When the name, “Kanye West” is brought up in a conversation with parents, teachers, or any adult, it is almost always met with eye rolls and general distain. What is it about this hip hop artist that makes people, especially of the older generations, cringe? Is it the unapologetic, arrogant attitude, his infamously inappropriate lyrics, his annual VMAs stunts, or a combination of the three? Regardless of adult disapproval, Kanye West has built a loyal fanbase of hundreds of thousands of young people over the years. He has seen enormous success with his albums such as Life of Pablo and his Yeezus clothing brand. It seems that the same outlandish behavior and style of music that horrifies adults, is what draws young people to the controversial …show more content…
As technology developed, and users gained unlimited access to an artist’s albums, music videos, and social media, the competition for a listener’s attention rose drastically. Teddy Leopold, an entertainment journalist from CNN explains, “… in our 24/7 world of rapidly posted YouTube videos, instant MP3 releases, reality shows, lurking paparazzi and meat dress one-upmanship, it's easier than ever for spectacle to overwhelm singing.” Unlike ever before, musicians were performing in bizarre costumes or on strange venues with the hope of creating publicity and promoting their …show more content…
As part of his image, Kanye has created songs such as “Kanye” and uses language that makes most adults uncomfortable. Looking beyond these shallow songs, there are dozens of songs in which Kanye advocates for social justice and weighs in on politics. West frequently references Chicago, the city he grew up in, and brings to light the city’s issues with crime and poverty. In his song, “Everything I Am” West raps, “I know people wouldn’t usually rap this/ But I have the facts to back this/ Just last year. Chicago had over 600 caskets” (West “Everything I Am”). Again in the song, “Murder to Excellence” Kanye quotes, “I feel the pain in my city wherever I go,/ 314 solders died in Iraq, 509 in Chicago” (West “Murder to Excellence”). The shock value of Kanye’s brand and the politic message behind his lyrics represent the evolution of the music industry on a small, individual artist