Summary
Introduction and Early Relationship with Radio Host
The transcript begins with
Kanye West returning to Power 92 Chicago in 2018, where he reflects on his history with the radio host. They discuss their early relationship, with Kanye reminiscing about coming to the host's home to get records and samples. The conversation reveals their long-standing connection, with the host remembering when Kanye didn't have a car and would carry records to sample. Kanye mentions that their collaboration continues, noting he needs samples for studio work with Chance the Rapper.
Kanye's Musical Origins
When asked about his introduction to music, Kanye credits his mother's extensive record collection, mentioning artists like Stevie Wonder and Anita Baker being played in his home. He also shares that one of his babysitters was a DJ. He explains that his creative journey began in seventh grade when his mother bought him a computer, initially to program video games, but he found himself more interested in creating the music for those games. Kanye discusses his early beat-making education,
crediting Chicago producers No I.D. (whom he calls the "Obama of beats in Chicago") and Doug Infinite as his mentors. He recalls visiting Doug's skate shop and making beats in the parking lot, and how these producers taught him to "think outside the box" and "chop up beats."
The Go-Getters and Transition to Rapping
The interview touches on Kanye's early rap group, the Go-Getters, which included GLC, Timmy G, and Arrowstar. Kanye shares a story about how he began rapping when he found a rap written by Arrowstar in his desk during 7th or 8th grade and performed it as if it were his own. Despite initial skepticism from some people, including a person named Feel who told him to "stick to making beats," Kanye pursued rapping because he enjoyed it. He expresses his philosophy of becoming "one of the coldest ever" at whatever he puts his mind to.
Addressing the TMZ "Slavery" Controversy
A significant portion of the interview focuses on Kanye addressing
controversial comments he made on TMZ about slavery being a "choice." He apologizes for how his statements made people feel and explains he was in a "manic" state at the time. Kanye discusses his mental health, revealing his
bipolar diagnosis, and describes how the condition can be like "Tourette's level" during manic episodes.He attempts to contextualize his original intent, suggesting he was trying to address how the Black community is "inundated with information about racism" but lacks education on wealth-building and success. He emphasizes that despite his explanation, he understands his comments were hurtful and traumatizing, repeatedly stating, "I apologize."
Reconnecting with Chicago
Kanye expresses a desire to reconnect with his Chicago roots and acknowledges feeling disconnected from his original support system, including friends like Rhymefest, GLC, Don C, and John Monopoly. He mentions that he sometimes goes away for years to build relationships, citing connections with Elon Musk, Jack Dorsey, and even President Trump. Kanye stresses the importance of dialogue, even with those whose policies he may disagree with.The rapper shares his intentions to invest more in Chicago, criticizing "corny" promotional stunts like those that set people up to get arrested over free shoes. He mentions plans for direct conversations with the mayor and desires to bridge divides between communities and police.
Mental Health and Personal Philosophy
Throughout the interview, Kanye addresses his mental health openly, describing his bipolar disorder as "almost like a luxury version of mental health." He explains that he hasn't taken medication in five months and manages his condition through sleep, reduced alcohol, hydration, diet, and surrounding himself with supportive people.He challenges the stigma around mental health, suggesting that people who are labeled "crazy" might actually be "channeling something from the spirits" or have answers that come from outside conventional capitalist thinking. Kanye describes bipolar disorder not as "opposite things" but as "a stronger expression of what you really feel."
Political Views and Presidential Aspirations
When asked if he's seriously considering running for president, Kanye responds affirmatively, saying "100%" and stating it would happen in 2024. He calls his hypothetical party the "Birthday Party" and shares some political views, emphasizing that he wouldn't "mess up the money" or economy. Kanye expresses that running a successful business (referencing his "1.8 billion dollar company") is good training for running the country, which he describes as "a company."He clarifies that despite his support for Trump, he has "love for Bernie, love for Hillary, love for Obama." Kanye criticizes "cancel culture" as a "modern-day electric fence" and "modern-day form of slavery," suggesting that breaking rules is sometimes necessary for change.
Perspectives on Race, Fashion, and Culture
Kanye speaks about race, language, and social expectations, questioning the notion of "speaking black enough" versus "speaking white enough." He criticizes how Black consumers spend money outside their communities for validation.On fashion, Kanye describes his vision for Yeezy as making affordable apparel that's as stylish as luxury brands, noting that both Balenciaga's lead designer and Virgil Abloh (Louis Vuitton) worked at Yeezy first. He claims he's working to create "Harold's version of apparel" (referencing a Chicago restaurant known for quality at affordable prices) that will be priced like Uniqlo but "cold as Balenciaga."
Fatherhood and Personal Growth
When asked about fatherhood, Kanye shares how it has humbled him. He describes becoming "an assistant designer" for his daughter North when she wants to design dresses made of bubble wrap. He values how children haven't been "programmed yet" and just express what they feel. Kanye states he'd "never trust nobody that's really rich and don't got no kids" because they can be "extremely selfish."
Current Artists and Approach to Negativity
Kanye lists artists he appreciates, including Quavo, Travis Scott,
Drake, Valee, Lil Pump, 6ix9ine, and the late XXXTentacion. When questioned about his support for controversial figures, he emphasizes his belief in unconditional love, saying "you can't talk me out of my love."The interview concludes with Kanye discussing how he handles negativity and insecurity. Rather than dwelling on negative comments, he tries to use them as inspiration. He describes himself as a "troll" who is "past 6ix9ine on troll levels," referencing his wearing of a
Trump hat and small slides to generate reactions. Kanye affirms his approach to life is living in the present rather than missing the past.*There may be errors on this page.