of hair turbans, scarfs, mineral makeup, and water-based nail polish.  Companies such as STILA Cosmetics provided makeup from the Living Beauty Collection and Dana’s Bakery shipped Pink Cotton Candy Macaroons that encouraged proceeds to be donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

This particular segment was dear to my heart because my mother is a Lymphatic Cancer survivor.  Special thank you to Talk of Alabama for allowing me to share cancer related beauty tips with a local audience!

Hair:

Turban

Scarf

Face:

Alima Pure

Deborah Lippmann

STILA Cosmetics

Wellness:

Pill Box Organizer

Take a look at the segment clip here: Talk of Alabama 10/30/2017 Kim West

Talk of Alabama Lifestyle Segment: Healthy and Quick Breakfast Recipe Ideas.

Last week I served as a Lifestyle Expert for Talk of Alabama:  ABC 3340 sharing healthy breakfast recipes.

I was excited to host the segment because breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day.

Due to our hectic schedules, making a hearty breakfast can be a challenge but with the right appliances it can be an easy task!

During the segment I discussed the importance of creating a toast bar with the Krups 2 Slice Toaster Oven.  There are so many delicious toast recipes adding peanut butter, avocado, bananas, and olive oil as a topping.

For breakfast meals (on the go) make a fruit smoothie as an option; top with Carrington Farms Organic Flax and Chia Seeds to boost the immune system.  Munk Pack Oatmeal Squeezes are gluten-free, vegan snacks that are compacted with whole grains and fruit bites.

The TFal Pressure Cooker not only makes delicious dinners but breakfast dishes such as Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats.

Take a look at the segment clip here:  TALK OF ALABAMA:  HEALTHY BREAKFAST

Cinnamon Roll Steel Cut Oats Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup steel cut oats

3 1/2 cups water

1/4 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup raisins

Brown Sugar Topping

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Add butter to pressure cooking pot, select Sauté. When butter is melted add the oats and toast, stirring constantly, until they start to darken and smell nutty, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add water and salt to pressure cooking pot.
  3. Select high pressure and set 10 minutes cook time.
  4. When beep sounds, turn off pressure cooker and use a natural pressure release for 5 minutes and then do a quick pressure release to release any remaining pressure.
  5. When valve drops carefully remove lid. Stir oats. Stir in raisins. Cover and let sit five or 10 minutes until oats are desired thickness.

It’s A 10 Haircare: Official Professional Hair Care Sponsor of The 2018 Miss America Pageant

It’s a 10 Haircare, the go-to hair care brand for professional stylists and clients across the globe, is proud to announce its role as the Official Professional Hair Care Sponsor of “The 2018 Miss America® Competition.” To celebrate, the brand is launching an unprecedented, interactive campaign offering everyone inAmerica a chance to receive a free bottle of the brand’s #1 selling Miracle Leave-In Product if the newly crowned MissAmerica comes from their state.

Starting today, residents of the fifty states and the District of Columbia can visit http://missamerica.itsa10haircare.com/to register for this campaign.  Registered residents of the state from which the new Miss America hails will automatically receive a free 2 oz. Miracle Leave-In Product in the mail, courtesy of It’s a 10 Haircare. In addition, everyone else who registered coast to coast and in Alaska and Hawaii will also receive a coupon code for a free gift with purchase at Itsa10Haircare.com, regardless of their state.

“This campaign is a way to celebrate not only the women making a difference in the Miss America Competition, but also our fans nationwide who are pursuing their unique dreams, careers and philanthropic endeavors,” said Carolyn Aronson, Founder and CEO of It’s a 10 Haircare. “The Miss America Organization’s philanthropic arm is particularly appealing to me, as I have made it my mission to give back in ways that empower women and celebrate diversity. Together, we are going to reach millions of Americans and help them feel recognized and inspired – we couldn’t have hoped for a better partnership.”

During the broadcast of “The 2018 Miss America Competition,” Aronson will share her story and talk about the promotion.

“The 2018 Miss America Competition” will broadcast live on ABC from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall on Sunday, September 10th (9:00 – 11:00p.m. ET and PT).

The Miss America Competition showcases the intellect, grace, and exceptional talent of 51 accomplished women representing their home states (and District of Columbia) as they compete for the coveted title of Miss America. As previously announced, Chris Harrison (ABC’s “The Bachelor” franchise and “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”) returns to host the legendary competition, with Sage Steele (ESPN’s “SportsCenter on the Road” and “SportsCenter: AM”) joining as co-host. Celebrity judges for the final night of the competition include Thomas Rhett, Molly Sims, Jordin Sparks, and Jess Cagle.

For the latest news, be sure to follow Miss America (@MissAmerica) and It’s a 10 Haircare (@itsa10haircare) on social and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #MissAmerica.