Rapper Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, has reached the #1 spot on iTunes and Apple charts with his new album "Vultures 1" in over 100 countries. This comes despite facing significant backlash over the past few years for making antisemitic remarks that led many major corporations to cut commercial ties.
However, West retains a devoted following, with tens of millions of monthly listeners on Spotify even before his latest release. This demonstrates his "uncancelable" status - he has become so famous that attempts to cancel him have little impact.
The new album's cover art and lyrics have already stirred up fresh controversy. But West seems undeterred, confident in his firmly entrenched place in pop culture. Unlike lesser-known artists like Azealia Banks who faced career damage for offensive statements, West weathers scandals while still producing hit music.
His continued success largely stems from the fragmentation of culture in the internet age. Niche online communities can drive an album's popularity even if much of the offline public is unaware or uninterested. For many casual fans, West remains a gifted rapper regardless of headlines.
True "cancellation" comes not from industry elites but from the grassroots - if the public loses interest and stops listening. As long as West puts out music that gets streamed and talked about, he will keep making money. He won't disappear from view anytime soon, as the #1 debut of "Vultures 1" strongly attests. Scandal has become almost an intrinsic part of his fame rather than an impediment.