[Editor’s Note: Spinning Platters does not actually encourage the murder of pop stars.]
I really can’t stand Kanye West. The character that he has created, the socially awkward egotist, comes off unnatural and a bit bothersome. He has become an icon that is bigger than the music he creates, which is generally a bit boring. His emotional outbursts in the beginning were funny, but now are just embarrassing. I agree that George W. Bush may not care about black people, but I don’t think Kanye was looking to make a statement, he was looking for a soundbite.
I should not be so judgmental. He may even be a nice guy! So, I will do the Christian thing and compile a list of six things that Kanye West has done that I believe are good things.
Thus begins my six reasons not to kill Kanye West:
1.) Tell Me Where To Go (TKRMX-Hot Chip Remix)/E-40, Kanye West, Ice Cube, The Game
There are a lot of different versions of this track floating around, including one that uses elements of the original Lil John production, but this is the best version out there. West’s flow is smooth, while the lyrics are true hyphy lyrics- a little bit raunchy, a little bit funny, and a little but inspired by having a conversation with someone while they are on crack.
2.) American Boy/Estelle & Kanye West
This song is classic roller disco. The beat, created by Will.I.Am is bouncy and breezy. This may be one of my favorite pop single of the 00’s. As for West, he only compliments the track. Would the song still be great without him? Maybe, but is response verse is classic, and the song is pure pop confection.
3.) Gold Digger/Kanye West & Jamie Foxx
The true genius behind this track is the late Ray Charles, who recorded the great track “I Got A Woman,” which is the basis of this song. The song was originally conceived as one from the female perspective, using the original Charles track for the chorus. The woman West originally gave the song to refused it, saying that she “didn’t like the beat.” So, instead we get Jamie Foxx reprising his role from the movie Ray, and some of the wittiest lyrics ever to hit the pop charts.
4.) Through The Wire/Kanye West
A rap song recorded while your jaw is wired shut. That’s hard to do. Sure, he’s processed to death on this track, but for good reason. (Unlike the wretched 808’s & Heartbreaks, but we aren’t talking about that right now…)
5.) Daft Punk’s Big Comeback
“Stronger” didn’t so much sample Daft Punk as West added some narration to the original track, which was practically perfect to begin with. What West did do right was reintroduce the world to the Electronica era’s greatest team. He put them on TV, put them in his video, and basically used his fame to push an act that he felt deserved it to rock star status. If it wasn’t for West. Daft Punk would have never toured America, and may still be the group with the weird videos that club kids listen to.
6.) The Bear
Personally I’m pretty sure this is just his way of making sure people don’t forget his name with a new Jay-Z album out and Dre on the way.
It’s a rap thing. Bad press, good press, Cliché here