Kanye West is the voice of everyone's heart. West has proved that what is being like a real man. This multi-talented man has proved his abilities in singing, composing, writing and fashion designing. West rose to fame after his adventurous production for Ludacris and Talib Kweli. He channeled his own rhymes in his debut album, The College Dropout. Pitchfork magazine mentions him multi-hyphenated ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"RUcRy60r","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News\\uc0\\u8221{})","plainCitation":"(“Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News”)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1408,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/S6X66J88"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/S6X66J88"],"itemData":{"id":1408,"type":"webpage","title":"Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News","container-title":"Pitchfork","abstract":"Kanye West Articles and Media","URL":"https://pitchfork.com/artists/4639-kanye-west/","language":"en","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",7,5]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News”). After releasing his album My beautiful Dark in 2010, he rose to new heights in his career. West is just not famous for composing new rhythms for his fans but is also famous for recontextualizing some old classics like R&B. He has worked for developing hip hop and popular music. West's musical charm has influenced the development of the soul, pop and industrial music. It appears in his creations that West is influenced by mediums like visual arts and architecture.
West was born in Atlanta and has spent much of his life in Chicago. His musical career is among the most successful and inspired careers in the present times. His early career in music started in mid-1990 when he used to create beats for some local artists. After his eight tracks on Down to Earth, which he released when he was just nineteenth, he started getting fame as an emerging celebrity. Very soon, after his debut song in 1990, he started production for some well- known artists. Among his famous works from that time includes Foxy Brown for Chyna Doll, tracks for Harlem World’s album and the movement for Jermaine Dupris. The breakthrough in his arrived in 2000 when he got an association with Roc- A- Fella records. He is considered the reason for the revitalizing of Jay-Z's career ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"dP8mhDwr","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Birchmeier)","plainCitation":"(Birchmeier)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1410,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/BMUMBIF7"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/BMUMBIF7"],"itemData":{"id":1410,"type":"article-journal","title":"Kanye West—Biography","container-title":"allmusic. Kanye West","volume":"283","source":"Google Scholar","author":[{"family":"Birchmeier","given":"Jason"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2007"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Birchmeier). Despite being a producer, his true inspiration was to become a rapper.
Kanye has been into the limelight, just not for the music, but for his blunt take on different social issues. He has been outspoken and controversial in his entire career. He criticized the media's portrayal of the portrayal of black victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"NS1fbbZk","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Kaiser et al.)","plainCitation":"(Kaiser et al.)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1411,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/MM9S5VS7"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/MM9S5VS7"],"itemData":{"id":1411,"type":"article-journal","title":"Post-Hurricane Katrina racialized explanations as a system threat: Implications for Whites’ and Blacks’ racial attitudes","container-title":"Social Justice Research","page":"192–203","volume":"21","issue":"2","source":"Google Scholar","title-short":"Post-Hurricane Katrina racialized explanations as a system threat","author":[{"family":"Kaiser","given":"Cheryl R."},{"family":"Eccleston","given":"Collette P."},{"family":"Hagiwara","given":"Nao"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2008"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Kaiser et al.). At different social gatherings, he also criticized President George W. Bush for not caring about the black population. On his remarks about the President, Bush commented that it was much disgusting. The most controversial remarks of him appeared in 2008 when he said that "he is the voice of his generation." In 2013, he was rebuked by many human rights organizations. The organizations critiqued him for performing in Kazakhstan, which holds the poorest record about human rights. In the same year, in his comparative analysis about President Obama and President Bush, he remarked that Black people don't get the opportunities similar to Jewish people.
Alexander Wade who has been a critic of Kanye West wrote that West got some different conditions to grow in. He based his arguments on his personal conditions ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"O9gpFbpg","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Wade)","plainCitation":"(Wade)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1413,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/FZFR7BDK"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/FZFR7BDK"],"itemData":{"id":1413,"type":"article-journal","title":"Kanye West: The Brand","source":"Google Scholar","title-short":"Kanye West","author":[{"family":"Wade","given":"Alexander"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2016"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Wade). He argues that Kanye has lived a life of controversies, this is the reason he is so outspoken. He also analyzes the social condition he faced. For him, Kanye is a public figure but since he is a black American, therefore, he has to face the circumstances not conducive for his life as a celebrity. He argues that Kanye’s remarks on Hurricane Katrina were the voice of many Blacks. Although he was so critical about the political leadership of that time, many applauded his remarks about the Black population. Kanye had been different towards the religion too. He viewed religion as a phenomenon which breaks people and creates distances. He remarked in a television interview that he would never go into a religion ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"L2fIpETM","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Wade)","plainCitation":"(Wade)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1413,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/FZFR7BDK"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/FZFR7BDK"],"itemData":{"id":1413,"type":"article-journal","title":"Kanye West: The Brand","source":"Google Scholar","title-short":"Kanye West","author":[{"family":"Wade","given":"Alexander"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2016"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Wade)”.
In 2016, Kanye ended a concert prematurely. This was the time when once again he rose to fame among the entertainment elites. This time the reason for him being the most widely discussed public figure was his mental health. At the same concert, his conversation presented a new dimension of his personality in front of the public. He appeared so annoyed and angry that everyone including his many fans there thought that something is quite disturbing with Kanye. Following his concert, he was admitted to UCLA medical center for hallucinations. Kanye had to postpone many of his concerts because of his medical conditions ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"uVLkydNB","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Alexander and Wood)","plainCitation":"(Alexander and Wood)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1415,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/V4BLFR8B"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/V4BLFR8B"],"itemData":{"id":1415,"type":"article-journal","title":"No News Is Good News? Satirical News Videos in the Information Literacy Classroom","container-title":"portal: Libraries and the Academy","page":"253–278","volume":"19","issue":"2","source":"Google Scholar","title-short":"No News Is Good News?","author":[{"family":"Alexander","given":"Stephanie"},{"family":"Wood","given":"Lana Mariko"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2019"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Alexander and Wood). At first, it was thought that Kanye is facing some normal psychiatric problems, but soon it became clear that he had been facing serious personal problems. In 2018, Kanye took Twitter to write that he had been addicted to Opioids, which was the major reason for his nervous breakdown. In September of the same year, he removed his original name from the twitter account and changed it to “Ye.”
The mental illness of such a great celebrity had been shocking news for many. There are American who see Kanye as their inspiration. Kanye's relation with his mother was one best aspect of his life. His thoughts about her mother were reflective from his composition titled Hey Mama. He reveals his relationship with mother as he sings "You did something that was good for the soul ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"CTAlw8GN","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(West)","plainCitation":"(West)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1418,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/J4FR9LSK"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/J4FR9LSK"],"itemData":{"id":1418,"type":"article-journal","title":"Hey mama","container-title":"On Late registration","source":"Google Scholar","author":[{"family":"West","given":"Kanye"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2005"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (West)." This is one of the best ways a man can pay tribute to his mother. He had been so compassionate and loving for his relation that it had remained evident from his compositions too. For him, the rebirth is associated with changing everything in one’s possession. Like a typical idea attached to the rebirth, Reborn is what like a new life for him. “I’m so reborn, I’m moving forward ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"h5Mir1L8","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Anderson)","plainCitation":"(Anderson)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1419,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/AIMCDEYD"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/AIMCDEYD"],"itemData":{"id":1419,"type":"paper-conference","title":"Kanye West: Hell of a Life","container-title":"ENGL 4384: Senior Seminar Student Anthology","page":"13","source":"Google Scholar","title-short":"Kanye West","author":[{"family":"Anderson","given":"Randy"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2016"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Anderson).” It is so actually related to his life patterns that one imagines oneself in his life. He has talked about the hierarchy of life, he had been through.
Since it has been no surprise for many of the admirers of West that his life is much changed compared too many in the entertainment industry. He had been to this strength just because of the concept about things he had in his mind. He writes “Some days, things just take way too much of my energy ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"mZwZTaGR","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(\\uc0\\u8220{}Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News\\uc0\\u8221{})","plainCitation":"(“Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News”)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1408,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/S6X66J88"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/S6X66J88"],"itemData":{"id":1408,"type":"webpage","title":"Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News","container-title":"Pitchfork","abstract":"Kanye West Articles and Media","URL":"https://pitchfork.com/artists/4639-kanye-west/","language":"en","accessed":{"date-parts":[["2019",7,5]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (“Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News”).” It shows that he had a different idea about things he had been going through from some recent years. Definitely, the mental condition he is going through had not developed abruptly. Many things in his life have brought him to where he is today. Wade writes that it’s true that things have taken too much of his energy ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"XNrGFXo2","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Wade)","plainCitation":"(Wade)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1413,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/FZFR7BDK"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/FZFR7BDK"],"itemData":{"id":1413,"type":"article-journal","title":"Kanye West: The Brand","source":"Google Scholar","title-short":"Kanye West","author":[{"family":"Wade","given":"Alexander"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2016"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Wade).” His writings and music show that he has not limited anything to his self. He has tried to make his life open to his listeners.
In my Blood song is actually what makes one thing about how it is to follow the natural instincts. He writes that "No medicine is strong enough Someone helps me ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"XzFY7L3k","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(Ciccariello-Maher)","plainCitation":"(Ciccariello-Maher)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1421,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/4LEPDCP9"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/4LEPDCP9"],"itemData":{"id":1421,"type":"article-journal","title":"A critique of Du Boisian reason: Kanye West and the fruitfulness of double-consciousness","container-title":"Journal of Black Studies","page":"371–401","volume":"39","issue":"3","source":"Google Scholar","title-short":"A critique of Du Boisian reason","author":[{"family":"Ciccariello-Maher","given":"George"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2009"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (Ciccariello-Maher)." This song depicts his medical condition too, from which he had been passing. Although it was written much before his illness but shows why he is bipolar. In my blood, is actually about why is he a much-applauded public figure. The last song incorporates all happenings in his life. These lines predict the medical illness, he is going through it. He feels that someone is playing tricks on his mind. He appears so restricted when he says “Took a look back and he was right before our face ADDIN ZOTERO_ITEM CSL_CITATION {"citationID":"z0Mos2T3","properties":{"formattedCitation":"(West)","plainCitation":"(West)","noteIndex":0},"citationItems":[{"id":1418,"uris":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/J4FR9LSK"],"uri":["http://zotero.org/users/local/s8f0QVnP/items/J4FR9LSK"],"itemData":{"id":1418,"type":"article-journal","title":"Hey mama","container-title":"On Late registration","source":"Google Scholar","author":[{"family":"West","given":"Kanye"}],"issued":{"date-parts":[["2005"]]}}}],"schema":"https://github.com/citation-style-language/schema/raw/master/csl-citation.json"} (West)”.
Kanye West is a social figure. He rose to fame from his compositions. A thorough analysis of his life suggests that he made his music consistent with the conditions he went on through. Despite facing serious challenges in personal and professional life, he proved that life is worth celebrating and worthy. He tailored his writings and composition with his personal life always, which has remained away for many long from the eyes of his admirers and critics.
Works Cited:
ADDIN ZOTERO_BIBL {"uncited":[],"omitted":[],"custom":[]} CSL_BIBLIOGRAPHY Alexander, Stephanie, and Lana Mariko Wood. “No News Is Good News? Satirical News Videos in the Information Literacy Classroom.” Portal: Libraries and the Academy, vol. 19, no. 2, 2019, pp. 253–278.
Anderson, Randy. “Kanye West: Hell of a Life.” ENGL 4384: Senior Seminar Student Anthology, 2016, p. 13.
Ciccariello-Maher, George. “A Critique of Du Boisian Reason: Kanye West and the Fruitfulness of Double-Consciousness.” Journal of Black Studies, vol. 39, no. 3, 2009, pp. 371–401.
Kaiser, Cheryl R., et al. “Post-Hurricane Katrina Racialized Explanations as a System Threat: Implications for Whites’ and Blacks’ Racial Attitudes.” Social Justice Research, vol. 21, no. 2, 2008, pp. 192–203.
“Kanye West - Albums, Songs, and News.” Pitchfork, https://pitchfork.com/artists/4639-kanye-west/. Accessed 5 July 2019.
Wade, Alexander. Kanye West: The Brand. 2016.
West, Kanye. "Hey, Mama." On Late Registration, 2005.
