On April 21, 2025, Kanye West released a new song titled “Cousins,” in which he revealed details of an incestuous relationship with his male cousin during their childhood and early teenage years.
In a candid post on X (formerly Twitter), Ye explained that the inspiration for the song came from his cousin, who is currently serving a life sentence for murder. West recounted how, as children, he and his cousin were exposed to explicit magazines, which led to them “acting out” what they saw. He wrote, “Perhaps in my self-centred mess I felt it was my fault that I showed him those dirty magazines when he was 6 and then we acted out what we saw.” West went on to confess, “My name is Ye and I sucked my cousin’s d**k till I was 14.”
The song itself does not shy away from the explicit nature of these experiences. In the lyrics, West describes reading adult magazines with his cousin and reenacting what they viewed, culminating in graphic admissions of sexual acts. The track is accompanied by visuals that blend mature content, animated images, and personal home videos, further intensifying the emotional gravity of the confession.
The revelation has ignited a firestorm on social media, with reactions ranging from shock and sympathy to scepticism and concern for West’s mental health. Some users expressed empathy, recognising the trauma and complexity of childhood sexual experiences, while others questioned the timing and motivation behind such a public disclosure. Mental health advocates have highlighted the importance of addressing childhood trauma, and some fans have called West’s confession a “cry for help.”
This is not the first time West’s cousin has been mentioned in public discourse. In previous interviews, including a 2018 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, West spoke about his cousin’s incarceration and expressed continued love for him despite his criminal actions. The new song and confession, however, mark the first time West has publicly addressed the nature of their childhood relationship.
As the world processes this latest revelation from one of music’s most controversial figures, the conversation has expanded beyond celebrity gossip to broader discussions about trauma, accountability, and the power of sharing personal truth. West’s willingness to confront such a painful chapter of his past has left many wondering about the impact on his family, his fans, and his journey toward healing.
While the music world and the public continue to react, one thing is clear: Kanye West’s confession has opened up a difficult but important dialogue about childhood trauma, mental health, and the complexities of personal history.