KANYE, THE -ISM'S, AND THE CONTINUOUS "LIFE MOVIE" THAT NEVER ENDS

Watching this video by 'Clique TV' helped me to understand Kanye West a lot better; from his explanations about "race being a dated concept" and is just a mere "thing" that people choose to hold onto, too buying a high-priced product without having the proper knowledge about it being equal to "getting a prostitute pregnant" -- as he explains both can be expensive mistakes. 

I always knew his mind was different and the functioning of his brain is so quick -- it literally left me fascinated with a longing to comprehend even more about him. As singer Madonna recently stated, "(Kanye) He's a beautiful mess."

Over time the intrigue of Kanye, has definitely wore me out lol; like playing cat and mouse around and around, until your eyes get crossed and a headache ensues, and you must retreat for awhile just to get your bearings. 

Eventually, you begin to think that this guy is nuts and all the hidden agendas and coded wording is a bunch of baloney, but then he goes and does an interview like this -- once again drawing you back into what you knew was there all along. Kind of like the 'College Dropout'; you know that he's capable of such a magnum opus and you long to forever bask in that creativity that brought you such joy, and as soon as he veers left you're like "What the hell happened?!"

Because you weren't ready for the evolution, or hadn't fully grasped the entire concept of artistry...or the artistry that is the make-up of Kanye West, it's easy to fall into a period of confusion and even frustration as you battle to continue trying to believe in the artist that you were "ride or die" for from the very beginning. 

Moreover, after watching this video, I not only learned to no longer doubt Kanye's artistry but am fully inclined to apply to the Institute of Kanye, should there ever be such an establishment one day. 

On a side note: Kanye comparing the first computer ever made to the current fashion industry, was one of the dopest moments on the video. 

#CongratsOnTheHonoraryDoctorate

2015 LA

Kanye West Performs New Song "All Day"

Kanye West performed his newest song titled "All Day" at the Brit Awards 2015, just over the pond at the 02 Arena in London, this past Wednesday, where his wife Kim Kardashian made the audience get on their feet to receive the new Yeezus tunes. 

When the beat dropped and I saw the flash mob of people on the stage immediately I thought to myself, "Oh yea, Kanye about to bring us back to what we've been missing!" 

However, after listening for a brief moment, I quickly understood that this wasn't the Kanye music I came to know and bond with, this was something different -- something that didn't seem like it took a while to put together. The lyrics weren't in story form but were random lines tossed out into the crowd that usually ended with the n-word being used -- repeatedly. I just didn't comprehend the meaning of the song other than the fact that it was attached to an amazing beat.

The "College Dropout" Kanye use to tell us stories and the stories often had a beginning, a middle, and an end -- coupled with a taste of a vintage remix sample that he threw additional dope beats too. 

It's what made me fall in love with Hip Hop to begin with; the fact that Hip Hop told a story and gave a meaning to a situation that allowed you to slow groove or fast groove to the heart pounding rhythms -- mastered by some of the hottest producers.

Don't get me wrong, I understand artists evolve and that everything can't always stay the same, but Kanye's latest artistry makes me wonder if he's really putting as much effort into his work like he use to, is he over-thinking his work too much, or simply cutting corners on purpose because he feels like he's "built" his brand up enough that we his fans should just accept whatever he throws at us?

Well, I've never been the type of person to just accept anything just because -- it isn't my style, and as much as I want to continue walking in the Yeezus light...I find myself drifting further and further away. 

BRING ME BACK TO THE LIGHT YEEZUS! BRING-ME-BACK-TO-THE-LIGHT!

2015 LA

WILL ACTIVISM RETURN TO MUSIC?

During rap artist Nicki Minaj's Rolling Stone interview, she was asked why more black artist's aren't speaking out with regards to #BlackLivesMatter.

Minaj responded, "But look what happened to Kanye when he spoke out. People told him to apologize to Bush! ... Because how many times can you be made to feel horrible for caring about your people before you say...it's not worth it..."

It's sad that black artist's are made to feel their careers will be jeopardized should they decide to involve themselves with activism.

When Kanye spoke out about the racial strife in New Orleans during the Hurricane Katrina catastrophe, he was applauded by many but made to feel inadequate by a few -- that few made him meet with George W. Bush, to issue a public apology for calling the nation's leader a racist.

But Kanye West honed his activist genes honestly, with a professorial mother and aerial photo journalist father, who educated him on the racial epidemic that long plagued their existence -- teaching their son how to survive as a black man in America; Kanye brought his education into his artistry.ALL THESE PEOPLE DERIVE FROM A POLITICAL PAST THAT COULDN'T BE IGNORED WHILE MAKING STRIDES TO PENETRATE THE ENVIRONMENT THAT PURPOSELY KEPT THEM OUT, THEY HAD NO CHOICE ON WHETHER OR NOT ACTIVISM SHOULD-BE EXERCISED BECAUSE IT WAS CRYSTAL CLEAR TO THEM THAT IT WAS NECESSARY.

Artists are natural activists, because many artists' stepped into their careers on the strength of activism.

Ruby Dee, Lena Horne, Pam Grier, Diahann Carroll, Eartha Kitt, Ossie Davis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Langston Hughes, Paul Robeson, Alice Walker, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Lorraine Hansberry, Public Enemy; all these people derive from a political past that couldn't be ignored while making strides to penetrate the environment that purposely kept them out, they had no choice on whether or not activism should-be exercised because it was crystal clear to them that it was necessary.

Moreover, because activism has always been apart of the arts in one way or another, it would seem easier for artists to use their ever-present platform to shine a bright light on the places where injustice lies. After all, if minorities from the past challenged the status quo when racial violence was at its most extreme, then why wouldn't minority artists seek to challenge it now since the load has been made somewhat lighter, due to the efforts of those whose shoulders we now stand upon? Is it really fear of being blackballed? Fear of losing profit? Fear of losing fans?

And if an artist can use their artistry to shock people's nerves through the form of nudity, foul language, improper conduct with regards to murder, weaponry and illegal drug trade, why is it then more difficult to influence art in a positive and progressive manner using ingenious activism to responsibly affect the livelihood of people versus negatively?

Is seeing the naked body doing much to progress society, unless it supports a particular cause? What about foul language -- is it a great tool for youth to have? Do gangs, guns, killing and the use of harsh drugs serve a positive purpose for humanity? Then why push these topics on our children more so than the tools that'll help them to live?

Yes, art can be explained as the unexplainable and anyone can deem their work of art to be just that, but in hindsight given the precarious past that has brought us into the present moment of #BlackLivesMatter and the #ICantBreathe movement, doesn't it almost seem obligatory for not just minority artists...but for all artists to join in solidarity with the people?

On a side note: Hip Hop artist Q-Tip, recently broke down the fundamental understanding of where Hip Hop came from and what it really means to be an artistic activist.

2015 LA

WiLl KiMyE's EgO lEaD tO wReCk AnD rUiN?

When thinking of Hip Hop artist Kanye West and the E! Queen herself Kim Kardashian, what are your first initial thoughts of the couple? Are they perfect for each other? Are they bad for one another? Do you even care?

As the months continue to play out in a whirlwind dramedy of KimYe's recent engagement, many are wondering if the high profile couple will make it to the alter. Not because they can't afford it and not because they don't have the cojones, but because differences of opinion can begin to play a vital role in their covenant.

Have you ever heard the saying "to much of something can sometimes be bad for you?" 

Regarding Kimye I'd say this saying is about accurate as they both continue to push past the cracked glass ceiling, while using their enormous egos to do it. The duo seems to take great pride in using their extreme behavior to garner attention; one that uses brash words to make his point while the other uses her physical anatomy to stimulate -- well, not the mind we'll say. The two extremists will continue to make headlines as they commit to keep pushing their limit to "out-do" themselves -- which will eventually "over-do" themselves. 

Does it matter to fans that their idols' behavior is becoming increasingly extreme? 

As a fan of KimYe, I'd say yes. I LOVE Hip Hop and I LOVE Ye's music however, sometimes his rants and raves are weird and to the point that I wish someone would just give him a hug. Deciphering the Chicago natives rhetoric when he's speaking abruptly is usually easy, but there are other times when one stares in disbelief and total shock over his words. 

For example: when his now fiance Kim Kardashian posted a "selfie" of herself on Instagram, baring all her naked goodness to the world in an all white one piece bathing suit Kanye stated that, "There’s no way Kim Kardashian shouldn’t be on the cover of Vogue [The First Lady has graced the cover twice]. She’s like the most intriguing woman right now. She’s got Barbara Walters calling her like everyday,’ West said. “No one is looking at what [Barack Obama] is wearing. Michelle Obama cannot Instagram a pic like what my girl Instagrammed the other day.”

See what I mean? A total #Smh moment. 

Of course the First Lady can't Instagram a picture like Kim's -- SHE'S THE FIRST LADY! Mrs. O is on a whole other level from Kim, and the amount of money one has -- doesn't have anything to do with it. 

 Furthermore, we're use to seeing Kim K strut her infamous curves that keep our eyes glued to the television set however, I've noticed that the former brunette that we all came to know and drool over seems to be partaking in more cosmetic procedures which is in turn changing the look that originally made her famous. Yes, people do evolve as change is inevitable but there is such a thing as to many botox injections. It can make even the prettiest girl look like a freak show if they aren't careful. 

Kim and Kanye, is it true love?   

  

It seems to be infatuation more so than true love as Kanye seems obsessed with Kim's appearance; she's high profile enough to wear his fashions (as she had to throw away her clothes immediately when they became serious), and there's the likelihood of him extending his gene pool with beautiful babies. 

As for Kim, she seems turned on by Ye's power and A-list celebrity status -- because when it comes down to it the E! reality star won't reign forever, and eventually people will stop "Keeping up with the Kardashians" if no new storyline material emerges. And if the Yeezus rapper isn't careful he can easily be dethroned from the title of creative genius to commercialized character.

With recent word of Kanye's tour sales falling could it be a sign of the "Kardashian Kurse" beginning to take affect?

Will this couple stand the test of time, or crash and burn as quickly as Kim K's 72 day marriage?

2013 LA

BaBy NoRtH wEsT fInAlLy ReVeAlEd!

On the season finale of 'Kris' special guest and father of her grandchild Kanye West, came bearing a precious gift to share with the world -- a first picture of baby North West! 

The Kanye that appeared on TV seemed to be a different Kanye, a calmer and  non-aggressive Kanye, much different from what we're use to witnessing. But honestly, this Kanye seems happy, at peace, complete. He was absolutely beaming while sharing with the world the joy and love that is his new found family. 

This jett-setting artist took it a step further and referenced his ignorance, when interrupting singer Taylor Swift during her award acceptance speech. West stated "Even at my lowest points, the last thing I would want to happen to my daughter is some crazy, drunk black guy in a leather shirt to come up and cut her off at an award show, right?"

Oh yes, fatherhood wears Kanye well and it appears to have heightened his maturity. Personal growth is always a great thing! Congrats to the happy couple and your baby girl is absolutely adorbs!

2013 LA