Kanye West and Big Sean turned a long-running rap feud into an unexpected Chicago reunion Thursday night. The former collaborators shared the Soldier Field stage, signaling that years of public tension may finally be behind them.
Ye brought his former G.O.O.D. Music protégé into the spotlight during the first night of his two-night Chicago run. Sean emerged beneath the globe-shaped stage, revisiting some of their biggest songs.
Kanye West and Big Sean performed together in Chicago after years of public tension
As per a clip shared on X, Ye introduced Sean by saying, “Had to bring my homie from the D out,” before Sean joined him. They performed “Clique,” their 2012 collaboration with Jay-Z, followed by Sean’s “I Don’t F*** With You.” They later performed “Mercy” with 2 Chainz. The reunion mattered because their relationship had soured in 2021. Sean joined G.O.O.D. Music in 2007 and released six projects through the label, including Detroit 2 in 2020.
When Sean left, he explained his decision on social media. “That’s a forever brotherhood, but business wise, I had to start getting a bigger cut! I worked my way out that deal,” he wrote, according to the publication.
Things became messier afterward. During Drink Champs, Ye said signing Sean was “the worst thing I’ve ever done.” He claimed his tombstone would say, “I deserve to be here because I signed Big Sean.” Ye blamed Sean and John Legend for not supporting his 2020 presidential campaign, according to Entertainment Tonight.
Sean later pushed back. “I love Kanye, bro,” he said on Drink Champs, adding that he thought the comments were “some bitch ass shit.” According to Complex, he also posted that they had been together after Ye’s interview, writing, “Was just wit this man, he ain’t say none of that!!! And this was after the interview!”
Now, the rappers appeared comfortable sharing the stage again. Sean’s 2024 album Better Me Than You arrived through his own FF to Def Entertainment, distributed by Def Jam. Future, Twista, and Andre Troutman also appeared Thursday. The Chicago shows continued Ye’s stadium tour, following recent stops in Los Angeles, Tampa Bay, San Antonio, and New Orleans.
