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Kanye West The Antihero Analysis

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What is happening to Kanye West? At this point, it’s anyone’s guess.
Everything that can be said has been said about the Chicago rapper’s abnormal behavior and illogical ramblings over the past month, which currently range from West espousing on “dragon energy” to claiming that African-Americans in the 1800’s chose to be enslaved. It’s safe to say these accounts do not dissuade the infamous image that West’s constructed since his musical debut in the early 2000’s, though for many, his statements as of late have damaged their view of the artist beyond repair.
While Kanye is certainly no stranger to criticism, the newest wave of public disapproval feels different. Media outlets and fans alike are hesitant to fully embrace the rapper’s trademark …show more content…

Though both articles are written by two different authors, the illustration of shifting public opinion in reaction to West’s conduct is clear. The closing paragraph taken from a 2015 article titled “Kanye West, the Antihero” portrays him as a champion of oppressed minorities:
“Taking in the full arc of Kanye’s career, he is more glorious anti-hero than activist; his war is a vigilante mission against those trying to disparage ‘black people with ideas.’ As a black man who behaves like his (proverbial) white in-laws’ home is his own, he continually sets an example for the ‘Can’t Tell Me Nothin’’ generation he has raised up, showing they have the right to resist and the right to …show more content…

In light of his previous antics, many theorized that Kanye’s career would be remembered more for his troubled persona than his characteristic talents – in many ways, that fear became a reality. Arguably, the reason my parents know Kanye West exists is not due to his creative output — I’m positive my dad could not name a single song from “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” — but because he’s a controversial figure and married to Kim Kardashian. The image that instantly comes to mind when West’s name enters the conversation is not of the soul-sampling producer, but the rambunctious tabloid icon. In the eyes of some fans, these ramblings — coupled with Kanye’s endorsement of President Trump — deprive the musician of any credibility and call his entire discography into question.
After all that’s happened, should Kanye West still be considered a genius? I believe the better question to ask is, was Kanye West ever a genius in the first place?
If one were to go about answering this inquiry simply based solely on his achievements, the answer should be an overwhelming yes. The artist’s approach to music shaped an entire generation and forever changed the way the medium is marketed, sold, and digested. Music will forever be indebted to Kanye

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