Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, has released the first teaser for his upcoming documentary In Whose Name?, offering an intimate look at his life over the past six years.
The minute-long trailer, which premiered on Wednesday, August 13, opens with footage of Ye walking around a circle of Yeezy sneakers, a scene likely taken from his 2019 Forbes cover story shoot.
“I’m off my meds for five months now,” Ye says in a voiceover. In another moment, he makes a stark statement: “I’d rather be dead than be on medication. Either they destroy me or I destroy it.”
The rapper and fashion mogul then speaks on creativity, claiming, “They’re killing our ability to think outside of the box.”
A few seconds into the clip, the 48-year-old is shown riding in the back of a vehicle with his eldest daughter, North, now 11. The footage quickly cuts to a series of rapid snippets hinting at different moments from his personal and professional life, as per reports from Rolling Stone.
The preview closes with Ye offering a reflective take on his public persona and mental health. “You know the best thing about being an artist and bipolar? Anything you do and say is an art piece,” he says.
Directed by Nico Ballesteros, In Whose Name? is set to premiere on approximately 1,000 screens nationwide on September 19. The project promises never-before-seen moments spanning years of filming, capturing Ye in candid conversations and unfiltered settings.
Ye’s comments in the trailer underscore his ongoing openness about living with bipolar disorder and his rejection of certain forms of treatment. His words are expected to spark conversation, much like his past public statements, which have often drawn both criticism and praise.
While specific details about the documentary’s full scope remain under wraps, the teaser hints at a deeply personal narrative that blends art, mental health, and family life. The decision to include moments with North suggests the film may also explore his role as a father alongside his career and public controversies.
With its September release date, In Whose Name? will arrive just over a year after Ye made headlines for his public appearances and statements on mental health, creativity, and the pressures of fame. If the trailer is any indication, the documentary will be both provocative and revealing, staying true to the unpredictable, self-expressive style that has defined Ye’s career.