Kanye West Dedicates Sunday Service to Friend Virgil Abloh
The two Chicago sons had been collaborating on projects since the early 2000s.
Following the news of Virgil Abloh's death yesterday, his longtime friend Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) dedicated his Sunday Service to the designer. The social media accounts for Donda's Place shared a photo that read, "IN LOVING MEMORY OF VIRGIL ABLOH, THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF DONDA."
Abloh's death was announced yesterday by his family on social media who revealed that the designer had been privately living with angiosarcoma, "a rare, aggressive form of cancer," for over two years.
In addition to his duties as the Creative Director of Louis Vuitton Men's and Off-White, Abloh also served as the Creative Director of Donda, the rapper's creative content company.
In honour of his fellow Chicago native, the "Power" artist orchestrated a moving rendition of Adele's "Easy on Me" by his choir. However, he changed some of the lyrics in the first verse and the chorus to match the tenor of the memorial.
"I know your love flows like a river, and I could wash myself in it forever," sang the choir. "I know there is hope in these waters, but I can't bring myself to swim when I am drowning in my sin."
The continued in the chorus, "Go easy on me, father. I am still your child, and I need a chance to feel your love around."
The two friends began working together on creative projects in the early 2000s, including Ye's joint album with Jay-Z, Watch the Throne, as well as his solo album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
In their statement about Abloh's death, his family said that his diagnosis did not stop him from pursuing his love of design and artistic expression. "Through it all, his work ethic, infinite curiosity, and optimism never wavered," they wrote. "Virgil was driven by his dedication to his craft and to his mission to open doors for others and create pathways for greater equality in art and design."
The family continued, "We thank you all for your love and support, and we ask for privacy as we grieve and celebrate Virgil's life."
