Scooter Braun's Fallout With Kanye West Fully Explained

In August 2023, the music industry witnessed a significant upheaval as Scooter Braun's management empire appeared to be crumbling. This shift began with the shocking news that Justin Bieber, his long-time protégé and friend, was parting ways with Braun. Following this revelation, other big-name artists, including Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato, started leaving SB Projects, Braun's management company. Such a mass exodus from a management firm run by one of the industry's most influential figures raised eyebrows and sparked numerous discussions about Braun's future in the business.

The departure of these high-profile clients is particularly striking given Braun's history as a powerful music executive. He played a pivotal role in catapulting artists like Bieber to superstardom and even made headlines for purchasing Taylor Swift's masters. However, as he transitions into his role as CEO of Hybe America—after the acquisition of his company Ithaca Holdings—industry insiders suggest that these recent departures may be less about personal conflicts and more about his new focus. An insider commented that negotiations with his clients have been ongoing as he steps into this larger role.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Braun has faced high-profile splits. In 2018, Kanye West, known for his unpredictable nature, publicly severed ties with Braun. Ye's decision to part ways with the manager was announced via a tweet, which exemplified the sometimes rocky relationships that can exist in the music industry. Nevertheless, the dynamic between these two has always been complex, marked by both collaboration and confrontation.

Kanye Accused Scooter of Duping Him in a Yeezy Deal

When Kanye West teamed up with Scooter Braun in 2016, it was primarily due to mutual respect and friendship rather than a formal contract. Kanye admired Braun's management style and believed that he could help elevate his brand, Yeezy, even further. However, their relationship became strained in late 2018 when a disagreement arose over a potential deal involving Yeezy. Braun had previously assisted West in negotiating partnerships, but during this time, things took a turn.

West wanted to sell a portion of Yeezy to a Chinese manufacturer, but Braun advised against it, suggesting it would be wise to back out. Despite Braun's advice, West went through with the deal, later accusing Braun of manipulating him into signing it away. This led to a significant fallout, with Braun feeling insulted and ultimately severing ties with West over the incident.

But Kanye Still Considers Scooter a Friend

Despite the drama surrounding their professional relationship, Kanye West has publicly stated that he still considers Scooter Braun a friend. In 2020, when Taylor Swift lost her masters to Braun, West offered to intervene on Swift's behalf, which was surprising given their history. He made it clear that he views Braun as a close family friend, emphasizing that he would do what he could to help Swift reclaim her rights.

This ongoing friendship, despite their professional fallout, raises interesting questions about the nature of relationships in the music industry. In interviews, both Braun and West have referred to each other as partners rather than mere manager and client. This distinction highlights the complex dynamics that often exist in the industry, where personal and professional relationships intertwine in unexpected ways.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Kanye Accused Scooter of Duping Him in a Yeezy Deal
• But Kanye Still Considers Scooter a Friend