Kanye West, now known as Ye and his erratic real estate ventures, has dominated headlines in recent months, with the rapper snapping up and swiftly offloading abandoned estates. Amidst this whirlwind of buying and selling, an Australian journalist offers a rare, firsthand account of life inside one of Ye’s forgotten mansions. Venturing into the vacant California property, the journalist uncovered a surreal landscape of opulence and decay.
While it is not exactly in sync with what the public expected, his experience provides a unique lens into the rapper’s tumultuous world, shedding light on the celebrity’s high-profile transactions and the eerie beauty of his discarded domains.
Ye’s abandoned Californian abode serves as a retreat to Australia Journalist
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As reported by The Guardian, Australian comedian-journalist John Safran flew to Los Angeles to explore Ye’s stance in politics and world affairs. Upon visiting the rapper’s Calabasas mansion, finding an old water bill to confirm the address. Safran spent a week squatting in Ye’s mansion, calling it a “writer’s retreat.” Having stocked up on camping gear, Safran slipped in an unlocked door, sliding into Ye’s sheets, and then raided his pantry, all while seeking to understand his psyche.
The journalist entails this experience as the core of his book, Squat, blending extremism, hip-hop, writing, and snooping. In pursuit of the same, his account offered a unique perspective on the rapper’s tumultuous world. Safran further recalled how chatting with his neighbors resulted in mixed reviews regarding the rapper. A resident named Ernie complained about planning permissions and traffic. “It’s terrible,” she said of living next to Ye. While Gregg appreciated Ye’s invitation to a church service. With no security present, Safran discovered the mansion was vacant.
Notably, Ye’s Californian mansion is not the only disowned property of the rapper. His other estates are now reportedly in better hands.
Investor Steven Bo Belmont promises to restore abandoned estate to its former glory
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The ‘Vultures’ rapper’s former Malibu mansion, designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, too lied in ruins after the rapper’s drastic renovations. However, investor Steven “Bo” Belmont saw potential in the damaged property. Reports claim he purchased the estate for $21 million, significantly below its original value. Belmont’s vision involves restoring the property to its original Ando-designed splendor.
Belmont secured millions in funding to revive the modernist masterpiece. His restoration plan aims to preserve Ando’s iconic design while updating the estate with luxurious amenities. Having found certain faulty designs in the “dumb” rapper’s former abode, investment-savvy Belmont is dedicated to bringing back architectural preservation. Once restored, the property is expected to regain its status as a stunning coastal retreat.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
How did you like the journalist’ sneak peek into Ye’s forgotten antiques? Let us know in the comments below.