Kanye West is reportedly planning a trip to Russia later this year, with hopes of meeting with the country’s supreme leader Vladimir Putin.
Ameer Sudan, Kanye’s confidant and strategic adviser tells Billboard that the rapper wants to expand his business ventures into Russia and travel plans are currently in the works for spring or summer.
Russia is going to be “a second home” for Ye, says Sudan: “He will be spending a lot of time out there.”
Billboard reports the artist now known as Ye is working on new business deals with billionaire developer Aras Agalarov (often referred to as the Trump of Russia). The Agalarovs’ Crocus Group is responsible for over 4 million total square meters of developed property in Russia, and its portfolio of businesses includes shopping centers, superstores, fashion brands, department stores, boutiques and much more.
Although details of the business was not disclosed, Sudan projects West’s partnership with the Agalarov’s would increase his wealth to more than $10 billion.
Sudan says Ye has always wanted to meet with Putin and host concerts in Russia. The Sunday Service shows will be his first performances in Russia in his 25-year career.
Despite arrangements being made for the Sunday Service performances, likely to be held at the Crocus City Hall theater, which holds more than 7,300 people, or Grand Sports Arena at the 81,000-person Luzhniki Olympic Complex – U.S. sanctions against Russia could prevent Ye from traveling. The U.S. Department of State currently lists Russia with a level 4 “do not travel” advisory, due to terrorism, harassment by Russian government, however Sudan says Ye can’t be controlled and will have dinner with the Agalarov’s regardless.
“This is Ye, Ye is going to get there regardless. What are they going to say? He’s going to be a special guest of the Agalarovs,” says Sudan. “Kanye knows what’s going on more than the average human being, he’s well aware of things. And it’s nothing against the United States or to cause conflicts, but Ye is Ye — he can’t be controlled.”
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