(ThyBlackMan.com) In this particular literary piece, the author is searching for a unifying account as to how a seemingly intelligent and highly talented artist such as Kanye West could display such unconscionable rude and disrespectful antics toward fellow musicians on, apparently, a regular basis.
Similar to physics, one would have to study matter–Kanye–and his subsequent motion through space and time. Make no mistake, Kanye West is a musical genius. His resume speaks for itself. The man has sold more than 21 million albums and 66 million digital downloads. In addition, he has won at least 21 Grammy awards.
However, like previous single subject geniuses, idiosyncrasies are found in other phases of their existences. For example, it is recorded that Albert Einstein, at age 16, failed to reach the required standard in the general part of the entrance examinations for the Swiss Federal Polytenic in Zurich; yet, he obtained exceptional grades in physics and mathematics. Or, like that of Stephen Hawking whose social skills were often defined as challenging, brazen and brash. In fact, his first wife, Jane Wilde, was quoted as saying her role was “simply to tell him he’s not God.”
I, personally, became aware of Kanye West while viewing the 2007
BET Hip-Hop Awards. Mr. West won the best video of the year award for his song “Stronger.” However, instead of graciously accepting the award, he forfeited the win to whom he viewed as a more worthy recipient. I was warmed by the gesture. I, undoubtedly, presumed that this musical genius, Kanye West, genuinely believed that the UGK/Outcast video “I choose you” actually surmounted his video in chemical make-up, philosophy, and substance.
Two years later, in 2009, I found myself glued to the television watching the VMA awards. Taylor Swift, a 19 year old country singer, won the Best Female Video award for her song, “You Belong with Me”. During her acceptance speech, the 33 year old, Mr. West, rudely filched an irreplaceable moment in this young woman’s life. He began mumbling and spewing something about Beyonce. Is this a publicity stunt? I wondered. Or is this dude mentally dehydrated?
I then began to investigate a few of these award shows; i.e., BET, Grammys, VMA, and the Billboards. And, I learned that out of the aforementioned shows, the Billboards are the only awards allotted to artists based solely on United States year-end chart performance according to Nielsen data for sales, numbers of downloads, and airplay.
Therefore, public opinions, prejudices, theories, philosophies, likes, dislikes and other physiological components that play major roles in the reception and transmission of signals that integrate functions in human beings ultimately decides who receives other awards. Not Kanye West!
Nevertheless, I was still thunderstruck when I witnessed Mr. West, at this year’s Grammys, attempt to overshadow the artist Beck; and then rant his thoughts of Beyonce.
Now I simply wonder if said musical genius is capable of tying his own shoes.
Staff Writer; Saint Solomon
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