Summary
Setting and Environmental Context
The interview takes place at
Kanye West's sprawling ranch in Wyoming, where Zane Lowe visits him in this remote, isolated location. West explains he purchased this property because he was seeking more than 500 acres to establish what he calls the "Yeezy campus," which wasn't available in Jackson Hole where he recorded his
previous album. Upon first arriving at the ranch, West initially disliked the landscape because he expected something greener, but came to love the natural earth tones and isolated environment, which he describes as being "just God" without the distractions of billboards and urban stimuli. West reflects that the location feels like it could be "3,000 years in the past or 3,000 years in the future" because of its timeless quality and separation from modern society.
Spiritual Transformation and Religious Journey
A dominant theme throughout the interview is West's profound spiritual transformation. He pinpoints his born-again experience to April 2019, specifically around Easter Sunday at Coachella. West frames this conversion as a liberation, stating he is "no longer a slave, but a son of God." He describes how God was "using him" during this period, with the timing aligning perfectly with Easter Sunday.West elaborates on his
Sunday Service events, which he initiated as a form of Christian innovation while maintaining doctrinal foundations. He describes creating a circular church space inspired by artist James Turrell that his daughter North immediately recognized as a church. West emphasizes that North loves attending church and becomes upset when she can't attend, which reinforced his commitment to make Sunday Service a consistent presence in their home.West discusses his interpretation of Christian living, including his initial struggles with alcohol consumption (having completely stopped drinking when first converted, though now occasionally having a drink but avoiding drunkenness). He describes giving himself a "Christian scorecard" each day, rating his adherence to Christian principles, and explains his process of repentance when he falls short. He announces plans to release a Sunday Service album titled
"Jesus is Born" on Christmas Day.West repeatedly emphasizes that his mission now is spreading the gospel, stating: "It's not a desire; it's my only mission and calling—to spread the gospel." He insists that everything he does—from music to manufacturing to his ranch—is now in service to God and the "renewal of the planet."
Mental Health, Hospitalization, and Personal Struggles
West speaks candidly about his
bipolar disorder diagnosis and his
2016 hospitalization. He reframes this experience positively, noting it gave him "the most space to think" and that during this time, he began reading the Bible, copying Bible verses, and wrote down "build a church in Calabasas" among his future goals.He addresses the stigmatization he's faced, stating: "I'm here to show that someone that's diagnosed can still drive and be the founder of a multi-billion dollar organization, can still be in service to Christ, can still be a good husband and a good dad." West rejects the reduction of his identity to his diagnosis, arguing that people use his mental health history to "discriminate against my mind and my thoughts."West identifies as a "hypersensitive person" (HSP), explaining that he cannot "sit with something on my spirit for more than a day" and must express himself, which can appear erratic to outsiders. He draws a connection between expression and mental health, noting that when people are "locked up" and "run out of words," they often turn to violence.
Past Addictions and Personal Demons
West speaks openly about his past addictions, particularly to pornography (which he says he was exposed to at age five through a Playboy magazine his father left out) and sex. He describes these addictions as having "full control" over him and connects them to the grief following
his mother's death in 2007. At the MTV Awards after his mother passed, West says he was "drowning" himself in his addiction rather than drugs.He draws parallels between sex addiction and opioid addiction, describing similar neurological responses, and reveals his dependency on painkillers after surgery continued after the pain subsided. West credits his faith with helping him overcome these dependencies: "with God I've been able to beat things that had full control of me."He criticizes how pornography is easily accessible to young people today compared to when he was younger, and expresses concern about the normalization of sexual content on social media and billboards, which he describes as forms of "sex trafficking."
Cultural Critique and Media Commentary
West offers extensive criticism of modern culture, including social media (which he calls "modern-day cigarettes"), pornography, and consumerism. He expresses frustration with how cities are designed to "create more problems that can create more industries" rather than fostering community and family, pointing out how jobs are intentionally placed 45 minutes away to increase car usage and fuel consumption.He envisions alternative communities with churches at their center, sustainable gardening, and homes designed for family life. West mentions working with former NBA player Rick Fox in the Bahamas on hurricane-proof homes as part of this vision for better community design.West critiques the entertainment industry and media, particularly how they treat outspoken figures. He references Dave Chappelle's point about "chilling the art" and artists needing freedom of expression. He rejects the notion that his opinions need defending, asking rhetorically: "I didn't know I was in a courtroom."He discusses the pressure to conform to cultural expectations, stating: "I'm no longer I'm no longer a slave I'm a son now... I was afraid to speak my mind when I didn't know my Master's. Now I know my Master's, you think I ain't gonna talk my mind right now?"
Business Ventures, Manufacturing, and Economic Vision
West articulates a vision for bringing manufacturing back to America, revealing plans to build factories in the U.S. within two years. He emphasizes creating employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through what he calls "prison reform" or giving "second-chance people" jobs. His manufacturing philosophy centers on developing sustainable practices including hydroponic cotton, hemp, and new fabrics through a "seed to sew" approach.He expresses frustration with off-shore manufacturing, describing challenges with a factory in China where his "motorcycle boot" design was stuck in customs. West contrasts this with the rapid prototyping capabilities when working locally, where designs can be physically produced the same day rather than depending on foreign factories.West discusses Yeezy's success, claiming it's the "number one searched brand on the planet," followed by Off-White, Adidas, Nike, and Louis Vuitton. He expresses frustration with previous business relationships, including a failed deal with Louis Vuitton's Bernard Arnault that he says contributed to his hospitalization.He draws a distinction between founders and stockholders, arguing that founders care about legacy while stockholders focus on money and power. West identifies as a founder, comparing himself to others like Jack Dorsey of Twitter/Square, whom he calls "incredibly smart, visionary."
Personal Relationships and Family Dynamics
West speaks about his marriage to Kim Kardashian, calling it "the greatest bond" and a "God bond." He describes marriage as having "someone that you can call on, someone you can call out, someone that could call on you and call you out, equally yoked." He acknowledges their differences in approach to faith but notes Kim's support in his spiritual journey.He discusses his evolving approach to parenting, particularly regarding his daughter North. West admits he once wanted his "daughter to out-dress Rihanna" and had her "walking around with a slip dress," but his perspective has changed with his faith. He now opposes North wearing crop tops, explaining: "I think and feel differently now that I am Christian, now that I'm the founder of a 3 billion dollar organization and married for five years."West names his father as his "number one hero," describing him as a Christian marriage counselor who has stayed in homeless shelters to help people and operates a water purification center. He speaks with admiration about his father's service-oriented life.The interview touches on his complicated relationships with other artists, including
Drake (who coincidentally lives four blocks from him in Calabasas) and his former mentor Jay-Z. West indicates a desire to mend these relationships, saying he left his phone number at Drake's house. He describes the "lineage of rap kings" as going from friends to "frenemies" to enemies, then needing to "bring back the positive energy."
Music Creation and Artistic Evolution
West discusses the evolution of his creative process, particularly in light of his faith. He reveals that initially he "didn't know how to rap for God" and considered not rapping at all on his new album. He credits No Malice (of Clipse) with encouraging him and offering to write him a verse.The interview highlights the reunion of Clipse (
Pusha T and No Malice) specifically for the
Jesus Is King project, which West describes as "a win for the kingdom." He plays unreleased music during the interview, including a track featuring the reunited Clipse and another titled "Glory" featuring Victory.West reflects on his musical journey from
"Jesus Walks" to "I Love It," and now returning to faith-based content. He suggests he will be updating his older music to align with his current values, comparing it to "George Lucas versions" of his catalog where explicit content would be removed.He emphasizes that despite his wealthy success, he continues making music because "God has given me a gift" and "if I stop doing it, he might start to take other things away." West also mentions developing a portable "stem player" device with Teenage Engineering that allows users to manipulate different elements of songs, describing how his daughter's eyes "light up" when using it.
Future Aspirations and Political Ambitions
West articulates a 20-year vision centered on serving God, stating he wants everything he does to be "for the church," including naming future shoe models after Bible verses (like "John 3:16 instead of 350s"). He hints at political ambitions, explicitly stating "there will be a time when I will be president of the United States" in 2024.He speaks about creating church-focused communities and working with Rick Fox on hurricane-proof homes in the Bahamas. West expresses a desire to design communities where the church is in the center, surrounded by sustainable gardening and family-oriented homes.West emphasizes his commitment to innovation in service to faith, repeatedly using the phrase "Christian innovator" to describe his aspiration. He contrasts this with how traditional churches can sometimes "block innovation" by being overly rigid.
Philosophical Reflections and Worldview
Throughout the interview, West shares philosophical perspectives on society, culture, and human connection. He repeatedly emphasizes that "we need each other" and that family is "the best form of each other." He argues that despite political and cultural divisions, people fundamentally want similar things: "everybody wants the world to be better for their children."West criticizes the divisiveness in society, stating: "we've been herded into an idea of blue or red, left or right," but suggests that humans share more commonalities than differences. He references a time "when we were closer to heaven," before socialization and cultural programming.He reflects on suffering as something that allows him to "feel a little bit of what Jesus felt" and suggests that his struggles have purpose: "God is using me to show off." West proposes that his journey from ego-driven celebrity to faith-focused creator represents God using "this Nebuchadnezzar-type character"—referencing the Biblical king who was humbled after claiming credit for his accomplishments.West concludes by expressing gratitude for his life's journey, including the challenges: "I'm just so blessed for everything I've been through to still be standing here." He states his purpose clearly: "My only mission and calling is to spread the gospel."
Conclusion: A Man Transformed
The interview portrays West as someone undergoing a profound transformation through faith, using his considerable platform, wealth, and creative talents in service to religious purposes. While acknowledging his past controversies, struggles, and excesses, he presents his current path as divinely guided rather than driven by personal ambition or ego. The conversation reveals an artist at a pivotal juncture, reimagining his role as a cultural figure, businessman, and public personality through the lens of his newfound religious conviction, while still maintaining the bold, outspoken approach that has characterized his career.*There may be errors on this page.