Kanye West

Hear Ye, Hear Ye…

Kanye West and his Phoenix.

            One of my favorite musical artists, and an icon of my generation is Kanye West. Kanye West is a Rapper, who is more than that. He is an author, clothing designer, producer, director, and fine artist—he’s basically summa cum laude when it comes to innovation.

            Kanye West is a genius, and ever since The College Dropout released in 2004, I was in love. Kanye West isn’t exactly a “media outlet,” but he is apart of this huge media, that has become my exit. I love to turn on his music, and simply vibe, or,  “close my eyes and imagine, feel the magic,” (Kanye “Diamonds from Sierra Leone”).

            One of my all time favorite songs, titled, “All Falls Down,” from his early LP The College Dropout is apart of my life story. It perfectly describes my life now, and the entire C.D. foreshadows this ongoing battle I have had with myself these past four years. I guess the reason I relate to West’s music so much is because he tells the stories I am too afraid to tell, or that I too experience.

            Another reason why I enjoy Kanye West is because he is so imaginative. One of my favorite songs (and trust me I have so many) is “Flashing Lights,” from Graduation. It’s just a cool song about love, fame, paparazzi problems, and time—and the music video is one that tells that story.

            Many spectators and critics believe that an artist should not solely be judged by their art, but also by their personal traits and how they are portrayed in the public eye. West gets so much scrutiny with secret society, devil worshipping, his public appearances and outbursts, but also his scandal. He has caused so many problems with his opinions that he has become a household name. From saying, “George Bush doesn’t care about black people,” to stopping the MTV Video Music Awards to protest an award, and stage crashing at other awards show the rapper has received his fare share of backlash.

            When it comes to an artist that’s what I judge them on; their art, I think it’s unfair to believe that a person can be perfect, and even if they were the media would crucify them When it comes to public figures I don’t judge them on what they do outside of the studio, or the concert I paid for, I simply judge them on their work. Kanye West’s work speaks for itself and he has become my outlet because of his storytelling rhymes and soul-samples that are placed on his tracks. Even though he has been crucified for some of his actions he is also awarded for his success. His awards, and accolades also show that he is great at what he does. 

Kanye and Jay-Z

            Kanye not only devours a lot of other rappers with his simple openings from his College Dropout days on songs like “Jesus Walks,” but with his simple endings to songs like, “Flashing Lights.” All of his music meshes will, and has matured over the years. Recently, he has went platinum along with his “Big Brother,” and counterpart Jay-Z on their collaboration for Watch the Throne they released a couple months prior. Hopefully nothing but amazing things happen for him and his music.