Summary
Mental Health and Personal Growth
In this 2018 interview,
Kanye West discusses his mental health journey with Charlamagne, referring to what many called a "breakdown" as a "breakthrough." West explains that factors contributing to his hospitalization included stress, fear, feeling controlled, and being manipulated. He describes feeling exhausted from performing four times a week and dealing with the aftermath of his wife
Kim Kardashian's robbery in Paris, which happened while he was away.West reveals that unlike traditional therapy, he uses conversations with friends, family, and acquaintances as his form of therapy. He shares that the most frightening moment during his hospitalization was when they separated him from his friends against his wishes, leaving him feeling vulnerable and paranoid. West acknowledges he takes medication to calm down, though he doesn't specify what kind, and notes that it's "an imperfect solution."
Confidence and Identity
West speaks candidly about losing his confidence after his hospitalization, which he found particularly challenging as someone who had always been extremely confident. He describes this period as a time of humility that allowed him to grow. West reflects on his identity, suggesting he's "retired" from being "Kanye West" the brand, while embracing his core spirit and attitude.
Relationship with Jay-Z
West discusses his complicated relationship with Jay-Z, addressing Jay's line from "4:44" about giving West $20 million. West clarifies that the money was actually from Live Nation as part of a touring deal that Jay-Z co-signed. He expresses disappointment that Jay-Z and Beyoncé didn't attend his wedding to Kim Kardashian, though he understands they were going through their own issues. West indicates they're on better terms now, texting each other with "positive energy," though they haven't seen each other in person.
Fashion Career and Business
West shares details about his fashion career trajectory, including his departure from Nike after they refused to give him royalties on his shoe designs. He contrasts this with his deal at Adidas, where he built Yeezy into what he calls "a billion dollar company." He explains how a potential deal with Louis Vuitton fell through after initial discussions with Bernard Arnault, which temporarily set back his apparel ambitions.The conversation touches on Virgil Abloh's appointment at Louis Vuitton, with West expressing mixed feelings. He mentions being surprised that Abloh only called him "two minutes before it hit the internet." West reflects on the irony that many people from his creative team, including Abloh and Demna Gvasalia (now at Balenciaga), have gone on to head major fashion houses.
Views on Politics and Society
West discusses his
controversial meeting with Donald Trump, explaining that he connected with Trump as a fellow "outsider" who infiltrated an established system. He states, "The fact that he won proves that anything is possible in America," referencing his own presidential ambitions. West clarifies that he's not necessarily endorsing Trump's policies but appreciates what Trump's victory represents for non-traditional figures.The conversation also touches on West's complicated feelings about Barack Obama. West mentions that Obama was once his "favorite artist" who sought his support before running for office, but later publicly
called West a "jackass". West expresses disappointment that Obama didn't personally call to apologize for this comment.
Future Plans and Real Estate
The interview takes place on a 300-acre property that West has purchased. He reveals plans to build five properties as his "first community," expressing ambitions to become "one of the biggest real estate developers of all time." West compares his aspirations in this field to what Howard Hughes was to aircraft and Henry Ford was to cars.
Philosophy on Luxury and Creativity
Throughout the interview, West shares his evolving philosophy on luxury, suggesting that true luxury is "space," "time," "friends," and "the ability to afford something" rather than the inability to afford it. He explains his vision for Yeezy as eventually becoming "like a relief company" that would provide clothing and water during disasters, rather than just a high-end fashion brand.West repeatedly emphasizes the importance of information and personal freedom, stating that "information is harder to find than you think" and that his mission is to break free from control and manipulation within the music and fashion industries.*There may be errors on this page.