release his new album yesterday, i've been giving it a listen so just wondering what you guys think of him? (musically, lyrically, public persona egotismically)...

Is he a backup singer for Louis Armstrong or Willie Nelson?







JK, no opinion. I don't listen to that channel. Welcome to AK.

Well aside from his over-sized ego, I think that some of his work is quite good (some not so). Compare to the likes of 50 Cent (Fitty), I think that Kanye's presentation (clothing, persona, and subject matter in lyrics) is far better.

Our 15 year old son has the latest (haven't heard it yet) and the previous (Late Registration). Some of the Late Registration pieces are quite good.

I just can't stand the angry-side of some rap/hip-hop artists...totally un-necessary.

Music, just like any artwork involves the artist putting themselves into the product. As such, for me, Kanye's astronomical ego pollutes his music far too much to listen to let alone enjoy.

There are far better rappers out there who don't suffer from this issue.

- JP

Music, just like any artwork involves the artist putting themselves into the product. As such, for me, Kanye's astronomical ego pollutes his music far too much to listen to let alone enjoy.

There are far better rappers out there who don't suffer from this issue.

- JP

I think this is a marketing tool that has served him.

I think this is a marketing tool that has served him.
I think you make a very good point here and I wholly agree. I doubt Kanye would've been in the news and on the music channels at all were it not for the turmoil his ego has earned him. Actually talented but modest musicians never do seem to find their names on the top selling records lists if they even manage a recording contract.

- JP

hate him, hate him, hate him
I wish he wouldn't have even produced Common's new albums.
I really like Common but can't stand anything to do with Kayne!!!

I think this is a marketing tool that has served him.
so is the whole Kayne vs 50 Cent thing going on!

hate him, hate him, hate him
I wish he wouldn't have even produced Common's new albums.
I really like Common but can't stand anything to do with Kayne!!!

Brother HATE is an extreme emotion. I hope you will get past that.

I don't do any new rap...more like crap! Give me some Big Daddy Kane, Public Enemy and RUN DMC over the new stuff any day!

I think he has a lot more Ass than Ability....and he shows what he has the most of....

Modern Rappers have a vision of themselves that is broader than rap itself. Rap is a gateway to other lucrative fields. For example the world of fashion. A number of rappers have become true millionaires by expanding beyond rap. In a sense new rappers are smarter than old ones.

Brother HATE is an extreme emotion. I hope you will get past that.
well not hate but extreme dislike
;)

Modern Rappers have a vision of themselves that is broader than rap itself. Rap is a gateway to other lucrative fields. For example the world of fashion. A number of rappers have become true millionaires by expanding beyond rap. In a sense new rappers are smarter than old ones.
I like the old rappers better though.
Time to blast out some boogie down productions and KRS-One :banana:

:lurk:

I like the old rappers better though.
Time to blast out some boogie down productions and KRS-One :banana:

I've got a friend that likes to pull up at car shows with Sir Mix-A-Lot's "My Hooptie" playing :banana: :D

Definitely more lyrical talent than Fiddy...although I got a chuckle out of the Vitamin Water ad he's in :scratch2:

;1350966']I've got a friend that likes to pull up at car shows with Sir Mix-A-Lot's "My Hooptie" playing :banana: :D

Definitely more lyrical talent than Fiddy...although I got a chuckle out of the Vitamin Water ad he's in :scratch2:
I used to blast out Sir Mix-A-Lot cassette tape of Swass
It has My Posse's On Broadway on it and also Buttermilk Biscuits.

I wonder if I could find that as a torrent now...:lmao:

Everytime rap seems to be going in the doldrums there appears someone to reinvigorate the genre. Kanye West like him or not is one such figure.

If you wait long enough, he'll end up dead in a shoot out.



A no.1 azzzhole.

hmm i completely ditched the thread for a few days there... I dunno, I like his stuff and i do find him to be talented. Perhaps I'm just not as offended in general by people's "egos" (in his case, i suppose it's pretty bad but overall i find it to be entertaining overly self confidentness). Further, as far as what he's doing in the music industry, producing, allowing a platform for new artists that i enjoy, i find it all to be good since bottom line, there's more music i like. The production on his albums is tight, he quite successfully drops samples that could easily go wrong (as much as i hate admitting i like his use of Daft Punk) and he absolutely destroys 50 cent, who absolutely puts up no contest. As far as the whole public feud between kanye and 50 over who would sell more albums, kanye was mostly quiet and 50 was the one doing a lot of talking, if you can call what comes out of his mouth "intelligible sounds."

My biggest complaint about the whole "hip-hop" scene is that the artists get carried away with their image which is just like any other pop music genre, but the whole gangsta scene is just so tired. This is where i feel kanye shines. yes he has an egotistical self absorbed front of some sorts, yes he dresses in way too much pastel and argyle, yes he posed as jesus on the cover of rolling stone, yes he said "bush doesn't care about black people," yes he has made allegations that the government introduced heroine and crack to the streets to keep "lower income" people down, and yes he can be annoying (to some, not me, but it is very much justified). But as far as i'm concerned, from a more-objective as well as a relative (to his peers) standpoint, he is exploring musically, expanding as an artist, and attempting song topics beyond sex, hustlin', murder, and the "streets."

note: the above is most likely incoherent but feel free to comment on any point and i'll clarify in any subsequent responses.

ironically, i was just listening to some Bone Thugz-N-Harmony :D

I didn't really know about him until I heard Lushlife's mashup of some College Dropout songs and Pet Sounds.

Now, I know most mashups are tripe but this one actually is very professionally done. You can tell that Lushlife really has a lot of respect for Pet Sounds, unlike DJ Dangermouse and the Grey album, which I think (my opinion of course) was hastily done and pretty bad altogether.

http://www.nobodysmiling.com/content/image/news/LushlifeWestSoundsCDFRONT.jpg

Modern Rappers have a vision of themselves that is broader than rap itself. Rap is a gateway to other lucrative fields. For example the world of fashion. A number of rappers have become true millionaires by expanding beyond rap. In a sense new rappers are smarter than old ones.

Nail, head, etc.

;1351954']I wonder if I could find that as a torrent now...:lmao:
I did a few weeks ago lol

hmm i completely ditched the thread for a few days there... I dunno, I like his stuff and i do find him to be talented. Perhaps I'm just not as offended in general by people's "egos" (in his case, i suppose it's pretty bad but overall i find it to be entertaining overly self confidentness). Further, as far as what he's doing in the music industry, producing, allowing a platform for new artists that i enjoy, i find it all to be good since bottom line, there's more music i like. The production on his albums is tight, he quite successfully drops samples that could easily go wrong (as much as i hate admitting i like his use of Daft Punk) and he absolutely destroys 50 cent, who absolutely puts up no contest. As far as the whole public feud between kanye and 50 over who would sell more albums, kanye was mostly quiet and 50 was the one doing a lot of talking, if you can call what comes out of his mouth "intelligible sounds."

My biggest complaint about the whole "hip-hop" scene is that the artists get carried away with their image which is just like any other pop music genre, but the whole gangsta scene is just so tired. This is where i feel kanye shines. yes he has an egotistical self absorbed front of some sorts, yes he dresses in way too much pastel and argyle, yes he posed as jesus on the cover of rolling stone, yes he said "bush doesn't care about black people," yes he has made allegations that the government introduced heroine and crack to the streets to keep "lower income" people down, and yes he can be annoying (to some, not me, but it is very much justified). But as far as i'm concerned, from a more-objective as well as a relative (to his peers) standpoint, he is exploring musically, expanding as an artist, and attempting song topics beyond sex, hustlin', murder, and the "streets."

note: the above is most likely incoherent but feel free to comment on any point and i'll clarify in any subsequent responses.

ironically, i was just listening to some Bone Thugz-N-Harmony :D

Apart from being talented Kanye West brings discipline and a sharpness to his productions:attributes that separate him from the main body of rap.

I want to say something here, but I dunno how...

I'll try anyway. no offences meant, and open to discussion...

Let me start by saying, it's always tough when a music artist starts getting political.

Some can do it- correction- a very few can do it. Many sound like fools and idiots.

Bono- means well, no dummy, but comes across as a leather-pants-wearing creepy politician. Kudos for his efforts, though.

Sinead O'connor- Lots of good things to say, whether you agree or not, but tears up pictures of popes and pisses up ropes to her core audience. Tact and thought of actions would have gone a long way for her.

Patti Smith- saw her live- sounded like a drunk on "3 Buck Chuck" and rambling about gawd knows what, under Boston's Hatch Shell one cool evening. Cool punk goddess, rambling on like the dumpster dwellers off Mass Ave in the late 80's/early 90's. whatever she was trying to get across, came across as creepy drunken poet sailor speak.

Lou Reed- a favorite of mine- yet when on the soapbox, often sounds like he was mind-copulated by a "Mars Attacks" puppet with gonorrhea on some of his stuff. And I dig the guy totally. But how do I defend some of the stuff he goofily spews out? I can say this with clear conscience after witnessing a few interviews about his views on politics, and his new hobby, photography.

Craploads more, just too tired to keep going.

Mr. West? Incredibly talented.

But I've had the painfull and unfortunate experience of seeing him live, and a few times live on TV, and all I can think is "did I take too much of the brown acid?"????

Or maybe...

Did "Kanye take too much of the brown acid"???

What the heck is he trying to get across? What's he saying?

He's using his prowess and stature to tackle politics. For this I say good. Very good. Actually, BRAVO!!!

But what is it he says? That's where he fails. How can this be for such a talented man? Is he not thinking before he speaks? He makes about as much sense as Amy winehouse after an open bar at... well... anywhere.

Smart man, poor planning and execution of actions.



Enough to make me uninterested in his talented music, lyrics, and production.

Oh, and about anyone using smarts and savvy and talent as a vehicle to move forward in life, one word....

BRAVO.

If we could all be so achieving. Makes for an improved gene pool. I hope.

I want to say something here, but I dunno how...

I'll try anyway. no offences meant, and open to discussion...

<snip>



Awesome post. To be honest, I hate it when musicians talk about politics, even if I happen to agree with what they're saying. Just shut up and sing! :)

If the musician or actor is speaking about a political issue related to their field,such as illegal downloading,etc,Im very interested in what they have to say,since they might have insight into the issue.When they start speaking about politics in general,I give their opinion the same weight as I would the guy ranting at the bus stop.
Jimmy

We cannot leave politics to the politician! If a guy mouths off I am willing to judge his professional ability separate from his mouthings.

I understand the frustration with artists being political, and yes many people (kanye west and some of his ridiculous statements included) are testing when they talk politics. However, I don't understand why we dichotimize the political realm from that of art, as i see it there isn't a mutual exclusivity of art and politics, but there is a certain very vague sense of propriety as far as how one should go about discussing it. This seems to be where the frustration with musicians and actors (maybe we shouldn't go there...) getting political comes from. Oh and the fact that they usually spew one-sided silly nothings doesnt help. This is what the flair up over the Dixie Chicks was about, what they did was more or less an inappropriate sucker punch, and cowardly in the UK to boot. Or Green Day filming their "American Idiot: Bullet in a Bible (I think that was the tour name)" DVD in England. If you're going to get political then be serious about it, don't do it to be an attention whore and attract controversy, do it out of genuine concern for your political issues. This is really what frustrates me about "political statements" from celebrities, namely the abuse of their ability to be heard and the lack of sincere and intelligent concern for the issues they address.

Oh and at the same time, i agree with reggaenaut about separating the artist from the art, though i find that even this is a blurred line from time to time.

Im not knocking any performer/actor/celebrity for getting involved in politics.

I say kudos to them for it- and hopefully it's doing some good, somewhere.

Sometimes, however, performers/actors/celebrities aren't sincere, or educated about, or knowledgeable about it to come across as respectable or serious.

Some use it as a "fashion accessory".

That's all.

Im not knocking any performer/actor/celebrity for getting involved in politics.

I say kudos to them for it- and hopefully it's doing some good, somewhere.

Sometimes, however, performers/actors/celebrities aren't sincere, or educated about, or knowledgeable about it to come across as respectable or serious.

Some use it as a "fashion accessory".

That's all.

yup, you pretty much got my point across clearer and in far less words :D