No far from it, I actually listen to alot of rap. Although as an art form i do find it a lot easier to be "good" at than a great band putting together a song. I have respect for Kayne as a producer because (although it is sampling) I do think he is able to make some great beats. But I wouldn't consider him to be a genius or as someone who is making transcending music. As a total artist he is nowhere near the top. College Dropout was fantastic because when an artist puts his life and soul into an album you are able to feel that through the music. I personally didn't enjoy much of his later efforts (although there were occasional songs that were enjoyable). At this point he has pretty much become a shell or what he originally was. If there is anyone who has been active in only the past 15 years or so that would be considered as a once in a generation artist it is Eminem. He brought something completely new to hip-hop that no one else can really bring. There will be plenty more Kayne's.
Eminems latest albums havent been very good either. Obviously he was a game changer, but I think you are underrating Kanye's prime albums a bit. There wont be plenty more people who can replicate that work.
People saying that Kanye changed since he first debuted are wrong. He's always been an arrogant and egotistical person. The only difference now is his music is starting to suck and that's all we pay attention too. Even in College Dropout and Late Registration you can hear in his songs how highly he thinks of himself.
Hov has said before when he was with Ye he wouldn't shut up about how great of a producer & rapper he was
I've loved everything Kanye has put out up to this point. I'm pretty good at separating the artist from the person but how has Jay put up with him for so long let alone was able to do a duo album with him.
I didn't think that at all. I'm glad someone finally wasn't afraid some real provoking questions regarding the album instead of just sucking up to the artist. Kanye just needs to learn to keep his cool and realize not everyone is going to like this new stuff he's putting out.
I thought Charlamagne or whever that was, asked some well thought out and pointed questions. To his credit and my surprise, Kanye gave a thoughtful and intelligent answer after initially diverging in an unrelated tangent. Personally i find Kanye's persona and attitude to be ridiculous and inane, while also appreciating most of his music. Kanyes success both in the music industry and in influencing pop culture has been enormous (compared to other recent artists) but please, lets not repeat his silly claim - that he is a genius.
Nothing wrong with Charlamagne saying it was whack. What was wrong is him telling Kanye that nobody cares about him trying to do fashion.
Don't think Kayne got his ass handed to him at all. In fact, I thought he did really well considering the guy was telling him his album was trash in front of his face. Don't think many celebs would be as calm with somebody bashing their work. The sway interview was hilarious. "YOU DON'T HAVE THE ANSWERS SWAY!" I always find it entertaining when Kayne blows up.
I know Kanye is a genius because his critics (including many in this thread) point to flaws that were pointed out for people in the past like Mozart and Beethoven. Doesn't understand the nuances of simplicity - a since-buried criticism of Mozart- for anyone that actually knows his career. Most people will reach a certain age and decide that old music is better than new music. Good for them. Kanye will never (and should never IMO) be known as a genius human being, but his music makes other musicians take notice and try to keep up. It makes listeners question the boundaries of his art form. His behavior makes the media want to crucify him. That's what happened to all musical geniuses in the past from Mozart to RadioHead. I don't expect him to be a stand up guy. I don't expect him to be morally righteous, even if he claims to be so. All I expect from him is music, and as a bonus his character amuses me. The guy will be remembered - as much as it annoys me to think that he plans it every time he says it - the guy will be remembered for his ability to transcend his musical generation. Naturally, there will be people who don't like his music. Why would that matter at all? Plenty of people still don't like Mozart and Beethoven, that doesn't make them any less of what they are to the world.
