A disappointed Kanye West supposedly bought back his childhood home in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood after the charity that was managing the property failed to convert it into an arts hub that was supposed to honor his late mother.
Real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin told WGN9 that the home was re-purchased at the price of $225,000 and that another $60,000 will be needed for repairs.
West used to be connected to the charity named Donda’s House, named after his late mother, but he cut ties with the organization after a spat with fellow rapper and childhood friend Rhymefest. West’s mother passed away in 2007 after complications from a cosmetic procedure.
The charity bought the house in 2016 and planned to turn it into a community arts “incubator” for at-risk youths.
Rhymefest also had plans to turn the house into the non-profit’s headquarters with a pioneering recording studio and museum all meant to inspire future generations.
But after plans fell through, the house has been left to deteriorate and it’s supposedly cheaper to tear it down than renovate it.
West’s mother bought the house in the early 1980’s and sold it in 2004.
Donda taught English at Chicago State University and reportedly mentored Rhymefest (real name Che Smith) as he was growing up.
The break with West happened in 2018 after Rhymefest got into a feud with Kim Kardashian West that was all over social media.
“You’re over leveraging Kanye’s name & asked Kanye to donate money to u so stop w your fake community politics & lies,” Kardashian West wrote on Twitter.
“Truth is you haven’t been able to sustain the foundation.” She later added, “You better believe I will make it my mission to take Donda’s House from you and let my children run it the way it should be run!”
Rhymefest denied all the accusations and added that the name “Donda’s House” will no longer be used as the name for their organization.
While West hasn’t mentioned what his plans are for the house, it’s expected that no expense will be spared in renovating it.
Replaced!