Summary
Background and Relationship
Brooke Crittendon, 31, dated
Kanye West for two-and-a-half years starting in 2004 when she was working as a production assistant for MTV. They met backstage at an Usher concert in New York where Kanye was the opening act. The relationship quickly intensified, with Kanye even purchasing a New York apartment to be closer to Brooke, who was raised in working-class Baltimore by a single mother.
Life with Kanye
Crittendon describes her time with Kanye as "a two-year trip to Disneyland," filled with luxury and extravagant experiences. Notable moments included attending the 2006 Grammy Awards together where U2's Bono visited Kanye's dressing room to express admiration, and their first anniversary celebration in Miami where Kanye arranged for an orchestra to play in their suite surrounded by hundreds of roses. She also mentions Kanye's opulent New York residence, which featured a chair made entirely of teddy bears and hand-painted cherubs on the dining room ceiling, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel.
Kanye's Personality and Insecurities
Despite his public image as a confident rap star, Crittendon reveals that Kanye was actually quite insecure and vulnerable. She states he "needed you to be with him and needed your opinion" and would refuse to start performances unless she was visible at the side of the stage. According to Crittendon, Kanye worried he wasn't good enough for her and required constant reassurance.
Reasons for the Breakup
The relationship eventually ended due to Kanye's involvement with other women. Crittendon explains she was "never OK being one of many" and although Kanye was "open and honest" about these interactions, it became problematic for her. She characterizes him as "a good boyfriend in f*ed-up circumstances" but states the relationship ultimately became "really nasty" with frequent arguments and fights.
Insights on Kanye and Kim Kardashian
Crittendon offers her perspective on Kanye's current relationship with Kim Kardashian, suggesting that Kim "fits into his brand" and satisfies his desire to have "what other people want." She believes Kanye had been interested in Kim for some time, even speculating that he had watched Kim's infamous sex tape. Crittendon suggests their relationship and baby "ticks a box" for both of them but questions whether it will last long-term. She also notes Kanye's admiration for Jay-Z, whom she describes as "a role model" whose cues Kanye follows regarding maturity and family life.
Observations on Kardashian Family Dynamic
Having watched Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Crittendon comments on an episode where Kanye made Kim discard her old clothes, drawing parallels to pressure she herself felt to change during their relationship. She expresses surprise at Kanye's decision to appear on the reality show at all, and questions whether his stated intention to keep his child away from television cameras will be possible given the Kardashian family business model.*There may be errors on this page.
