Multiple Grammy Award-winning producer/artist Kanye West has already established himself as one of the premier artists in the recording industry, but put away the microphone, bling and neon, and you’ll find a crusader against poverty, hunger and poor education.
In 2005, West and his late mother, Dr. Donda West, co-founded the Dr. Donda West Foundation with the goal of reducing the number of kids who drop out of school. The Foundation’s first initiative, Loop Dreams, challenged at-risk students to learn how to write and produce music while simultaneously improving their academic skills.
“During my high school years, it’s the music that I really felt saved me,” said West, “It kept me out of the streets, it kept me from getting into trouble, it gave me something to do when I got kicked off the basketball team. You just get lost in the music. That’s what I did.
In 2005, West and his late mother, Dr. Donda West, co-founded the Dr. Donda West Foundation with the goal of reducing the number of kids who drop out of school. The Foundation’s first initiative, Loop Dreams, challenged at-risk students to learn how to write and produce music while simultaneously improving their academic skills.
“During my high school years, it’s the music that I really felt saved me,” said West, “It kept me out of the streets, it kept me from getting into trouble, it gave me something to do when I got kicked off the basketball team. You just get lost in the music. That’s what I did.
- 4/30/2024
- Look to the Stars
Last Thursday, after a sweet ceremony, the late great Kobe Bean Bryant was honored with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The ceremony was full of the quaint and charming details you might see on Sportscenter: Vanessa Bryant spoke, and joked about how it was Kobe who picked out the pose, so “if you don’t like it, tough shit.” Phil Jackson was in a reflective mood, talking about the relationship he had with Kobe and how it improved over time. The ceremony felt like a coronation for Bryant,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Jayson Buford
- Rollingstone.com
Kanye West’s latest ambitious venture may be his most surprising – and most mysterious.
Over the past decade, West has cemented himself not only as a musical force but also as a cultural and creative visionary, with the launch of his Yeezy line, major collaborations with Adidas and Gap, and tech projects like the Stem Player.
Now, he’s moving into education with Donda Academy, his own private school named after his late mother, Professor Donda West. Headquartered in Simi Valley, California, the tuition-based Christian prep school’s mission, according to its website,...
Over the past decade, West has cemented himself not only as a musical force but also as a cultural and creative visionary, with the launch of his Yeezy line, major collaborations with Adidas and Gap, and tech projects like the Stem Player.
Now, he’s moving into education with Donda Academy, his own private school named after his late mother, Professor Donda West. Headquartered in Simi Valley, California, the tuition-based Christian prep school’s mission, according to its website,...
- 1/9/2023
- by Cheyenne Roundtree
- Rollingstone.com
Kanye West has now added the unexpected title of school founder to his resume, after having founded a private school called Donda Academy in Simi Valley, California that reportedly enrolls around 100 students. The school is named after his late mother Donda West, who died in 2007 and was also the namesake of two of his recent albums.
Its website boasts small class sizes and reportedly incorporates “Full School Worship” into its daily schedule, but not much information has come out about how the school operates. Students are required to sign NDA’s for enrollment, which costs about 15,000 a year. There is also an application on the school’s website for a place in West’s choir which performs at his Sunday Service concerts.
The school’s principal, Brianne Campbell, also has limited experience in education at best. She founded a music tutoring business called the Melody Makers Academy of Music, but...
Its website boasts small class sizes and reportedly incorporates “Full School Worship” into its daily schedule, but not much information has come out about how the school operates. Students are required to sign NDA’s for enrollment, which costs about 15,000 a year. There is also an application on the school’s website for a place in West’s choir which performs at his Sunday Service concerts.
The school’s principal, Brianne Campbell, also has limited experience in education at best. She founded a music tutoring business called the Melody Makers Academy of Music, but...
- 9/23/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
Kanye West insisted “men’s voices matter” as he spoke about co-parenting with Kim Kardashian in a new interview with “Good Morning America”.
The rapper said of Kardashian, who filed for divorce from him in February 2021, “This is the mother of my children, and I apologize for any stress that I have caused, even in my frustration, because God calls me to be stronger.
“I need this person to be less stressed and of the best, sound mind and as calm as possible to be able to raise those children.”
The pair share kids North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3, together.
“This is the mother of my children and I apologize for any of stress that I have caused.” @kanyewest speaks on co-parenting with Kim Kardashian. https://t.co/pJ0AQzgKkj pic.twitter.com/ATTI17235u
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 22, 2022
He insisted of parenting, “I do have a voice but...
The rapper said of Kardashian, who filed for divorce from him in February 2021, “This is the mother of my children, and I apologize for any stress that I have caused, even in my frustration, because God calls me to be stronger.
“I need this person to be less stressed and of the best, sound mind and as calm as possible to be able to raise those children.”
The pair share kids North, 9, Saint, 6, Chicago, 4, and Psalm, 3, together.
“This is the mother of my children and I apologize for any of stress that I have caused.” @kanyewest speaks on co-parenting with Kim Kardashian. https://t.co/pJ0AQzgKkj pic.twitter.com/ATTI17235u
— Good Morning America (@GMA) September 22, 2022
He insisted of parenting, “I do have a voice but...
- 9/22/2022
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Kanye West says he is still not a fan of books — despite having recently launched a mysterious private school called Donda Academy (named after his late mother Donda West). Infact, he just doubled down a refrain he has previously made through the years, that he hasn’t read “any book.”
He even went as far as to liken reading to eating Brussels sprouts, which, for the record, can be pretty tasty and healthy. His comments came during an appearance on the Alo Yoga podcast, Alo Mind Full. During the chat...
He even went as far as to liken reading to eating Brussels sprouts, which, for the record, can be pretty tasty and healthy. His comments came during an appearance on the Alo Yoga podcast, Alo Mind Full. During the chat...
- 9/16/2022
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Paradigm Talent Agency has hired industry veteran Ian Kleinert as a book publishing agent, Variety has learned exclusively. In his new role, Kleinert will be based out of Paradigm’s New York office.
“Joining Paradigm during this unique and exciting time at the company opens up a world of exciting new avenues across all media for the wonderful clients joining me at the agency, and provides me the chance to foster dynamic publishing opportunities for the stellar talents of Paradigm’s roster,” said Kleinert.
Kleinert was most recently the CEO and founding partner of Projector Media, which focused on literary management and investor-backed digital platforms for groups like Salt Events, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Propagate Content, and sports legends Joe Namath and Cal Ripken Jr.
“Ian’s extensive experience, unparalleled knowledge of the publishing industry and wide-ranging client relationships make him an incredible addition to our team,” said Paradigm managing partner Andrew Ruf.
“Joining Paradigm during this unique and exciting time at the company opens up a world of exciting new avenues across all media for the wonderful clients joining me at the agency, and provides me the chance to foster dynamic publishing opportunities for the stellar talents of Paradigm’s roster,” said Kleinert.
Kleinert was most recently the CEO and founding partner of Projector Media, which focused on literary management and investor-backed digital platforms for groups like Salt Events, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Propagate Content, and sports legends Joe Namath and Cal Ripken Jr.
“Ian’s extensive experience, unparalleled knowledge of the publishing industry and wide-ranging client relationships make him an incredible addition to our team,” said Paradigm managing partner Andrew Ruf.
- 6/7/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Image Source: Getty / Edward Berthelot
Kanye West's newest music video gives viewers the powerful gift of nostalgia. Just in time for Mother's Day, Ye released sentimental visuals for his song "Life of the Party" off his latest album, "Donda (Deluxe)," named after his late mother, Donda West. The video features deepfakes of photos from his childhood, emphasizing different stages of his life, as well as real footage of him and his family from 1990. The images in the music video include everything from an old ID to class pictures and baby photos, with edits designed to make it seem as though each version of Ye is actually singing the lyrics.
The song, which first debuted at a "Donda" listening event in Las Vegas last year, feels like the right fit for such a personal video. The original track with André 3000 has a reflective sound that includes many details about André...
Kanye West's newest music video gives viewers the powerful gift of nostalgia. Just in time for Mother's Day, Ye released sentimental visuals for his song "Life of the Party" off his latest album, "Donda (Deluxe)," named after his late mother, Donda West. The video features deepfakes of photos from his childhood, emphasizing different stages of his life, as well as real footage of him and his family from 1990. The images in the music video include everything from an old ID to class pictures and baby photos, with edits designed to make it seem as though each version of Ye is actually singing the lyrics.
The song, which first debuted at a "Donda" listening event in Las Vegas last year, feels like the right fit for such a personal video. The original track with André 3000 has a reflective sound that includes many details about André...
- 5/9/2022
- by Chandler Plante
- Popsugar.com
What does it take to get Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness to show up on time for shoots on their Emmy-winning Netflix series? “Tough love,” jokes fellow cast member Bobby Berk.
That’s one of the many revelations — humorous and otherwise — you can expect from Deadline’s all-day Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted virtual event, which gets underway Saturday at 9 a.m. Pt and takes you inside the hottest nonfiction series and films competing for honors this TV awards season.
Click here to sign up for and watch the livestream.
Among the 21 series and 60 stars, creators and showrunners being showcased in the all-day event, Lucy and Desi director Amy Poehler reveals how she uncovered the “human story” of television icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, mining a trove of never-before-heard audio tapes of the showbiz couple. W. Kamau Bell tells us about taking on a fallen TV icon, Bill Cosby,...
That’s one of the many revelations — humorous and otherwise — you can expect from Deadline’s all-day Contenders Television: Documentary + Unscripted virtual event, which gets underway Saturday at 9 a.m. Pt and takes you inside the hottest nonfiction series and films competing for honors this TV awards season.
Click here to sign up for and watch the livestream.
Among the 21 series and 60 stars, creators and showrunners being showcased in the all-day event, Lucy and Desi director Amy Poehler reveals how she uncovered the “human story” of television icons Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, mining a trove of never-before-heard audio tapes of the showbiz couple. W. Kamau Bell tells us about taking on a fallen TV icon, Bill Cosby,...
- 4/23/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
The stories we tell our children help them see the scale of their potential. The most heartbreaking scenes from the final installment of the Netflix documentary jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy illuminate the fact. Kanye’s mother, the late scholar and activist Donda West, believed in her son’s dreams with no reservation. She encouraged him to reach as high as his imagination would allow. The footage of them together from decades ago offers a glimpse of a young Ye at peace with himself. Rigidity makes way for warmth and Kanye...
- 3/3/2022
- by Jeff Ihaza
- Rollingstone.com
Photo: ‘Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy’ Kanye West the self-proclaimed ‘genius’ and ‘god’ has the first act of his documentary titled ‘Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy’ available to watch on Netflix and the first act takes the audience back in time when West was a talented producer, trying to get signed to Roc-a-Fella Records. The entire documentary is about unseen footage of West from the past two decades which includes his career in music and fashion, the death of his mother Donda West, and his 2020 presidential campaign. The documentary is directed by Clarence Simmons aka Coodie and Chike Ozah and throughout the first act, Coodie narrates West’s story, therefore, giving more context of what West was thinking or feeling at that present moment. Related article: Oscar-nominated - 'West Side Story' Full Commentary - Rita Moreno, Steven Spielberg, Rachel Zegler Related article: Oscar-nominated - Exclusive: 'Dune' Full Commentary,...
- 2/19/2022
- by Ayana Hamilton
- Hollywood Insider - Substance & Meaningful Entertainment
The falsified myth of the overnight success is further solidified in jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy, a three-part, nearly five-hour documentary by Coodie & Chike, who have captured footage of Ye in fits and starts for over two decades. Structured with gratifying patience in detailing the painstaking ambition required to see one’s dreams come true, its first two “acts”––Vision and Purpose––are the most compelling, strictly focusing on his producer beginnings and the long journey of making his 2004 debut album The College Dropout. In exploring a figure as complicated and contradictory as Kanye West, this documentary mostly lets the artist speak for himself through the directors’ own footage, examining the mix of braggadocio and brilliance that slowly got him on the radar of top players in the hip-hop game. The project ultimately falters in its final act, Awakening, which moves from intimate to sprawling, attempting to swiftly wrap up over...
- 2/17/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Source: YouTube user Netflix
Kanye West fans, gather around, because Netflix is releasing a documentary about the enigmatic rapper called "Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy." The three-installment project - which has been over 20 years in the making - is "an intimate and revealing portrait of Kanye's experience," according to the streaming giant. The archival documentary will focus on West's life and career, from his early days trying to break into the music industry up until today, analyzing his reputation "as a global brand and artist." It will also follow West's journey from becoming a rap artist to a businessman, and touch on his failed 2020 presidential bid, as well as the death of his mother, Donda West.
Netflix shared the first-look trailer of the documentary on Sept. 25, which shows behind-the-scenes footage of a young West with rapper Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) as they rap lyrics from their early collaboration...
Kanye West fans, gather around, because Netflix is releasing a documentary about the enigmatic rapper called "Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy." The three-installment project - which has been over 20 years in the making - is "an intimate and revealing portrait of Kanye's experience," according to the streaming giant. The archival documentary will focus on West's life and career, from his early days trying to break into the music industry up until today, analyzing his reputation "as a global brand and artist." It will also follow West's journey from becoming a rap artist to a businessman, and touch on his failed 2020 presidential bid, as well as the death of his mother, Donda West.
Netflix shared the first-look trailer of the documentary on Sept. 25, which shows behind-the-scenes footage of a young West with rapper Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def) as they rap lyrics from their early collaboration...
- 2/4/2022
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Coodie and Chike, the directors behind the decade-spanning, three-part new Kanye West documentary Jeen-Yuhs, say they had no advance notice before Ye suddenly demanded creative control over their film in an Instagram post last week. But the directors have no intention of agreeing to “open the edit room” to Ye, and not just because they’d already finished all three parts, which debut on Netflix Feb. 16. “Me and Chike have a company called Creative Control,” says Coodie, “because you don’t want to lose your creative control.”
At the same time,...
At the same time,...
- 2/1/2022
- by Brian Hiatt
- Rollingstone.com
Say what you want about Kanye "Ye" West, but you can't deny that the rapper is talented. The three-part Netflix docuseries jeen-yuhs: a Kanye Trilogy is a testament to the challenges Ye has overcome. The first part documents his rise to popularity as a producer, with footage dating back to 2001, before he signed his first record deal in 2002. Throughout it all, Ye appears unfazed by the obstacles that appear in his way because, as his late mother, Donda West, insists in the series, he's destined for greatness. Still, Ye acknowledges that record executives aren't looking to sign someone with his kind of talent. Sure, they respect him as a producer, but they didn't want to sign him...
- 1/25/2022
- E! Online
“I’m going to say this kindly for the last time,” began the 22-Grammy winner Kanye West in an Instagram rant today, “I must get final edit and approval on this doc before it releases on Netflix.”
West was referring to the three-part documentary Jeen-Yuhs which is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 6Pm Mtn time.
“Open the edit room immediately so I can be in charge of my own image. Thank you in advance.”
Jeen-Yuhs is directed by Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah. Producers are Simmons, Chike Ozah and Leah Natasha Thomas and covers West in three acts, taking us behind the iconic music with never-before-seen footage from 21 years of the performing artist’s life. The docu covers West rise from hip hop artist to being a worldwide franchise, with a snapshot of his failed 2020 presidential bid as well as the death of his mother Donda West.
West was referring to the three-part documentary Jeen-Yuhs which is set to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 6Pm Mtn time.
“Open the edit room immediately so I can be in charge of my own image. Thank you in advance.”
Jeen-Yuhs is directed by Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah. Producers are Simmons, Chike Ozah and Leah Natasha Thomas and covers West in three acts, taking us behind the iconic music with never-before-seen footage from 21 years of the performing artist’s life. The docu covers West rise from hip hop artist to being a worldwide franchise, with a snapshot of his failed 2020 presidential bid as well as the death of his mother Donda West.
- 1/21/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Kanye West has taken to Instagram to argue for final cut approval over the upcoming Netflix documentary “Jeen-Yuhs.” Directed by Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah and premiering at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, “Jeen-Yuhs” is a three-part documentary filmed over 20 years of West’s career. The behind-the-scenes tell-all shows West as he builds his way from singer to businessman and becomes a global brand. The documentary also takes a look at his failed 2020 presidential bid and the death of his mother, Donda West.
“I’m going to say this kindly for the last time. I must get final edit and approval on this doc before it releases on Netflix,” West wrote in a statement on Instagram. “Open the edit room immediately so I can be in charge of my own image. Thank you in advance.”
Variety has reached out to West’s representatives for further comment.
In an interview with Variety published earlier this week,...
“I’m going to say this kindly for the last time. I must get final edit and approval on this doc before it releases on Netflix,” West wrote in a statement on Instagram. “Open the edit room immediately so I can be in charge of my own image. Thank you in advance.”
Variety has reached out to West’s representatives for further comment.
In an interview with Variety published earlier this week,...
- 1/21/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has released the first teaser for “Jeen-Yuhs,” an intimate portrait of global superstar Kanye West.
Co-Directed by Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah, better known as Coodie and Chike, the three-act documentary follows West over a 20-year period. “Jeen-yuhs” shows behind-the-scenes footage of West as he builds his way from singer to businessman and becomes a global brand. The doc is also said to look at his failed 2020 presidential bid and the death of his mother, Donda West.
The teaser features a home video of West and Mos Def rapping their song “Two Words” from West’s 2004 album “The College Dropout.”
West finally released his long-awaited album “Donda” at the end of August, which broke records upon its release. The album set a new record by reaching No. 1 on Apple Music’s Top Albums chart in 152 countries in 24 hours. According to Apple, in the album’s first full day of release,...
Co-Directed by Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah, better known as Coodie and Chike, the three-act documentary follows West over a 20-year period. “Jeen-yuhs” shows behind-the-scenes footage of West as he builds his way from singer to businessman and becomes a global brand. The doc is also said to look at his failed 2020 presidential bid and the death of his mother, Donda West.
The teaser features a home video of West and Mos Def rapping their song “Two Words” from West’s 2004 album “The College Dropout.”
West finally released his long-awaited album “Donda” at the end of August, which broke records upon its release. The album set a new record by reaching No. 1 on Apple Music’s Top Albums chart in 152 countries in 24 hours. According to Apple, in the album’s first full day of release,...
- 9/25/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
After Kanye West was keeping Donda locked down, the highly anticipated album finally appears to be on its way. On Thursday, Aug. 5, the 44-year-old Grammy winner shared the latest version of Donda during a surprise-filled listening party at Atlanta's Mercedes Benz Stadium. This followed Kanye previously playing new music for fans during a listening party at the venue on July 22 before deciding to delay his initial release date of July 23. The album, named for the star's late mother, Donda West, is currently available for pre-sale on the Apple Music site. The page lists 24 unnamed tracks and gives the release date as Saturday, Aug. 7, although that is certainly subject to...
- 8/6/2021
- E! Online
It all started in Vegas last Sunday, when Kanye West hosted an invite-only listening party for his 10th studio album, Donda. It came as a surprise to fans who have been eagerly awaiting the rapper’s next move ever since it was reported that he was recording new music in Mexico the previous March. By midweek, calls were made, photos were posted, and an album teaser featuring Sha’Carri Richardson and a new song called “No Child Left Behind” was released. Before we knew it, we had a Donda listening party...
- 7/23/2021
- by Mustafa Abubaker
- Rollingstone.com
A documentary series spanning over two decades of footage and home videos of Kanye West’s life and work has landed at Netflix.
Billboard, which first reported the news, cites sources putting the price tag at Netflix at $30 million, though a person familiar with the matter tells Variety that that is not an accurate figure. The series is said to include never-before-seen footage of West, and will cover his career in music and fashion, his failed 2020 presidential bid, and the death of his mother, Donda West.
The multi-part docuseries, which does not yet have a title, hails from music video producing duo Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah, better known as Coodie & Chike, who directed and produced West’s 2004 music video “Jesus Walks (Version 3)” and “Through the Wire.” The pair have also produced and directed the 2012 ESPN “30 for 30” documentary “Benji,” about Benjamin Wilson; music videos for Lupe Fiasco, Erykah Badu...
Billboard, which first reported the news, cites sources putting the price tag at Netflix at $30 million, though a person familiar with the matter tells Variety that that is not an accurate figure. The series is said to include never-before-seen footage of West, and will cover his career in music and fashion, his failed 2020 presidential bid, and the death of his mother, Donda West.
The multi-part docuseries, which does not yet have a title, hails from music video producing duo Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah, better known as Coodie & Chike, who directed and produced West’s 2004 music video “Jesus Walks (Version 3)” and “Through the Wire.” The pair have also produced and directed the 2012 ESPN “30 for 30” documentary “Benji,” about Benjamin Wilson; music videos for Lupe Fiasco, Erykah Badu...
- 4/7/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Kanye West is getting his own documentary series about his life and career, and Netflix has acquired the multipart project that’s expected to debut later this year, an individual with knowledge of the project and the sale told TheWrap.
Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah, better known as music video duo Coodie & Chike, are directing the still untitled project that’s been put together from never-before-seen home movie footage spread out over 20 years about the rapper. And Billboard is additionally reporting via a source that the deal for the docuseries is for upwards of $30 million. However, an individual with knowledge of the deal described that number as inaccurate.
Coodie & Chike’s production company Creative Control is producing alongside Time Studios. The two music video directors have worked with West on several music videos, including the third iteration of “Jesus Walks.”
Time had no comment on the price reported by Billboard.
Clarence “Coodie” Simmons and Chike Ozah, better known as music video duo Coodie & Chike, are directing the still untitled project that’s been put together from never-before-seen home movie footage spread out over 20 years about the rapper. And Billboard is additionally reporting via a source that the deal for the docuseries is for upwards of $30 million. However, an individual with knowledge of the deal described that number as inaccurate.
Coodie & Chike’s production company Creative Control is producing alongside Time Studios. The two music video directors have worked with West on several music videos, including the third iteration of “Jesus Walks.”
Time had no comment on the price reported by Billboard.
- 4/6/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Kim Kardashian has filed for divorce from Kanye West on Friday after almost seven years of marriage, TMZ and E! News reported.
An individual with direct knowledge of the case told TMZ that Kardashian is seeking joint legal and physical custody of the couple’s four children, who range in age from 7 to 20 months. The insider also said the 40-year-old reality TV star and the 43-year-old rapper have a prenuptial agreement and neither party is contesting it.
The couple, dubbed Kimye, went public in 2012 and wed in May 2014. They have four kids: North West, 7, Saint West, 5, Chicago West, 3, and Psalm West, 20 months.
Their marriage reportedly became rockier after West announced he was running for president last July 4th and gave a rambling campaign interview where he brought up an abortion discussion he had with Kardashian before their marriage.
Several weeks later, Kardashian asked the media and public for “compassion” as West battled bipolar disorder.
An individual with direct knowledge of the case told TMZ that Kardashian is seeking joint legal and physical custody of the couple’s four children, who range in age from 7 to 20 months. The insider also said the 40-year-old reality TV star and the 43-year-old rapper have a prenuptial agreement and neither party is contesting it.
The couple, dubbed Kimye, went public in 2012 and wed in May 2014. They have four kids: North West, 7, Saint West, 5, Chicago West, 3, and Psalm West, 20 months.
Their marriage reportedly became rockier after West announced he was running for president last July 4th and gave a rambling campaign interview where he brought up an abortion discussion he had with Kardashian before their marriage.
Several weeks later, Kardashian asked the media and public for “compassion” as West battled bipolar disorder.
- 2/19/2021
- by Madeline Roth
- The Wrap
As if things weren’t bad enough in the world, famous rapper Kanye West recently announced he would be running for President this year. His campaign rally over the weekend was labeled as disastrous though after he became emotionally untethered and began to slander beloved activist Harriet Tubman. Those who attended were presumed to have done so largely for entertainment value, of course, as the artist has essentially no chance at winning the presidency.
West is only on the ballot in Oklahoma after his petition for South Carolina didn’t amass anywhere near the necessary 10,000 signatures to get him on the ballot there. That said, it appears he has little left to gain by staying in the race, though he hasn’t announced a formal withdrawal as of yet. In fact, in a recent interview, he even claimed to want Jay-Z as his running mate, so he may still feel...
West is only on the ballot in Oklahoma after his petition for South Carolina didn’t amass anywhere near the necessary 10,000 signatures to get him on the ballot there. That said, it appears he has little left to gain by staying in the race, though he hasn’t announced a formal withdrawal as of yet. In fact, in a recent interview, he even claimed to want Jay-Z as his running mate, so he may still feel...
- 7/21/2020
- by Billy Givens
- We Got This Covered
Kanye West is honoring his late mother Donda West and what would have been her 71st birthday. The rapper took to Twitter on Sunday, June 12 to share a new song and video simply titled "Donda." In the clip, fans can hear Donda reciting lyrics from rapper Krs-One's "Sound of Da Police" over a gospel choir in the background for over a minute before her song comes in to finish the song. "The devil is using you, confusing you/Our job is to understand who is who," Kim Kardashian's husband raps. "Righteous indignation in this nation/We 'gon start a revolution in this basement." "Mama I need you to tuck me in/I done made some mistakes and they...
- 7/13/2020
- E! Online
Kanye West paid tribute to his late mother Donda with a short, new song named after her, which he released Sunday evening to mark what would’ve been her 71st birthday.
“Donda” features the former teacher reciting Krs-One’s “Sound of Da Police” over swirling gospel vocals. After a minute-and-a-half of the West matriarch, her son jumps in with a new verse, speaking directly to his mom: “Mama I need you to tuck me in/I done made some mistakes and they rubbed it in/I know you and grandma...
“Donda” features the former teacher reciting Krs-One’s “Sound of Da Police” over swirling gospel vocals. After a minute-and-a-half of the West matriarch, her son jumps in with a new verse, speaking directly to his mom: “Mama I need you to tuck me in/I done made some mistakes and they rubbed it in/I know you and grandma...
- 7/13/2020
- by Brittany Spanos
- Rollingstone.com
Kanye West opened up about his late mother Donda West in a preview of the rapper’s appearance on David Letterman’s My Next Guest Needs No Introduction.
West’s mother died in 2007 from complications after cosmetic surgery and never got to meet her four grandchildren, North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.
“This would have been the funnest time of her life to have those kids running around that house, and being able to, like, go and buy them toys…” the rapper told Letterman.
West also recalled a story about one...
West’s mother died in 2007 from complications after cosmetic surgery and never got to meet her four grandchildren, North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.
“This would have been the funnest time of her life to have those kids running around that house, and being able to, like, go and buy them toys…” the rapper told Letterman.
West also recalled a story about one...
- 5/26/2019
- by Ilana Kaplan
- Rollingstone.com
Kanye West carries the memory of his mom each and every day. Close to 12 years after former university professor Donda West passed away at age 53, her son is sharing fond memories and making it clear that her presence is still felt. "This would have been the funnest time of her life to have those kids running around that house and being able to like go and buy them toys," Kanye shared in a new clip from My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman. In the footage first shared on Kim Kardashian's Twitter page, the Grammy winner also shared a special toy Donda purchased that made quite an impact. "I remember my mother bought me a bear that was multicolored and I...
- 5/24/2019
- E! Online
What's in a name? Kim Kardashian and Kanye West welcomed their fourth child on May 10 and revealed one week later that they named their baby boy Psalm West. Fans immediately began theorizing what his name would be, but Psalm was not on the list. Some of those included Bear (thanks to an emoji that she used when announcing his birth), Teddy (like the bear), Don (for Kanye's mother Donda West) or Rob in honor of Kim's late father, Robert Kardashian. That also happens to be her brother's name, too. Alas, they surprised fans around the world by naming him Psalm and it carries a special connotation for the family. Psalm means "song" in Hebrew and there's also the Book of Psalms in the...
- 5/20/2019
- E! Online
Kanye West is remembering his late mom, Donda West, with a very special Sunday Service ... and the tribute was truly touching on Mother's Day, from start to end. Ye was live streaming his weekly spiritual event Sunday, which was being filmed in the same fisheye lens he used during his big set at Coachella a few weeks back. It began with the rapper making his way to the stage with Tupac's "Dear Mama" track as walk-up music.
- 5/12/2019
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
The producer and songwriter Jeff Bhasker has worked on four albums with Kanye West. 808s & Heartbreak was their first collaboration, and likely the most memorable. “It was probably the easiest Kanye West record that ever got made,” he said. “It flowed the most effortlessly because we basically did it in three weeks.”
Ten years after its release, 808s & Heartbreak is an absolute. Its influence never really ceased reverberating, and its imprint still appears with some frequency across hip-hop (and pop music writ large). Kanye West’s fourth studio album raised...
Ten years after its release, 808s & Heartbreak is an absolute. Its influence never really ceased reverberating, and its imprint still appears with some frequency across hip-hop (and pop music writ large). Kanye West’s fourth studio album raised...
- 11/24/2018
- by Charles Holmes
- Rollingstone.com
CNN host Don Lemon took heat on Thursday and Friday after doubling down on his show’s criticism of rapper Kanye West. On Thursday evening, Lemon said West’s Oval Office meeting with President Trump reminded him of a “minstrel show” and brought up West’s dead mother to make his point.
“What I saw was a Minstrel show today,” Lemon said making an unusual appearance on “The Situation Room.” “This was an embarrassment, Kanye’s mother is rolling over in her grave.”
West’s mother, Donda West, died in 2007 after botched cosmetic surgery.
Also Read: CNN Panel Mocks Kanye West as Trump's 'Token Negro,' Don Lemon Laughs (Video)
“The president of the United States [is] exploiting him and I don’t mean this in a disparaging way, exploiting someone who needs help, who needs to back away from the cameras, who needs to get off stage, who needs to deal with his issues,...
“What I saw was a Minstrel show today,” Lemon said making an unusual appearance on “The Situation Room.” “This was an embarrassment, Kanye’s mother is rolling over in her grave.”
West’s mother, Donda West, died in 2007 after botched cosmetic surgery.
Also Read: CNN Panel Mocks Kanye West as Trump's 'Token Negro,' Don Lemon Laughs (Video)
“The president of the United States [is] exploiting him and I don’t mean this in a disparaging way, exploiting someone who needs help, who needs to back away from the cameras, who needs to get off stage, who needs to deal with his issues,...
- 10/12/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
It's time to celebrate! Kanye West took to Instagram on Tuesday, Oct. 2 to reveal his father's cancer is in remission, and in honor of his recovery, they ate bugs. "Overcome fear," the rapper captioned an Instagram pic showing a plateful of insects. "My dad and I are going to eat this plate of bugs to celebrate him beating cancer. No more fear." View this post on Instagram overcome fear My dad and I are going to eat this plate of bugs to celebrate him beating cancer. No more fear A post shared by ye (@kanyewest) on Oct 2, 2018 at 3:49pm Pdt In July, People confirmed the 41-year-old's father had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. "Kanye's dad was diagnosed with cancer and is already receiving treatment," a Keeping up With the Kardashians source told the mag. "He seems to be responding well to the treatment and everyone is hopeful he will be okay.
- 10/3/2018
- by Megan Heintz
- Life and Style
On Sunday, Chance The Rapper posted a simple message on Instagram: “Good Ass Job,” in big block letters on a pink background. For longtime Kanye West fans, the three words have special and nostalgic significance, as the rapper has long promised to use the phrase as the title for his fourth album. In a 2003 MTV News interview, the Chicago rapper stated, “my third album is going to be called Graduation. And the fourth is Good-Ass Job.”
The title was never used. West’s fourth album, recorded in the wake...
The title was never used. West’s fourth album, recorded in the wake...
- 9/17/2018
- by Charles Holmes
- Rollingstone.com
It's so heartwarming to see the Kardashian-West family sticking together through times of hardship! Reports that Kanye West's dad, Ray West, was diagnosed with prostate cancer surfaced on July 29 and in the days since, it appears that the "All Mine" rapper is trying to make the very best out of a bad situation through some much-needed bonding time. A source close to the family revealed to TMZ that the father-of-three is taking advantage of Ray's treatment being in Kanye's hometown of La. Despite their once distant relationship — Ray is a chicago native — Kanye has dropped everything to make his father's recovery a priority. Party of 5 A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Apr 23, 2018 at 7:25am Pdt Additionally, Kanye is reportedly bringing his three children, North West, 5, Saint West, 2, and Chicago West, 6 months, along to support their grandfather in his time of need, which is clearly a...
- 8/1/2018
- by Melissa Copelton
- Life and Style
He's rallying around his dad. Kanye West's father Ray West was diagnosed with cancer earlier this week, and despite multiple reports claiming that he is suffering from stomach cancer, TMZ is reporting that Ray is actually battling prostate cancer. Amid Ray's diagnosis, Kanye has cleared his schedule in order to be there to support his dad during this difficult time. Kanye's father is currently being treated at an La, according to TMZ, and he is responding well to the treatment. It seems like he will be okay. The news of Ray's health battle comes 10 years after Kanye lost his mother, Donda West, due to complications after undergoing plastic surgery. Donda and Ray divorced when Kanye was younger, but Kanye remained close with both of his parents. A post shared by Kanye West (@kanyewestt_official) on Apr 25, 2018 at 4:32am Pdt Thankfully, Kanye has been in a good place for...
- 7/29/2018
- by Emma Hernandez
- Life and Style
Kanye West has had a wide variety of work throughout his long relevancy, and with two new albums freshly released, let’s see how they stack up compared to the rest, ranking them from my least favourite to favourite.
10. Yeezus
Yeezus is a bizarre and simply loud experiment of an album. The industrial and raw sound are littered almost everywhere, but what it has in consistency doesn’t make up for its lack of memorability within each actual track. And the abrasiveness and violent nature of the album hardly ever bring me back to it for pleasure. West is angry, and it’s a bleak departure from some of the witty and hilarious bars featured on earlier projects. This wouldn’t necessarily be a problem, but it doesn’t excuse the fact that a majority of the lyrics simply sound uninspired. From trips to 7-Eleven, to demanding croissants, to even comparing himself to a God,...
10. Yeezus
Yeezus is a bizarre and simply loud experiment of an album. The industrial and raw sound are littered almost everywhere, but what it has in consistency doesn’t make up for its lack of memorability within each actual track. And the abrasiveness and violent nature of the album hardly ever bring me back to it for pleasure. West is angry, and it’s a bleak departure from some of the witty and hilarious bars featured on earlier projects. This wouldn’t necessarily be a problem, but it doesn’t excuse the fact that a majority of the lyrics simply sound uninspired. From trips to 7-Eleven, to demanding croissants, to even comparing himself to a God,...
- 7/2/2018
- by Derek Eppinger
- The Cultural Post
She's defending her man! Kim Kardashian uses leaves the beefing to her husband Kanye West, but every now and then she will insert herself and shut everything down in the process — like when she put Taylor Swift on blast over the lyrics to "Famous" back in 2016. On Saturday, May 26, Kim took to Twitter to slam Kanye's former friend and collaborator, Chicago songwriter Che "Rhymefest" Smith, for accusing Kanye of "abandoning" the city that he loves so much. "[You] haven’t been right since [you] got kicked out of the studio in Hawaii wearing fake Yeezy’s," Kim tweeted. "You’re over leveraging Kanye’s name [and] asked Kanye to donate money to [you] so stop [with] your fake community politics [and] lies. Truth is you haven’t been able to sustain the foundation." A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Apr 23, 2018 at 7:25am Pdt Rhymefest had worked with Kanye on some of his...
- 5/27/2018
- by Emma Hernandez
- In Touch Weekly
Rapper Kanye West visited the TMZ newsroom on Tuesday, May 1 and during his lengthy interview, he opened up about what led to his 2016 mental breakdown. Kanye revealed that he had underwent plastic surgery to get liposuction — which is the same procedure that his mother Donda West got just one day before she passed away due to complications — and while in recovery, he got addicted to opioids. "I was drugged the f--k out bro, I was drugged out. I was on opioids — two days after I got off of opioids and I was addicted to opioids, I’m [he made car screeching to a halt sound] in the hospital,” Kanye said. He then stood up and called for everyone in the office to listen to him speak. A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on Apr 23, 2018 at 7:25am Pdt He went on to explain that he wanted to get plastic surgery so that he could "look good" for the media.
- 5/1/2018
- by Emma Hernandez
- Life and Style
Is it time to forgive? Kanye West seems to think so. The rapper took to Twitter on Saturday, April 28 to announce that he will be using his upcoming album to help him heal and move on from the pain and grief of his mother Donda West's sudden death in 2007. Ye will use a photo of Dr. Jan Adams — the plastic surgeon who operated on Kanye's mother 24 hours before she died — as the cover art for his next record. "This is my album cover. This is plastic surgeon Jan Adams. The person who performed my mom's final surgery," Kanye wrote in a screenshot of a text message with his collaborator Wes Lang, that he later tweeted out to his 28 million followers. "I want to forgive and stop hating." pic.twitter.com/QY2v1OgblE— Kanye West (@kanyewest) April 28, 2018 Even though the sentiment is noble, the picture of Dr. Jan Adams...
- 4/28/2018
- by Steph Osmanski
- In Touch Weekly
Kanye West is ready to forgive the plastic surgeon who operated on his mother just before her sudden death...but he also wants to use his mug shot as the cover of his new album. Donda West, a former university professor, died in 2007 at age 53 a day after undergoing a tummy tuck, liposuction and breast reduction performed by Dr. Jan Adams. He has said he is not responsible for her death and an autopsy did not fault him, as it found no sign that her death stemmed from a surgical error. The report showed that Donda's death was caused by preexisting coronary artery disease and multiple post-operative factors, including pain-control medication and the tight bandaging of her chest, which...
- 4/28/2018
- E! Online
Wake up, Mr. West. It's your birthday!
On "No More Parties in L.A." off The Life of Pablo, Kanye West describes himself as "a 38-year-old 8-year-old," which is maybe a perfect summation of the qualities that have made the 40-year-old rapper such an enigma: a larger-than-life icon who has cultivated a persona that draws as much infamy as it does reverence, with a head-spinning number of acclaimed tracks to show for it.
Watch: Inside Kanye West's 40th Birthday in Bahamas With Kim Kardashian and Their Kids: 'No Work or Social Media'
Somehow, as Kanye has gotten older, his almost youthful sense for defiance and creativity have created work that has only gotten more experimental, more groundbreaking, and with each new album, inspired a new crop of artists of hip hop and of music in general.
The roster of rappers that 'Ye has inspired is truly staggering. Chance the Rapper has rhapsodized about the transformative...
On "No More Parties in L.A." off The Life of Pablo, Kanye West describes himself as "a 38-year-old 8-year-old," which is maybe a perfect summation of the qualities that have made the 40-year-old rapper such an enigma: a larger-than-life icon who has cultivated a persona that draws as much infamy as it does reverence, with a head-spinning number of acclaimed tracks to show for it.
Watch: Inside Kanye West's 40th Birthday in Bahamas With Kim Kardashian and Their Kids: 'No Work or Social Media'
Somehow, as Kanye has gotten older, his almost youthful sense for defiance and creativity have created work that has only gotten more experimental, more groundbreaking, and with each new album, inspired a new crop of artists of hip hop and of music in general.
The roster of rappers that 'Ye has inspired is truly staggering. Chance the Rapper has rhapsodized about the transformative...
- 6/8/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Kanye West has given up the pursuit of money following the sudden death of his mother last November.
The rapper claims he now dedicates all his time to creating art, and he credits his music with helping him cope following Donda West's death from complications after cosmetic surgery.
Writing on his blog, West says: "I don't do anything I don't love anymore. While people chase money I pursue happiness.
"So many people talk about their investments or how much money they have but there's so many rich people who spend a lot of that trying 2 (sic) buy a piece of happiness. If there's anything my mom taught me, it is to enjoy life.
"I absolutely lost my mind (in a good way) on the new Glow In The Dark tour. The constant hours of creating helped me 2 keep from losing my mind in a bad way.
"(Music video director) Chris Milk told me tragedy can produce great art and this is definitely true. I am a total mad man now, up till 3am every night, trying 2 fight pain, board-um (sic), and uncertainty with creativity.
"All that said, life is good."...
The rapper claims he now dedicates all his time to creating art, and he credits his music with helping him cope following Donda West's death from complications after cosmetic surgery.
Writing on his blog, West says: "I don't do anything I don't love anymore. While people chase money I pursue happiness.
"So many people talk about their investments or how much money they have but there's so many rich people who spend a lot of that trying 2 (sic) buy a piece of happiness. If there's anything my mom taught me, it is to enjoy life.
"I absolutely lost my mind (in a good way) on the new Glow In The Dark tour. The constant hours of creating helped me 2 keep from losing my mind in a bad way.
"(Music video director) Chris Milk told me tragedy can produce great art and this is definitely true. I am a total mad man now, up till 3am every night, trying 2 fight pain, board-um (sic), and uncertainty with creativity.
"All that said, life is good."...
- 4/11/2008
- WENN
The plastic surgeon who operated on Kanye West's mother the day before she died claims she most likely passed away from either a heart attack, embolism or accidental overdose. West's mom Donda West died in hospital on November following possible complications from a tummy tuck and breast reduction operation Dr. Jan Adams carried out the day before. And while Adams believes he knows the exact reason for Donda's passing, he is refusing to elaborate on this until a coroner confirms the official cause of death. Adams tells the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "I believe I know exactly what happened to her, but I will not comment on it until I see the final report." The surgeon adds that Donda "probably (had) a rough night" after the operation and that she could have overdosed on Vicodin he prescribed her to treat post-procedure pain. Adams then told the newspaper that he wasn't commenting on Donda's case specifically, and was instead thinking of a patient who had had similar problems. He has previously denied any responsibility for her death, insisting he has "done nothing wrong."...
- 11/21/2007
- WENN
An autopsy performed on the body of Kanye West's late mother Donda West has failed to reveal the cause of death. Experts are now relying on the results of extensive toxicology tests which may be able to provide valuable clues in the investigation into the death of Dr Donda West, who passed away on Saturday. A spokesman for the Los Angeles County Coroner's office says it could now be several weeks before an official conclusion is reached. The 58-year-old is reported to have suffered complications following plastic surgery which may have led to her death. However, Dr. Jan Adams, who performed a tummy tuck and a breast reduction operation on West the day before she died, has denied any responsibility - insisting he has "done nothing wrong."...
- 11/15/2007
- WENN
Oprah Winfrey has distanced herself from reports she introduced plastic surgeon Dr. Jan Adams to Kanye West's late mother. Adams, who taped a segment of The Oprah Winfrey Show in October 2003, performed surgery on Donda West on Friday at the Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center in Los Angeles. West died, allegedly from complications following the surgery, on Saturday. Adams has since offered his condolences to West's family and now Winfrey has been dragged into the controversy, following reports she suggested Donda seek out Dr. Adams when she appeared on Oprah in 2005. Winfrey's representative says, "The reports... are absolutely untrue. Oprah Winfrey did not personally introduce nor recommend Dr. Jan Adams to Donda West."...
- 11/14/2007
- WENN
Kanye West's late mother ignored the advice of a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon in the weeks before her death - and that decision may have cost her her life. Scholar Donda West died as the result of possible complications from a cosmetic surgical procedure in a Marina Del Rey, California hospital on Saturday. But her death could have been avoided - if she'd heeded cosmetic surgeon Dr. Andre Aboolian's advice. He claims West met with him to discuss breast reduction and a tummy tuck, and he refused to undertake the procedure, citing a medical condition. He tells TV news show Access Hollywood, "She needed what's called a medical clearance which just about anybody over the age of 40 is required to have. Because of Donda's age, she was required to get some cardiac clearance to make sure her heart is in good shape to go through for the surgery... She had a condition that was of concern. I spoke to her about two weeks ago and she was supposed to see the internist for the medical clearance... but she never followed through, as far as I know. Stuff like this does happen here and there and surgery is not to be taken lightly. You have to take the right precautions and you have to prepare for it."...
- 11/13/2007
- WENN
Rapper Kanye West is in mourning after his mother Dr. Donda West suddenly passed away in Los Angeles on Sunday. The 30-year-old was in London when he heard the tragic news and immediately ditched his commitments to catch a plane back to the U.S., according to reports. The cause of death was unknown as Wenn went to press. Kanye West has often spoken of the close relationship he shared with his mother, and he dedicated a song, "Hey Mama," to her on his 2005 sophomore album Late Registration. Donda West used to work as her son's manager. Earlier this year she released a book called Raising Kanye about the rap superstar's childhood and her experiences as his manager.
- 11/12/2007
- WENN
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