Kanye West… This post should could have been titled “Him And His… Things”, but there’s such a myriad of issues and topics that he seems more than willing to open up about to DJ Akademiks. The first thing that has to be noted, and taken off the table, is West’s attire. The leather KKK outfit was more than just a deliberate dig at people he sees as power makers in the entertainment industry. It was a marketing tool to get people to look at the interview, (which it UNDOUBTEDLY has) and to demonstrate the power of click bait and controversy when delivering a personal message. For those more sensitive viewers of the piece, just be forewarned that there is language in there that is quite incendiary in nature, and if we reference it, it is ONLY repeating what Kanye decided to say.
The first video is the entire intro – Intro ends when they BEGIN talking, not when they walk into the room. There are quite a few different versions and cut downs and chops all over YouTube, but ours, while separated, are the entire thing. (and to prove it, the uncapped total video is at the bottom of this post). But the “pre-interview” is quite telling of just how haphazard things started as Kanye had plans to travel, but was able to squeeze the interview into his schedule.
So for those of you out there reading this who have not heard about the black leather clad Klan outfit Kanye interview yet, the only question we have is “how are you reading this blog without the internet”? This interview went viral LITERALLY before it was released, (with DJ Akademiks being questioned on another show about the encounter before it hit screens). The people who WILL UNDOUBTEDLY say that this interview is off the rails without actually watching all of it, or listening to all of it, can’t properly form opinions without doing seeing it in its entirety. Some will say “I don’t need to watch this crazy shit”. Yet they might just want to, in order to get the full scope of it.
When watching the version that begins in the back of a car, it’s stated that Kanye told Akademics straight up that he was GOING to be in a black KKK outfit. There also seemed to be some trepidation as to how everything was going to go down upon arrival, but it was all worth the anticipation after the room was properly arranged, and Mr. Yeezus began speaking HIS truth.
To some who only managed to come across some of the shortened versions, they may “SAY” it wasn’t him under the mask in edited cuts, but it was. 16:20 is when he comes out fully in his racially charged garb, yet, Ye seems logical and methodical about what he’s doing and saying. MANY may not agree with what was said, be he doesn’t seem to be rambling nonsense (at all times). He has a clear message to deliver, and at times does actually answer the questions that are asked.
At roughly 19:27, (on the extended cut at the bottom of this post) – he mentions feeling like his life is being threatened. He follows this up with briefly discussing Chester Bennington from Linkin Park being killed for “something”. The death was ruled a suicide, but Ye feels otherwise. Kanye also flat out says he’s the only one being able to tell the truth due to his money, and most importantly sing the swastika is a way to get people attention. Regardless of your feelings on his choice of attire, he was correct, the thumbnail for this interview for sure gain him immense traction on the platform.
Kanye relates to Puff, and for reasons he feels are justifiable. Kanye also feels like the media is deliberately tearing him down due to the views he’s expressed towards the people of power. Many have already jumped to saying he’s having some type of episode, but he seems quite lucid and level headed regardless of what you feel about what he says. That being said, taking calls in mid interview, calling people faggots, and this persistent hostility toward Playboi Cardi, do show the results of a person who has a bit too much on his mind.
Deliberately making incendiary comments to upset people hasn’t been seen like this in the music industry since scale Eminem, although wearing a Sean John shirt with a swastika necklace underneath Klan garb is something Em could probably never phantom doing. Kanye does say however that he IS going against everyone.
West’s recent comments and actions have sparked a significant amount of controversy, revealing both his unfiltered nature and his contentious views. He has expressed that many artists in the industry are “dumb,” implying that they lack critical insight or independence. He also made a provocative statement, claiming that without Jewish people, “things won’t run,” which has stirred tensions given the history of his remarks on this group. Alongside this, Kanye is well aware of the backlash his wardrobe choices, including the infamous “White Lives Matter” shirts, may provoke. His unapologetic stance on wearing controversial outfits reflects his broader defiance against societal norms and expectations.
In a series of tweets, Kanye also delved into personal matters, making public claims about Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s family, alleging that Beyoncé used IVF to conceive their twins, Rumi and Sir. Although he later claimed to have deleted the tweet about the twins, the post remained visible for a time, further contributing to his unpredictable public persona. The complexity of Kanye’s actions is evident in his interviews as well, where he has been known to leave abruptly, often without providing clear reasons. He has also discussed his creative process, which he describes as something that takes a lifetime to develop, suggesting that he sees his artistic journey as far more intricate than what others might understand at face value.
Throughout his interviews, Kanye’s behavior can appear erratic, but he also demonstrates moments of lucidity, particularly when discussing topics unrelated to his more inflammatory views, such as his thoughts on free speech. Despite his controversial stances, including the wearing of swastika-themed jewelry and his outspoken remarks about freedom of expression, Kanye remains resolute in being unapologetically himself. He has even gone so far as to keep cameras rolling throughout interviews, suggesting a desire to control his own narrative. At one point, he also discussed his willingness to “die for his freedom of speech,” showing the depth of his commitment to his controversial ideals.
The complex nature of Kanye’s public persona raises questions about the impact of these actions on his brand and music. Although his personal views and antics may alienate some, others might still find resonance in his art and message. The release of a new song, in which he references Epstein and his interest in Mein Kampf, adds to the ongoing debate about whether his controversial statements will overshadow his artistic legacy. Regardless of the divisive nature of his views, Kanye’s ability to remain in the public eye without backing down from his statements suggests that his music and public image may continue to evolve in unpredictable ways.
