Kanye West has left CAA and his longtime agent Cara Lewis for UTA, which will represent the Grammy-winning artist in all areas, TheWrap has learned.
An individual with knowledge of West’s agency move told TheWrap that West felt CAA wasn’t delivering for him in areas outside of touring, which represented the agency’s best chance to generate income for the outspoken musician. CAA didn’t commission the majority of West’s touring because of his deal with Live Nation.
While a representative for CAA did not respond to a request for comment, sources say Lewis was the reason for the split, with one insider describing her as “an island unto herself at CAA” who ultimately insulated West and didn’t allow the agency to best serve his needs.
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The “Yeezus” singer and fashion designer followed Lewis to CAA in January 2012 when she jumped ship from WME, where her clients included Eminem, 50 Cent, Rihanna, Common and the Roots.
Lewis had been a top agent at WME for 23 years before she left for CAA, which at the time, prompted West to tweet: “William Morris was fired after Cara Lewis quit. I love Cara Lewis :)”
West is more visible than ever thanks to his recent marriage to reality star Kim Kardashian. In the spring, West will release his seventh studio album, “So Help Me God,” through his label GOOD Music. He’ll also embark on a joint summer tour with singer Rihanna, according to media reports.
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West is a powerful figure in the music industry and his brand represents a significant piece of business for UTA, which recently launched UTA Fine Arts, a division dedicated to managing the careers of contemporary visual artists. West has a keen interest in that medium and often works with visual artists on his albums, videos and tours.
West also has aspirations in the feature world, as he was once in line to serve as a creative consultant on a “Jetsons” movie at Warner Bros. He recently appeared in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” and is rumored to possibly cameo in Ben Stiller‘s upcoming “Zoolander” sequel. Insiders expect West to continue making a push into filmed entertainment, though he remains focused on his music career and fashion line.
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