What Happened Between Bon Iver and Kanye West? The partnership between Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Kanye West stands out as one of the most fascinating and unexpected alliances in the music industry. When their paths first crossed in 2009, it became evident that the fusion of avant-garde folk with innovative hip-hop would yield extraordinary results.
However, what transpired between Bon Iver and Kanye West throughout the years? Although they both embraced genre-defying music and pioneering artistry, their collaborative efforts ultimately came to an end. This article will delve into the evolution of their partnership, highlighting its successes and challenges, as well as the factors that led to their separation.
The Beginnings of a Strange Partnership
What Happened Between Bon Iver and Kanye West? In 2009, Kanye West was engaged in the creation of his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, with a strong desire to redefine the boundaries of hip-hop. Concurrently, Justin Vernon, the lead vocalist of Bon Iver, was emerging as a prominent figure in the indie music scene, celebrated for his hauntingly beautiful and profoundly emotional compositions. Vernon’s debut album, For Emma, Forever Ago, was still resonating with audiences, while his subsequent EP, Blood Bank, highlighted his evolving experimental approach.
The convergence of these two artists from vastly different musical backgrounds can be attributed to Kanye West’s quest for innovative sounds and fresh influences. The journey began when Jeff Bhasker, Kanye’s keyboardist, stumbled upon Bon Iver’s Blood Bank EP. His girlfriend had intended to forgo Kanye’s concert in New York to attend Bon Iver’s more intimate performance, which sparked Bhasker’s interest. After listening to the EP, he recognized the distinctive potential of Bon Iver’s sound and shared it with Kanye.
Kanye was captivated by Vernon’s innovative use of autotune, a signature element of hip-hop, yet applied within a folk context. Fascinated by this fusion of genres, Kanye reached out to Vernon with a proposal for collaboration. Although Vernon was initially reluctant—considering Kanye’s superstar status compared to his own indie background—he ultimately accepted the invitation to travel to Hawaii and explore creative ideas for the new album.
The Magic of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
Kanye West and Justin Vernon’s partnership materialized in the song “Lost in the World,” which was featured on the 2010 album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” This track prominently incorporated a sample from Vernon’s “Woods,” taken from the “Blood Bank” EP, with Vernon adding fresh vocals and melodies. The song emerged as a significant success, merging West’s hip-hop production with Vernon’s ethereal and almost celestial vocal style. It became one of the defining tracks on an album that received everything as one of the finest of the decade.
Vernon characterized the recording sessions in Hawaii as a surreal experience, immersed in a diverse group of artists including A-Trak, Nicki Minaj, and Rick Ross. He reminisced about the vibrant creative environment in West’s studio, where all participants were dedicated to pushing the boundaries of their musical expression. As Vernon expressed, “It was f***ing fun, man.” The collaborative spirit was evident, suggesting that the alliance between Vernon and West was just beginning to unfold.
For many, the combination of Bon Iver’s ethereal sound with Kanye’s innovative hip-hop appeared almost paradoxical. However, their differing styles produced a remarkable synergy that astonished both listeners and critics. This collaboration exemplified the gradual dissolution of genre boundaries within the music industry, as artists from various backgrounds began to share influences and engage in cross-genre collaborations.
From Collaboration to Separation
The collaboration between Bon Iver and Kanye West yielded some of their most remarkable work; however, over time, the two artists began to grow apart. Despite their shared professional achievements, their personal relationship became increasingly strained, largely due to divergent political beliefs and personal ideologies.
In 2016, Justin Vernon expressed that his friendship with Kanye West had deteriorated, remarking, “I can’t really kick it with him anymore on a personal level, just the energy. But I’ve got mad love for him, and we’ I’m still friends.” The primary catalyst for this rift was Kanye’s heightened political engagement, particularly his endorsement of then-president Donald Trump. Vernon, recognized for his progressive stance and advocacy for issues such as climate change and LGBTQ+ rights, struggled to reconcile his friendship with Kanye, whose political views starkly contrasted with his own.
In a subsequent interview, Vernon elaborated on how their relationship had been impacted by a philosophical disagreement regarding the notion of humility. Kanye had previously questioned Vernon’s interpretation of the term, resulting in a passionate discussion about personal identity and the balance between humility and self-assertion. Although the dialogue remained respectful, it underscored the widening ideological gap between the two artists.
These personal differences began to infiltrate their professional interactions, with Vernon acknowledging that the atmosphere during their collaborative sessions had changed. What was once a vibrant and inspiring creative partnership had transformed into a more challenging and strained dynamic.
The Last Collaboration: Take Me to the Light
In spite of their personal differences, the duo successfully collaborated once more in 2019 on the song “Take Me to the Light,” produced by Francis & the Lights. nevertheless, Vernon indicated that this collaboration would likely be their final one. The underlying tension between the two artists was evident, and Vernon’s remark about being unable to “kick it” with Kanye any longer marked the conclusion of their creative alliance.
In the subsequent years, Kanye West’s career took a more unpredictable trajectory, characterized by his public endorsement of controversial political figures and his involvement in the “Sunday Service” gospel movement. In contrast, Vernon concentrated on his Bon Iver project, crafting music that mirrored his evolving artistic perspective. His 2019 album “i,i” represented a shift from his earlier work, integrating more electronic and hip-hop influences, which were, in many respects, shaped by his previous collaborations.
Despite the end of their partnership, the creative bond between Vernon and West serves as a testament to the ability of music to transcend barriers and connect artists from diverse backgrounds. Their brief yet significant collaboration will forever be recognized as one of the most surprising and successful cross-genre endeavors in contemporary music.
Why Did They Drift Apart?
What transpired between Bon Iver and Kanye West can be attributed to a mix of creative disagreements, differing personal ideologies, and the challenges inherent in a high-pressure, high-profile environment. Although their collaborative music was remarkable, the dynamics of their relationship began to change as their personal and political views began to diverge.
A significant factor in their estrangement was Kanye West’s growing alignment with conservative politics, highlighted by his controversial endorsement of Donald Trump. In contrast, Bon Iver has consistently upheld progressive values and social activism, leading to an insurmountable rift between the two. Vernon’s statement that he could no longer “kick it” with Kanye clearly meant the deterioration of their once-close relationship.
Moreover, the nature of Kanye West’s creative approach, characterized by intense and chaotic studio sessions along with a strong desire for control, may not have suited Vernon’s style. While Vernon appreciated the collaborative elements of their work together, the friction arising from their differing methodologies likely played a role in the dissolution of their partnership.
Despite these challenges, both artists continue to hold mutual respect for each other’s artistry. Vernon has expressed that he harbors “mad love” for Kanye, even though their personal and professional trajectories have diverged.
Expert Editorial Comment
What Happened Between Bon Iver and Kanye West? The partnership between Bon Iver and Kanye West stands out as one of the most intriguing and unexpected collaborations in contemporary music. Although their time working together was limited, the music they produced serves as a lasting testament to their mutual dedication to challenging conventions and delving into innovative soundscapes. “Lost in the World,” featured on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, remains a highlight in both artists’ discographies, exemplifying their talent for merging diverse genres into a distinctive and unforgettable piece.
In terms of their solo careers, both artists have continued to grow and experiment with various musical styles. Kanye West’s artistic journey has crossed gospel, avant-garde hip-hop, and even ventured into political discourse. Conversely, Bon Iver persistently expands the boundaries of his genre-defying music, drawing from a broad spectrum of influences, including hip-hop and electronic elements.
Although their personal connection may have concluded, the impact of their collaboration persists in the music they crafted together. It serves as a powerful reminder that, despite their contrasting backgrounds, two artists from vastly different realms can unite to create something remarkable.
What Happened Between Bon Iver and Kanye West?