Outspoken and controversial, or just stupid?

miir · Post by **miir** » December 12, 2005, 2:36 pm

Someone needs to muzzle Kanye West

"The fact that people listen to this music and it's connected with people, the fact that you see fans crying in the audience — you can't tell me anything after that." — Kanye West

"College Dropout Kanye Tells High School Students Not To Follow In His Footsteps"), the rapper spouted to MTV News backstage about predictions he'd heard that his Late Registration LP would be a likely contender for Album of the Year — but wouldn't win because of West's tendency to run his mouth (particularly his comment that "George Bush doesn't care about black people").

"If I don't win Album of the Year, I'm gonna really have a problem with that," said West. "I can never talk myself out of [winning], you know why? Because I put in the work. I don't care if I jumped up and down right now on the couch like Tom Cruise. I don't care what I do, I don't care how much I stunt — you can never take away from the amount of work I put into it. So I don't wanna hear all of that politically correct stuff. You put the camera in front of me, I'm gonna tell you like this. I worked hard to get here. I put my love, I put my heart, I put my money [into Late Registration]. I'm $600,000 in the hole right now on that album and you tell me about being politically incorrect?

"People love these songs," he continued. "You talk to somebody whose grandmother just died and listens to 'Roses,' and you tell me about being politically incorrect. I'm talking about history. I never got five mics [top rating] in The Source, I never got five stars from Vibe. They said it's not a classic. So 'Jesus Walks' is not a classic? 'Roses' is not a classic? 'Gold Digger' wasn't song of the year? 'Oh, but Kanye, you can't say that.' Why? Who are you? I don't know you."

West mocked artists who "love everybody except themselves," calling it "cliché media training." He also made it clear he's not planning to shut up anytime soon.

"I said I was the face of the Grammys last year. I'm 10 times that [this year]," West said. "Get your cameras ready. Two things: Do not let me get up on that stage and do not let me get up on that stage. Either way, we going crazy!"

The Grammy nominees will be announced on Thursday, and the ceremony is scheduled for February 8 in Los Angeles.

Last fall, West attacked the American Music Awards backstage at the event after losing Best New Artist to Gretchen Wilson. That tantrum made West a focus at the Grammys in February, where he was the leading nominee (with 10) and won three awards, including Best Rap Album for The College Dropout and Best Rap Song for "Jesus Walks" (see "Kanye Steals The Show, But Ray Dominates Grammy Winners' Circle"). In Sunday's Los Angeles Times, critic Robert Hilburn wrote that the Recording Academy, which organizes the Grammys and is considered by some to be late in recognizing new artists, could reclaim credibility this year by giving West the Album of the Year. There was no mention of West's rants.

Also on Monday, West revealed the next single from Late Registration will be "Touch the Sky," which in some ways is a response to his critics.

" 'Touch the Sky' is what my life is about, it's what this year's been about," he said. "To anyone that feels like something is so far away, [the song is] just the concept of actually being able to leap above the environment that you're in. All the naysayers and the haters and people say, 'You'll never make it that far, you'll never make it out of this town, we'll call you,' and all those things, and finally you get the opportunity to touch the sky. That's what this year's about, so no matter what they give to me or try to take from me, there's nothing you can take from me. We've already touched the sky.

"With or without any accolades, whatever it is, the fact that people listen to this music and it's connected with people, the fact that you see fans crying in the audience — you can't tell me anything after that because there's so many places and establishments where people are out of touch," he continued. "When someone hears your song and cries, then you're in touch and that's what matters. At that point, you feel like you've touched the sky."

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » December 12, 2005, 2:50 pm

I'm $600,000 in the hole right now on that album

Not sure I really buy that number. I'm sure it's made some money so he's trying to tell us that album cost him $1,000,000 to make (produce, manufacture, promote, etc)?

miir · Post by **miir** » December 12, 2005, 2:58 pm

Aslanna wrote:
I'm $600,000 in the hole right now on that album
Not sure I really buy that number. I'm sure it's made some money so he's trying to tell us that album cost him $1,000,000 to make (produce, manufacture, promote, etc)?

Either that or he got assraped in his contract because him and/or his manage were too fucking stupid to read it... or maybe they're illiterate.

A lot of hip-hop artists get fucked like that.

They get what they think is a phat recording contract with a big shiny seven figure signing bonus only to be completely fucking owned by the record company for X number of albums. It's a crap shoot for the labels. They might lose 10 million of signing 10 hip hop artists that don't make it big, but compensated on that by signing one that makes them hudreds of millions.

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » December 12, 2005, 3:21 pm

Didn't they learn anything from MC Hammer? Apparently not.

Post by **Sylvus** » December 12, 2005, 3:27 pm

I think the poll options are off a little bit. Is he a musical genius? Quite possibly. Can he be a bit of a retard when interviewed or accepting an award or whatever? Definitely.

Throughout history there have been innumerable gifted artists that you probably wouldn't ask to give your best man speech. That doesn't mean that they didn't know what they were doing when focusing on their bailiwick.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » December 12, 2005, 4:03 pm

I think he is a genius. Both his albums have been top notch in quality, and are quite possibly both classics. (first one definately is) But I have to agree with Sylvus, i think his interviews, and speeches are a bit much, but that doesnt take away anything from his musical abilities.

that said, Late Registration is the album of the year.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » December 12, 2005, 4:08 pm

He was funny as fuck on that Hurricane thing when he was shouting "Bush hates Blacks".

miir · Post by **miir** » December 12, 2005, 4:12 pm

Nick wrote:He was funny as fuck on that Hurricane thing when he was shouting "Bush hates Blacks".

Not to be nitpicky, but he wasn't shouting and he said 'George Bush doesn't care about black people'.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » December 12, 2005, 7:17 pm

First off I assure you Kanye didnt get screwed on his contract, yes lots of rappers do but he isnt one of them.

That being said kanye's first album was great, but his second album is ass. The best way I can describe what im trying to say is this: On his first album I liked about 1/2 the beats that he produced, on the second album he elaborated more on the 1/2 of the beats that I didnt like and efficiently ruined it for himself.

While his beats may be great, his rapping/lyrics are extremely weak and the only way he brings strength to his album is by having half a billion guest appearences on it.

Then again white people get a album like andre 3000's half of the double cd that outkast released(which was the worthless half, btw) and they love it for some reason. Hey ya! and all the other obnoxious songs that I wished had been cut from the album were so popular id see 45 and 50 year old white guys buying the album for themselves. I think Kanye is a similar thing with his tracks like "Jesus Walks" and so on.

Anyways, I could think of a handful of rap albums off the top of my head that were better than his this year.. lets see

Bun B- Trill

Beanie Siegel (not sure on spelling) - The B Coming

Damien Marley - Welcome to Jamrock (not rap, but definately a better album then Kanye's)

Sean Paul - The Trinity (same as Damien Marley)

Jadakiss - Kiss of death

Young Jeezy - forget the name of the album, the snowman maybe ?

CamRon- Purple Haze

Slim Thug - Already Platinum

Just to name a few.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » December 12, 2005, 8:33 pm

didnt jadakiss come out last summer?

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » December 12, 2005, 9:03 pm

You know, im not sure. Id have to find the cd case and check, but you might be right.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » December 12, 2005, 10:10 pm

Funkmasterr wrote:Bun B- Trill

Free Pimp C!

http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5128

I haven't heard the Bun B solo album, but I love me some UGK

Nick · Post by **Nick** » December 12, 2005, 11:45 pm

That is being nitpicky!

And you got the drift, I don't tend to remember people I don't listen to's exact quotes months later though.

Sionistic · Post by **Sionistic** » December 13, 2005, 1:26 am

He took advantage of a natural disaster relief function to spread his name. Thats being said I voted I dont care about black people.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » December 13, 2005, 2:38 am

Boogahz wrote:
Funkmasterr wrote:Bun B- Trill
Free Pimp C!

http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5128

I haven't heard the Bun B solo album, but I love me some UGK

I hadn't heard that yet, but cool. I have been a fan of ugk since the remix of pocket full of stones on the menace 2 society soundtrack. If you like them I would definately check out his solo album. Its all ive been playing lately and one of the few rap cd's from this year I can listen to without skipping at least 1 song.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » December 13, 2005, 11:01 am

Loads of people took advantage of the hurricane situation, his however was, to me at least (and several million others) an honest outburst based on anger at the Bush administrations utterly shambolic and vastly retarded reaction (or lack of) to the event + the general state of the poorest people in the US (which coincidentally, aren't mostly white).

Now I know America is seen as being schizophrenic in it's Naivety and cynicism (basically whenever it suits itself) but tbh I don't feel this outburst was at all simply a ploy to get on TRL or some shit.

And I would reserve my more visceral cynical hatred of people "being taken advantage of" to more 'deserving' American leaders and liars. Just a thought.

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » December 13, 2005, 7:45 pm

I vote outspoken moron (with a good business manager ass-handling him puppet style), he needs to stick to rapping about women in a degrading manner, while selling himself to the WWE-level gullible.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » December 13, 2005, 7:48 pm

I havent listened to Kanye in a while, but I doubt you ever have Kylere. I don't remember him saying much of anything, if anything at all degrading about respectable women.. But he is a rapper so he must be a misogynist right ?

Kwonryu DragonFist · December 13, 2005, 10:16 pm

Kylere wrote:I vote outspoken moron (with a good business manager ass-handling him puppet style), he needs to stick to rapping about women in a degrading manner, while selling himself to the WWE-level gullible.

From what i've heard, Kanye is not the typical rapper rappin about bitches and hoes!

Fairweather Pure · Post by **Fairweather Pure** » December 14, 2005, 3:06 am

I thought this thread was complete bullshit until Funkmaster showed up and showed his street cred.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » December 14, 2005, 3:58 am

/yawn

Kylere · Post by **Kylere** » December 14, 2005, 9:50 am

Take a look at Gold Digger, he tries the entire song to make it seem as if he is just saying a fact, and he very well could be, but that portrayal of women is a negative one. It is cute, and funny. But still antiwomen, I understand that though, he is playing to his demographics, his manager is doing a fine job. Let me state that most country and rock is just as bad so I am not targeting rap specifically. Hell country and rap have more in common than they do different. Perhaps that is why I feel the same way about both.

Oh yeah lemme clarify one thing, I have listened to several of his "songs" and seen three of his videos.

Lynks · Post by **Lynks** » December 14, 2005, 10:34 am

Isnt that song about ONE woman and not all of them?

Post by **Sylvus** » December 14, 2005, 12:33 pm

Yeah, and the last verse he turns it back around on the guy.

I wouldn't say it's a commentary on women.

miir · Post by **miir** » December 14, 2005, 1:52 pm

I just looked up the lyrics for Gold Digger and I was blown away by the sheer fucking genius of his rhyming nigger with digger.

Shakespeare's got nothin' on Kanye West.

Drolgin Steingrinder · December 14, 2005, 1:56 pm

Every interview with him that I've read shows him as an asshat. An asshat who thinks his genius is so great that his audience could be buggered for all he cares. Who knows, he might be right, but the messiah complex thing turns me off. Vote: Moron.

Kwonryu DragonFist · December 14, 2005, 4:24 pm

Who knows, it may just be a front!

He may be the most humble person ever in private if you get to know him!

Don't let artists antics get to you to much people

If you like the music a specific artist produces, use it for your purpose.

If you don't like it, don't listen to it!

A person may be making good (or bad) music, but that doesn't mean he/she has to be a good (or bad) person.

I could care less what the artists do these days, but if the music is good, appreciate the music!

Good music to give ZE PUMP! A special xmas gift from me to you!

Basil Poledouris - Anvil of Crom

Godsmack - I stand Alone

Disturbed - Prayer

Slayer - Black Magic

Cybotron - Clear

Vince DiCola - Training Montage (Rocky 4)

Spoonie G - The GodFather

-

I could care less what these people/artists say/said act/acted on TV/in magazines, i just appreciate the music!

Aslanna · Post by **Aslanna** » December 14, 2005, 4:41 pm

She was spose to buy ya shorty TYCO with ya money
She went to the doctor got lypo with ya money
She walkin around lookin like Micheal with ya money
Should of got that insured got GEICO for ya moneeey

Well there's no denying those dope rhymes. The verdict is in: Genius.

Kwonryu DragonFist · December 14, 2005, 5:09 pm

Aslanna wrote:
She was spose to buy ya shorty TYCO with ya money
She went to the doctor got lypo with ya money
She walkin around lookin like Micheal with ya money
Should of got that insured got GEICO for ya moneeey
Well there's no denying those dope rhymes. The verdict is in: Genius.

Well, in Kanyes defence, there are many good songs even without rhymes!

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » December 14, 2005, 5:12 pm

IF YOU AINT NO PUNK
HOLLA WE WANT PRENUP

Kwonryu DragonFist · December 14, 2005, 6:09 pm

Yo this is Kwon and i'm comin' on STRONG
Killin' emceez with the force of King KONG (Current Movie)

LOLZEURZ!

Tyek · Post by **Tyek** » December 14, 2005, 9:29 pm

Kwon,

While your pimp hand looks strong, Funk says you lack the necessary street credibility to be a true artist of the rap genre.

He finds you more in the vain of 50 cent, who everyone knows is a poser, while he is more like the Game, who spits the illest rhymes on the block.

When your plate drops it will probably sell millions to ignant white people, but in the hood of Minnesota you got no game and you are no Game, the artist. He will respect your sales, but not your presentation.

Peace out.

Kwonryu DragonFist · December 14, 2005, 11:51 pm

Tyek wrote:Kwon,

While your pimp hand looks strong, Funk says you lack the necessary street credibility to be a true artist of the rap genre.

He finds you more in the vain of 50 cent, who everyone knows is a poser, while he is more like the Game, who spits the illest rhymes on the block.

When your plate drops it will probably sell millions to ignant white people, but in the hood of Minnesota you got no game and you are no Game, the artist. He will respect your sales, but not your presentation.

Peace out.

And here i tried to be up-to-date with the addition of King Kong

masteen · Post by **masteen** » December 15, 2005, 3:37 pm

My mom says that a lot of black people listen to rap...

miir · Post by **miir** » December 15, 2005, 3:40 pm

masteen wrote:My mom says that a lot of black people listen to rap...

Black people are a myth... just like Jews and Texas

redeemed · Post by **redeemed** » December 15, 2005, 9:26 pm

I am happy that moron won

Xzion · Post by **Xzion** » December 26, 2005, 12:31 pm

Kwonryu DragonFist wrote:Who knows, it may just be a front!

He may be the most humble person ever in private if you get to know him!

Don't let artists antics get to you to much people

If you like the music a specific artist produces, use it for your purpose.

If you don't like it, don't listen to it!

A person may be making good (or bad) music, but that doesn't mean he/she has to be a good (or bad) person.

I could care less what the artists do these days, but if the music is good, appreciate the music!

Good music to give ZE PUMP! A special xmas gift from me to you!

Basil Poledouris - Anvil of Crom

Godsmack - I stand Alone

Disturbed - Prayer

Slayer - Black Magic

Cybotron - Clear

Vince DiCola - Training Montage (Rocky 4)

Spoonie G - The GodFather

-

I could care less what these people/artists say/said act/acted on TV/in magazines, i just appreciate the music!

im in the same boat as you are there,
I don’t see how these artists personal lives are significant in the music they create, if you stop listening to a rapper or anyone by that measure just because they “got dissed on the street” that just shows that you were never out to appreciate music, but to follow a trend
On my mp3 player I have everything from some hiphop, to reggae, jazz, jam bands, blues, classic rock, trance, house, southern rock, ambient, dub, classical, African and nearly anything else (the only types of music off the top of my head that I cant appreciate at all for some reason are R&B, Country, and 99% of all forms of punk)
Either way, most of the artists I listen to are either dead, or old fat bastards that cant even stand up during a live performance, yet I look at music for what it is, not for what its credentials are

miir · Post by **miir** » January 3, 2006, 3:23 pm

The moron wrote:When I was little, my mom took a job over in China, and I used to do karate demonstrations for pennies. To be honest it was pretty entertaining for me, and I used to spend what I earned on ice-cream. My mother was like, 'How can you ask for money from these poor Chinese people?' I guess I was a hustler in fifth grade, entertaining people

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » January 3, 2006, 3:53 pm

http://www.rollingstone.com/special/8952414

count another vote for genius.

Midnyte_Ragebringer · Post by **Midnyte_Ragebringer** » January 3, 2006, 4:02 pm

Nick wrote:Loads of people took advantage of the hurricane situation, his however was, to me at least (and several million others) an honest outburst based on anger at the Bush administrations utterly shambolic and vastly retarded reaction (or lack of) to the event + the general state of the poorest people in the US (which coincidentally, aren't mostly white).

.

hmmm, so you can have an honest outburst in anger over a natural disaster and call the President a racist, but you cannot have an honest outburst in anger over a terroist attack killing over 2k people, watching those terrorists kill, burn alive and drag americans through the streets, and see a beheading video and say "fuck muslims".

Thank you for proving my point about your selective morality. I always knew, but never expected for you to advertise it. Have a nice day.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » January 3, 2006, 4:20 pm

his statement was directed at one man

yours was directed at a whole religion 99 percent of whom are upstanding people. calling someone racist and being racist isnt the same fucking thing.

Funkmasterr · Post by **Funkmasterr** » January 3, 2006, 4:39 pm

If you really think 99% of muslims are outstanding people you are delusional and almost as dangerous as them.

Nick · Post by **Nick** » January 3, 2006, 4:56 pm

Funk and Midnyte, shut the fuck up.

Zamtuk nailed it pretty hard, as usual however it is pointless trying to make any point to you cretins as it's lost in the steaming piles of shit you call your brains

VeeshanVault

Outspoken and controversial, or just stupid?

Moron or genius?

Outspoken and controversial, or just stupid?