The political argument
The positions taken by Kanye West are puzzling. In short: after being pro-Democrat, he began to show support for Donald Trump, and encouraged African Americans to become Republicans. He then defended TV host Bill Cosby, accused of rape, called slavery a ” choice “ and spoke out against abortion. For Donda, he invited the singers Marilyn Manson and DaBaby, respectively accused of sexual violence and homophobic statements.
The voyeuristic argument
It is not trivial that Kanye West was, because of his marriage to the instagramer Kim Kardashian, one of the main characters of “Keeping up with the Kardashians”, a television show sometimes disturbing in its staging of the intimate. And it is with the same unhealthy fascination that the media watch the singer sink. Fart live lead, diagnosis of bipolarity, internment in a psychiatric hospital … To admire Kanye West is to dive into a certain voyeurism.
The artistic argument
Fans and critics swoon over each Kanye West composition. But it is clear that his most listened to songs (Stronger, Ni ** as in Paris, Good morning) are more than ten years old. Youth prefers Dua Lipa, The Weeknd or Billie Eilish. To the point that its musical releases have airs of product of appeal for its commercial activities (like its line of Yeezy sneakers, in collaboration with Adidas) or political (an improbable candidacy for the last presidential one).
The political counter-argument
Kanye West is an artist. And, if he has commitments, his songs evoke especially his pangs and his private pleasures. Donda, title of his tenth studio album, was also the first name of his beloved mother, who died in 2007. The song Bound 2 evoked Kim Kardashian, her
ex-wife. Only One, in duet with Paul McCartney, was a declaration of love to his daughter. Before being a political olibrius, Kanye West is above all a lively skinned.
The voyeuristic counter-argument
Pop culture always intertwines art and quirk. Prince changed his name to a hieroglyph; David Bowie once ate only peppers and milk; and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys developed a water phobia to the point of quitting bathing. It is always with astonishment that the fan observes the star. Kanye West, who compares himself to Socrates, Edison, Picasso, Shakespeare or Disney, has the merit of reviving the pop legend, in a supposedly civilized era.
The artistic counter-argument
He can boast of a work totaling 400 pieces, not counting those composed for others. He is at the crossroads of rap, classical, R’n’B and electro. His universe borrows as much from religion as from fashion or contemporary art – the cover of Donda is a drawing by Louise Bourgeois. Or a reinvention of the codes of entertainment, between underground and mainstream. Not to mention a stage presence as incredible as its sets.