The rapper Kanye West has changed his name. Kanye Omari West is the name that appeared on his birth certificate. However, the artist now has the shorter name of Ye. He has no legal middle name or surname. Ye had wanted to change his name for a long time. Three years ago, he announced that he was, "the being formerly known as Kanye West". He said his change of name was for "personal reasons". He didn't give any more explanations. The rapper has had the nickname Ye for a long time. It is the name of his eighth studio album.

The music website billboard.com said people in California who want to change their name have to publish it in a newspaper. This is so anyone who might not like the change can object. Ye did this four times in September. He put notices in the Daily Commerce newspaper. One of the only times Ye has talked about his new name was three years ago. He chatted to a radio host. He said "Ye" was from the Bible and that it means "you". He said: "I believe "ye" is the most commonly used word in the Bible, and in the Bible, it means "you". So, I'm you, I'm us, it's us."