Kanye West's Influence On The Music Industry

Few people yield the influence and inspiration to be able to make an impact on their industry and have it be consumed by the masses. In the music industry, it seems as though most artists consider themselves with authority when they release a chart-topping project. Kanye West, winner of 21 Grammys and top artist collaborator, doesn’t stop at platinum records and record-breaking sales. With an overbearing confidence and constant media coverage, he is relentless in pushing the boundaries and makes himself known for something far beyond the title of “Rapper.” While constantly regarded as an egotistical tyrant, Kanye is conscious of the self-destructive ideologies that many consume; as expressed thoughtfully in his music. What may seem like another

While Du Boi would show contempt for the image of the vulgar “rich and famous” lifestyle, West recognizes this fatal idea of materialism as liberation from oppression and using it as a form of convincing themselves of their superiority. His approach is also somewhat ironic. Although West is aware of the mentality of material dominance, he is consumed, and will continue to be consumed, by the glitz and glamour of a bodacious rapper showman. Mos Def and Tali Kweli, later collaborators on West’s debut album, as referenced prior to this piece, play the role of influential “conscious rappers” who define the Rap genre far beyond praising the lustful money-go-getter minorities; rather, they are more known for expressing social issues and societal injustices. What does his approach to materialism indicate? West, from the very beginning, recognizes the contradiction it entails and inauthenticity of such a

West was a classic case of a mama’s boy. The late Donda West, an active member of the 5th Street Baptist Church and, eventually through Kanye’s success in music, CEO of Kanye West brands and the co-foundation of the Kanye West Foundation, aimed at reducing high school dropout rates, truly was a role model to Mr. West. Through his mother, West became an avid Christian and especially of fan of gospel choir music. A sample of “Walk with Me”, performed by the ARC choir, is constantly looped on one of West’s most critically claimed singles: Jesus Walks. The implication of faith and Christianity is prevalent in just the title, but West also pays explicit tribute to his major influences in his lyrics as