The evolution of Kanye West and what you can learn from it
Mix the cross over appeal of Jay-Z with the consciousness of Mos def and sprinkle a little bit of the awkwardness of Andre 3000 and then add the self marketing ability of 2Pac. These are all some of the traits that Kanye West possesses as an artist. Lets take a look at his evolution.
He started off as a producer making hits like this for his idol.
Once that was a success he still had a burning desire to do more. After his almost fatal car crash he figured why not take advantage of this moment in the spotlight and get noticed and put out this hit.
This song gave him the fuel to release his College Drop Out Album with hits like Jesus Walks. What better way to get noticed than to talk about one of the most controversial topics in history, religion.
After a gang of production credits, Kanye figured, why not make another album. Also, why not use a reference from the hottest movie out at the time, Ray, and make a single out of it with the man who just won an Oscar for it Jamie Foxx.
Then he came out with the song “Diamonds are forever”, which was about another controversial topic that was big in the media at the time, Blood Diamonds.
Ok that worked now what? Lets go on MTV and talk about another controversial topic to keep the name Kayne West on peoples minds, Homophobia. And lets talk about George Bush and him hating black people during one of the most catastrophic events in American history Katrina. Kanye is hilarious!!!
Kaynes thoughts: “Now let me lash out at this same tv network a few times since they are so good at getting me press.”
Kayne thoughts: “Ok i think people are starting to get annoyed with my antics, let me kill them with some more hits.”
After making multiple platinum albums and collaborating with some of the best behind the scenes men in the game, Kayne figured, “I have some breathing room and my reputation is in tact, why not make an alternative album”.
Things you can learn from Kanye:
- Make beats for the type of artist you want to work with
- Take advantage of your 15 seconds of fame
- Do the best you can now and you will get better
- Work with the best artist around you at the time
- Maintain your momentum and never let it die
- Controversy will get you publicity
- Focus on pushing the envelope
- Find a few mentors that can help you get to the next level
