Before Kanye West’s financial empire unraveled, his spending habits were the stuff of legend—and fellow rapper Lil Uzi Vert says witnessing it firsthand was almost unbelievable.
In a recent interview with Dazed magazine, Vert recalled hanging out with the Chicago-born superstar during the height of his wealth, when West’s net worth reportedly exceeded $1 billion. According to Vert, the Grammy-winning artist had a habit of dropping staggering amounts of money on luxury fashion.
Balenciaga, designer outfits, and entire wardrobes were all part of the splurge.
Vert said that during one period in 2020, he even tried to keep up with West’s shopping sprees—but quickly realized he was outmatched.
“I was maxing out my credit cards at that time,” Vert admitted, explaining that he was attempting to match West’s spending on designer clothes.
The effort didn’t last long.
“He was footing some serious bills,” Vert said. “I was spending too, but the difference is he could probably afford ten times what I could.”
West has long been known for his deep ties to the fashion world, from collaborations with luxury houses to launching his own brands and building a reputation for collecting high-end pieces. According to Vert, the rapper wasn’t just buying clothes—he was stockpiling entire wardrobes and storing massive collections.
During the interview, Vert also reflected on the creative challenges he faces as an artist today. He explained that fans often criticize his work no matter which direction he takes musically.
If he releases a mainstream hit, some listeners say they want the older, trap-focused sound that first made him famous. But when he leans into that style, others tell him they expect more polished music.
Rather than trying to satisfy every expectation, Vert says he now approaches his career differently. He creates music across different styles and releases certain tracks strategically—sometimes saving his most personal material for special drops or holidays.
His most recent album, Eternal Atake 2, arrived in 2024, continuing his evolution as one of hip-hop’s most unpredictable voices.
But when it comes to unforgettable moments in the rap world, Vert says few things compare to watching Kanye West casually spend millions on fashion.
