Kanye West's architectural vision for his now-sold Malibu home was criticized by its new owners. West bought the Tadao Ando-designed mansion in 2021 and sold it to Belwood Investments at a loss in September 2024. Bo Belmont, the CEO of the California real estate firm, discussed West's renovations in a recent interview with The Los Angeles Times.
Kanye West reportedly removed the doors and windows from the house and altered the stairs into slides. He also removed the glazing from the floor and converted it into trampolines. Belmont called out West for destroying the "architectural masterpiece" designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect in 2013.
"That was a really dumb move. Really no purpose. He single-handedly destroyed this architectural masterpiece. My goal is to make it as though Kanye was never there," Belmont said.
He further added:
"The house will be restored right back to what it was. It would have required extensive review… There’s a process to it and he does things his own way, and the city of Malibu, they don’t care who you are they’ll hold you accountable.”
Kanye West sold his Malbi house for $21 million
When Kanye West first purchased the house in 2021, he paid $57.25 million. The rapper listed the mansion for $53 million in December 2023, later reducing the price to $39 million in April. Belwood Investments finally bought the house in September for "just under $22 million."
Bo Belmont claimed that the company was willing to do its best to restore the mansion to Tadao Ando's initial design. In a press release after purchasing the house, he said:
“This is not just a phenomenal real estate investment; it is an opportunity to revitalize and preserve an architectural gem by the renowned Tadao Ando, ensuring it remains a jewel of Malibu."
The press release further stated:
"This acquisition exemplifies Belwood Investments’ commitment to transforming properties with historical and architectural significance while delivering exceptional returns for our investors.”
He estimated that the total renovation would amount to $6-$8 million to restore the mansion to the old design. The real estate firm will reportedly partner with Marmol, Radziner, for the renovations before flipping the house for profit.
Kanye West teased a new solo album
On a musical front, Kanye West revealed that he is working on a new album titled Bully. The rapper, who professionally goes by Ye, debuted a song from the upcoming album during a listening event in China on September 28.
“I got a new album coming out. The album’s called ‘Bully’ and this song is called ‘Beauty and the Beast,'” Ye said before playing the song.
Mike Dean, West's frequent collaborator, took to Instagram to claim that the new song was a leftover track from the rapper's 2021 album Donda. Kanye West has yet to announce a release date for Bully. The album will be Ye's 11th studio LP, following Donda.
The announcement of Bully comes after Kanye West's collaborative LP with Ty Dolla $ign called Vultures 2, released on August 3, 2024. Vultures 2, the second of a trilogy series, followed its prequel which came out in February 2024. It is unclear when the final part of the trilogy will be released.