Kanye West dropped his newest album on Saturday (February 10), and it has already ignited controversy.
Vultures: Volume 1 is the latest offering from the now-divisive 46-year-old rapper.
Following a string of controversies - such as being dropped by major brands for antisemitic comments and being called out for "controlling" his wife Bianca Censori - West has now drawn the ire of some familiar foes: Swifties.
In one of his new tracks, 'Carnival', West namedrops singer Taylor Swift - whom he has had several high-profile run-ins with - amid some very x-rated lyrics.
"Why she say she sucked my d**k? (Ha) Then she say she ain't sucked my d**k (Ha). She gon' take it up the a** (Ha), like a ventriloquist (Ha)," he raps, before adding: "I made six Taylor Swift (Ha), Since I had the Rollie on the wrist (Ha), I'm the new Jesus, bitch (Ha), I turn water to crist (Ha)".
In response to the perceived objectifying lyrics, Swift's legions of fans took to social media to express their outrage and disappointment.
Many accused West of being stuck in the past and displaying an unhealthy obsession with Swift. One fan lamented: "He's 46 and he's still living in 2009," while another questioned:" "Isn't Kanye tired of being problematic? I'm sick of him tbh [to be honest]."
"Keep Taylor's name OUT YOUR MOUTH," another Swiftie tweeted.
Speculation arose that West's inclusion of Swift's name was a calculated move to generate controversy and boost album sales, with some users accusing him of chasing "clout". Despite the attention garnered by the controversial lyrics, some fans joked that the album would still "flop."
This isn't the first time West has referenced Swift in his music. In his 2016 track 'Famous', he sparked controversy with the lyrics, "I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex / Why? I made that b***h famous."
The ensuing feud between Swift, West, and his ex-wife Kim Kardashian escalated, resulting in a public fallout and legal battles. To top it off, the rapper would release a video that appeared to show Swift agreeing to have him use her name in the track.
The video was recorded by Kardashian.
In a recent interview with TIME magazine - after being named 'Person of the Year' - Swift reflected on the toll the feud had taken on her, describing it as "a career death". She highlighted the psychological impact of the public scrutiny and manipulation, emphasizing that she was "afraid to get on phone calls" and felt compelled to retreat from public life.
"That took me down psychologically to a place I've never been before," Swift told Time, adding that moved to a foreign country after the incident. "I didn't leave a rental house for a year. I was afraid to get on phone calls. I pushed away most people in my life because I didn't trust anyone anymore. I went down really, really hard."
At that time, she felt the scandal to be the end of her music career, sharing: "Make no mistake - my career was taken away from me."
Despite the ongoing feud, Swift remains resilient, asserting that "trash takes itself out every single time." As fans continue to rally behind her, the contentious relationship between Swift, West, and Kardashian shows no signs of abating.
The longstanding feud traces back to 2009 when a then-19-year-old Swift was thrust into the spotlight at the MTV Video Music Awards, setting the stage for a tumultuous relationship that continues to capture public attention.
As the debate surrounding West's controversial lyrics rages on, fans await Swift's response, eager to see how she will address the latest chapter in their turbulent history.
