PETA Calls Out Kanye Over Skinned Monkey "Eazy" Cover Art

BY Erika Marie 20.4K Views
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Kanye West, PETA
The animal rights organization didn't name Ye's "Eazy" collaborator, The Game, in its rant.

In its first hours since Kanye West and The Game shared their "Eazy" collaboration, reactions haven't ceased. From fans to critics to downright haters, opinions have poured in from all corners of the Hip Hop globe. Many fans have noted that this version of Ye is reminiscent of his earlier catalog, while others are impressed by the Eazy-E "Eazy Duz It" sample that perfectly complements both Game and Ye's lyrical approach.

Prior to the track's release, the rappers teased "Eazy" by sharing not only a snippet of the song but also revealed the cover art that showed a skinned animal. Those with sensitive stomachs weren't thrilled, including PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) who penned a statement on social media.


"The disturbing image of a skinned monkey that @kanyewest shared serves as a reminder that there’s no real difference between humans and other animals," the organization penned. "Their lives aren’t easy when we abuse and kill them for food, experiments, clothing, or entertainment — they’re not ours to abuse for any reason. #EndSpeciesism."

Hip Hop artists have often found themselves on the receiving end of PETA's criticisms and radical stances. The Game managed to avoid being in PETA's crosshairs over this one, but the organization may have singled out Ye because, for years, they have targeted him and the Kardashian-Jenners for various reasons, including wearing fur.

Meanwhile, Game and Ye are being widely applauded for "Eazy" and this seems to have reignited an already heightened interest in both rappers' next projects. Check it out below.



About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.