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Kanye West compares Top5 to 'John Wick' after London stabbing

Kanye West calls rapper Top5 "John Wick" following London stabbing incident, drawing attention to the artist's ongoing legal troubles and violent reputation.
posted by Anisa Nandy
Sunday 7/20/2025 at 2:20AM EDT
  • Kanye West compares Top5 to ‘John Wick’ after London stabbing
    Kanye West compares Top5 to ‘John Wick’ after London stabbing

    Toronto rapper Top5 was just stabbed while he was in London as he was reportedly going to Drake's concert at the Wireless Fest. DJ Akademiks said it happened where everyone can see, and a masked man came up and cut him in the neck while he was with his fans.

    They took him right away to the hospital, and even though the cut was deep, he recovered fast. It's key to note that Top5 told Kanye West he went to Paris soon after, showing he got back on his feet quick even after the hit.

    Kanye West compares Top5 to John Wick in cryptic Instagram message

    A screenshot is making rounds on X. The image showed a private Instagram chat between Kanye West and Canadian rapper Top5, sparking theories.

    West seemed surprised by the sudden appearance of Top5 in Paris and became the one to initiate communication, inquiring what went through his mind. Top5, in his turn, made a wry reply but did not give any clarifications, indicating that his arrival in Paris was expected. 

    The fact that a zipped-mouth emoji was used further confirmed the secrecy and lack of resolution surrounding the message. West responded to that with his own touch of the language that put the presence of Top5 as that of something more significant in its context, mentioning a name that is associated with vengeance and coolheaded demeanor. He said:

    "Like John Wick after they got his dog? Hahahaha you're a soldier!"

    Kanye West dropped from Rubicon Festival after backlash and artists pull out

    West has been on the receiving end of massive backlash in recent months tied to his European music affiliations, especially after the Rubicon Festival pricked up on him as its major performing artist. The announcement from Slovakia's organizers faced strong backlash. Many criticized it due to ongoing concerns about Kanye West's past. He has made antisemitic comments and often used N*zi imagery.

    It was an immediate and sharp blowback, not only on social media, but also more formally, with a petition seeking to out around the festival to cancel his booking. 

    Backlash grew, and the festival organizers first stood by their choice to book Kanye West. They said it would be his only show in Europe for 2025. Many did not like this news, as other places had kept away from him due to his many issues. Things got worse when some artists left after they found out how much West was involved. In the end, the heads had to call off the event because of this backlash and more problems that came up.

    At the same time, the Canada rapper, Top5, has had legal troubles all year. He was charged with murder of the first degree back in 2021, but that case is on hold. It's not closed, but they have not dropped or thrown out the charges yet.

    TOPICS: Top5, Kanye West


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