FEATURE:
False Prophets
IN THIS PHOTO: Kanye West/PHOTOS: Getty Images/Press
Kanye West and the Latest Controversy
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BARELY a week goes by…
without Kanye West getting his face in the news for some outrageous comment or other! This latest misstep concerns his views on slavery: West stated slavery was a choice and the centuries-long imprisonment was a result of, in essence, poor mental resolve and a lack of strength. West, himself, calls himself a free-thinker and someone who is adding a new perspective to the issue of slavery and why it continued for so long. To be honest; nobody needed anyone to wade in on the topic and add their voice. Being provocative is all part of what Kanye West is about: going that far and calling slavery a ‘choice’ was met with condemnation and attack. West was on TMZ when he made those unwise remarks regarding slavery – host Van Lathan was quick to push against West and call him on what he said. West is a well-known supporter of Donald Trump and, so, one can hardly be surprised he’d make such idiotic remarks. It is hard to shake off West’s latest remarks as arrogant and insignificant. In the past, he has spoken in egotistical terms and, basically, elevated himself to the status of God. Now, making such stupid observations about slavery has whipped up a storm and offended millions. Users on social media have struck against West and questioned his motives for saying what he said.
He was, in essence, accusing the enslaved black population of lacking a strong mind and choosing their fate. Far from blowing away a casual and insignificant remark; it has caused many to questions whether Kanye West needs to be silenced. It seems that he is on the wrong side of the general population on a weekly basis: the man cannot get enough of stirring things up and doing what he feels is ‘right’. It is all part of his free-thinking, liberal mindset: in essence, it is a flimsy excuse for bull-shit*ing and not having any consequences. Every artist should be a role model and set a good example. There has been a lot of controversy and unrest in music. Behind the scenes, there are accusations of sexual assault – male artists and bands under the microscope – and we need to ensure there is as little trouble as possible. Music is here to inspire and lead the way. West is allowed to have a say but when that extends to incredibly misguided sentiments regarding the slave trade – do we need to place a permanent silence on him? One wonders whether people are queuing up to interview the man, simply to get something juicy on tape. Given this latest stain; let’s hope there are more rigorous decisions when it comes to booking West.
It is a shame a man who has created such incredible albums as Late Registration and Yeezus should sully his name. There seem to be those two sides of the coin: the musical innovator and pioneer; the non-thinking, controversy-courting man. One has no right to tape Kanye West’s mouth and insist he does no further interviews. If we were in a workplace and someone told a colleague that slavery has endured for so long because of poor mental resolve; they would be hauled in front of H.R. and, more than likely, been given their marching orders. Now, with musicians, a Twitter slap on the wrist and we all forget about things. Smaller bands and acts, if they cause trouble or say something stupid, risk having their record deals terminated and gigs pulled. What repercussions will come the way of Kanye West?! The man is far too lucrative to have sponsors pull their deals; his record label will not dump him – his fans will stand behind him and things will carry on. I realise this is not the worst thing one can say: there has been some bigger missteps and West was not spitting malice and yelling when he made those comments. My concern comes when we look at the fallout and how situations like this are controlled.
If a big artist feels they can get away with something that stupid and carry on their lives as before; we have to query whether music is being harsh enough on those who take big risks. West, as you will know, if not going to sober himself and have this big conversation. The man is all about saying what he wants and feels it is part of free speech and expression. The near-universal criticism he faced should give him cause when next he does an interview. I am not happy the man might put his foot in the mouth like this again. What I do want to see is some realisation there are boundaries and limits with what people can see. Musicians, no matter how large, do not run the business and are not beyond punishment. This is not their fiefdom and they need to be conscious of the damage any ill-judged comments can have. Maybe we will see more music from West this year but I wonder whether the promotional duties will involve stepping up the game and getting even more ‘free-spirited’ – and, whether people will actually want to buy his music. It is a shame because, as I said; the man really is an innovative and necessary presence in the industry. He has come through the latest outrage with his reputation slightly damaged – not a lot more has happened. This might sound unfair to smaller acts who have lost a lot more because of something relatively insignificant. If we are going to create a fair-minded and level playing field in music, we have to treat everyone the same and not rely on the juror of social media to decide what punishment an artist deserves. Labels and higher-ups need to show boldness to eviscerate their artists and send a message out. If they don’t – I assume West’s people did nothing more than tut – then it could lead to an artist, West, perhaps, saying something that causes a lot more harm…
THAN we have just seen.