Kanye West is leaving 'the traditional music business'

The rapper has parted ways with both of his current managers, reportedly intending to move all operations in-house

(Getty)

Kanye West is about to take his music in a new direction.

Although he’s already announced a double dose of releases for June – a solo album and a collaboration with Kid Cudi – the rapper has parted ways with his manager of two and a half years, Scooter Braun.

Although Billboard reports their two companies will still work together, sources state the decision was part of West’s move to “leave the traditional music business”, with West reportedly sharing with associates his desire to make all operations in-house from now on.

That involves rejecting any traditional relationships with an outside music manager or lawyer; West reportedly asked Braun to work for him full time but he declined, as his current clients include the likes of Justin Bieber.

He is still, however, signed to a record deal at Def Jam and a publishing deal at Sony/ATV. It’s unknown whether West intends also to sever these connections ahead of his album releases.

He had previously split with manager Izvor “Izzy” Zivkovic in March, who had worked alongside the musician for nearly a decade.

His decision reflects a growing trend of high-profile musicians – including Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift – swerving away from traditional manager relationships, to integrate management in-house or launch their own management companies.

Braun’s departure arrives in the backdrop of West reiterating his support for Donald Trump, while praising conservative black commentator Candace Owens for “challenging conventional black thought”.

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