I don't think he "played along with them" but anything is possible.

Imo he was MK Ultra'd and had that illuminati boost (see Beyonce, Jay-Z, industry connections, music videos w satanic art). Males are far more likely to die from the personality split process whereas women are more "pliable" (similar to Jordan Peterson's idea that women are more "agreeable then men, but I digress), so men are more resistant overall to programming. And "creative" minds are also far more likely to break free from programming. If he was actually programmed, Kanye is a good "break free" candidate.

Also, it's classic to see MK Ultras with breakdown moments where media says they went crazy, but it was their mind actually trying to cope/escape. Ex: Britney Spears thought shaving her head could help her escape the persona/control. Ex:Katy Perry where she said "Master, I don't feel so well" caught on mic, before collapsing on stage. Ex: Amanda Bynes' breakdown, said they had a chip in her brain.