The Black Community & The Political Implications of Kanye West
Framing of My Project
For my final project, I wanted to examine the role of politics within African American music and culture. I am a political science major, but politics are intertwined with every aspect of our lives, and we cannot separate personal from political.
A quote from an article by American University’s The Eagle newspaper says, “ Political perceptions are a direct reflection of an individual’s values and identity. To separate a person from their politics is to separate a person from their identity. The two are embedded in each other.”
I want to use this quote to frame the thesis of my project
A person’s values are a direct reflection of who they are. Typically, their cultural connection is deeply intertwined with who they are. The music reflects culture. So, when taking a survey of African American music specifically, through the lens of Kanye West
Project Thesis : To what extent do the music and public antics of Kanye West reflect the political stances and values held by the larger black community?

Background and Rise to Superstardom

1

Chicago Upbringing
Kanye West was Born in Atlanta Georgia in 1977. He grew up in the South side of Chicago. His mother was a teacher at Chicago State University. Later Kanye went on to attend

2

Production
After dropping out of University to focus on his music career, Kanye started producing tracks with his unique style and artistry. This got him the attention of popular artist and got the chance to work with upcoming production company Roc- A- Fella records.

3

Producer to Rapper
Many rappers and production teams felt Kanye couldn't make it as a solo artist because he didn't fit the traditional gangster image in the rap scene. He had a hard time moving past the producer role considering he gained so much notoriety from the Blueprint (2001) by Jay-Z.
Kanye West's College Dropout: Themes
  • We Don't Care : The first full song and 2nd track of the album, We Don’t Care, describes Kanye West’s messaging to the kids/ young people in the black community and comments on the lack of economic opportunity available to them. It speaks to those typically looked down upon in the community, like drug deals, scammers, etc., and provides a perspective of acceptance and encourages everyone struggling to do what they must to provide for themselves and their families.
"But as a shorty, I looked up to the dope man
Only adult man I knew that wasn't broke, man”
“This dope money here is lil' Trey's scholarship
'Cause ain't no tuition for having no ambition
And ain't no loans for sittin' your ass at home
So we forced to sell crack, rap, and get a job
You gotta do somethin' man, your ass is grown”
  • All Falls Down: The 4th track and 2nd song on the album, All Falls Down, featuring Syleena Johnson, is one of the most notable songs from the record and tells the story of hyper-consumerism and materialism amid insecurity while pursuing success.This song describes a popular issue within the block community single parenthood, difficulty finishing higher education, and how obtaining a certain amount of wealth or entering a higher class doesn’t protect you from the discrimination and injustices facing black Americans.
Man, I promise, she's so self-conscious
She has no idea what she doin' in college
That major that she majored in don't make no money
But she won't drop out, her parents'll look at her funny
Now, tell me that ain't insecurr
The concept of school seems so securr
Sophomore, three yurrs, ain't picked a carurr
She like, "Fuck it, I'll just stay down hurr and do hair"
'Cause that's enough money to buy her a few pairs
Of new Airs, 'cause her baby daddy don't really care
She's so precious with the peer pressure
Couldn't afford a car, so she named her daughter Alexis
She had hair so long that it looked like weave
Then she cut it all off, now she look like Eve
And she be dealin' with some issues that you can't believe
Single black female addicted to retail, and well
More Socio-Political Messaging
Gold Digger
So stick by his side
I know there's dudes ballin', and yeah, that's nice
And they gon' keep callin' and tryin', but you stay right, girl
Everything I am
Okay fair enough, the streets is flarin' up
Cause they want gun-talk, or I don't wear enough
Baggy clothes, Reebok's, or A-di-dos
Can I add that he do spaz out at his shows
So say goodbye to the N-double-A-C-P award
Goodbye to the India Arie award
They'd rather give me the nigga-please award
But I'll just take the I-got-a-lot a-cheese award
Sierra Leone
Though it's thousands of miles away
Sierra Leone connect to what we go through today
Over here it's a drug trade, we die from drugs
Over there they die from what we buy from drugs
Kanye's Controversial Political Statements
Support for Donald Trump
Kanye's vocal support for former President Donald Trump and his subsequent meeting with the president in the Oval Office have been met with widespread criticism and backlash from his fans and the general public.
Remarks on Slavery
Kanye's comments suggesting that slavery was a "choice" sparked outrage and condemnation, with many accusing him of minimizing the historical oppression and suffering of African Americans.
Potential Presidential Run
Kanye's announcement of a 2020 presidential run, despite his lack of political experience and unclear policy platform, further added to the controversy surrounding his political involvement.
Summary of Kanye's Social/Political Messaging via song
Kanye throughout his music track record has a clear left leaning viewpoint. His main political opinions are socioeconomic, and revolve around similar sentiments around capitalism in America. As well as systemic economic oppression faced by African Americans. There is also a strong trend of Christianity as well, and the message of spreading the Word of Jesus Christ.
Reflection on the Larger Black Community ?

1

The Economy
The economic state of the black community is typically high priority at any given time in the minds of politically active Black adults. According to the pew research center, "Black adults were also asked how effective the following hypothetical strategies would be for helping Black people move toward equality in the United States: Black people owning all businesses in Black neighborhoods (39%),"

2

Religion
Kanye's connection to religion is clear from his debut album to his latest project. The central theme of God is consistent with the majority of the Black community. According to the Pew Research Center, "Black Americans are more likely than the larger U.S. public to both say it is important for sermons to touch on political topics, and to hear sermons that actually do." This is also consistent in terms of political views

3

Trump/ Conservativism
Kanye's support for Trump has been very controversial, but not that far off with some demographics of the Black community. in an Article by the Atlantic, "Trump substantially growing his share of those voters, particularly young Black men. In a unknown link of Black voters, 58 percent of Black men said they’d support Vice President Kamala Harris if the election were held today, and 26 percent said they’d vote for Trump—a percentage that would represent record-setting support for a Republican candidate." Although the majority of the Black community is not consistent with Kanye's views, they do represent a notable sector of Black people trending towards conservatism.
What YE should do next! We Miss the Old Kanye ?
Instead of running for public office Kanye should use his money, power, and influence to create tangible change within the Black community. Calling back to the ideals he's expressed throughout his discography the best thing he could do is fund scholarships for black students in college and fund support groups to make sure they finish their degrees. He could invest in Black owned businesses and support venture capital efforts. Additionally programs and grants to support Black single mothers and help them advance their careers as well as lesson the burden of child care.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Kanye's Political Activism
Kanye West's foray into the political arena has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, sparking conversations and debates that continue to reverberate through the music industry and beyond. As an artist whose work has transcended the boundaries of music, Kanye's political activism has challenged the traditional notions of how public figures should engage with social and political issues. While his actions have been polarizing, they have also highlighted the complex intersections of art, celebrity, and social responsibility in the 21st century. Ultimately, Kanye's legacy as a political activist will be shaped by the lasting impact of his words and actions, and the extent to which they contribute to meaningful change and progress in the years to come.
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