Russian singer and composer Yuri Loza has stated he would not perform a duet with American rapper Kanye West for any amount of money or attend his concert. The musician expressed his views in comments reported by the Public News Service.
Loza, best known as the author of the hit song The Raft, said listeners who consider West a revolutionary figure in rap do not understand the genre. He argued that the American artist, who also goes by the name Ye, relies primarily on foolish behavior and scandalous public statements rather than musical innovation.
According to Loza, many of those buying tickets to West's performances are simply curious onlookers who want to attend a show by a visiting Western artist. He added that it is ironic how people in Russia frequently criticize Americans yet rush to see a prominent US figure as soon as one arrives in the country, describing the scene as comical to watch.
Comparisons with Hip Hop Legends
The singer insisted that iconic American rappers such as Eminem and Tupac Shakur deserve far more attention than West. In his view, West's musical contributions cannot be legitimately compared to those of hip hop's established legends.
Loza is a veteran Soviet and Russian singer-songwriter who achieved national fame during the 1980s with his soft rock ballad The Raft. West, an influential American producer and artist who rose to international prominence in the early 2000s, has frequently generated headline attention worldwide through public controversies alongside his music career.
Precedent Among Russian Performers
Loza is not the first Russian artist to decline an invitation to share a stage with the American rapper. Singer Yaroslav Dronov, who performs under the stage name SHAMAN, previously stated that he turned down an offer to appear alongside West during a planned performance in Saint Petersburg.
Dronov, known for his patriotic hit song I Am Russian, explained his refusal by stating that rap is a musical culture far removed from his personal style. Saint Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, has frequently been discussed as a potential venue for high-profile international tours.
