On Kanye, or at least for what it’s worth

I would like to begin by saying that it’s clearly understandable that Saipan Tribune was not responsible for the tackily written article “West poses as Jesus for Rolling Stone” (Jan. 26, 2006). It is obvious they were just printing filler entertainment news. However, I believe the article does not do justice in its portrayal of Kanye West. For those who are not aware of West or his work and what separates him from the stereotypical-run-of-the-mill chauvinistic rappers out there, the article paints an inaccurate picture of a sacrilegious and arrogant pretty boy. West is neither one of these things.

As a college student in the state of Illinois, I was involved in the collegiate sport of Greco-Roman wrestling. One of my teammates was from the city of Chicago and happened to be Kanye’s maternal first cousin. It was through this teammate of mine that I shook hands with and was privileged enough to meet West, who is also a Chi-town native, at the famed House of Blues. Keep in mind that before I met West, I had only a vague idea about his profile. I knew he was signed to Jay-Z’s record label and was a skilled producer of hip hop beats but I didn’t know his roots were in the spirit of conscious and socially aware rhymes and even Christian gospel (of which his mother is a devout member).

Before then, even though I appreciated his talent, I couldn’t really consider myself a fan of his music because I didn’t know what he stood for. For those of you who are not aware and are not experienced hip hop music connoisseurs like myself (I say this with all due humility), Kanye is an artist who is more like politically-aware positive-message-bearing emcees like Common (also from Chicago), Talib Kweli and Mos Def. Look these names up on Google.com if you need clarification. Kanye is not misogynistic like 50 Cent or Li’l Jon because he actually raps about topics that have a message—everything from religion, to poverty to politics and the injustice of child labor. Even before the MTV specials and radio play I knew this.

Kanye’s music is now multi-platinum and popular everywhere, including the CNMI, but after talking to him and sharing similar views on life I gained much respect for who he is as an artist and a human being. He is not just some typical celebrity. So before anyone even thinks of taking offense to his cover on the Rolling Stone or judging him harshly, know that it is simply art and metaphorical of his figurative “crucifixion” at the hands of harsh critics and doubters. In actuality, he respects all religions and cultures and even happens to be a devout Christian like his mom.

Ben Salas
Saipan