Dear Pennies and Pens,
For the first “Fashion for Music; Music for Fashion” post of 2011, I chose the infamous, the bold, the outspoken, the often hated & imitated but never duplicated, Kanye West. Kanye West dropped his first album back in 2004, and he’s been climbing the charts, offending people, and being his overall fashionable self since that time. Honestly, what would the world, what would music be without Kanye West? Some people call him cocky, and maybe he is, but, he has so much heart and he’s such an artist.
Kanye’s first album, “College Dropout” explored issues in higher education especially for a black male such as himself, world issues, and love. It was one of the most eclectic, intellectual Hip-hop albums to ever be produced. And the fact that it received such mainstream success and was a favorite amongst critics shows Kanye was in the right place from the beginning. Kanye furthered his college “career” with the albums, “Late Registration” and “Graduation”. Ā After these albums, Kanye dropped “808s & Heartbreak” which is a largely misunderstood album but Kanye in general seems to be misunderstood (IMO).
It is Kanye’s most recent album, “My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted, Fantasy” that proves Kanye has truly reached icon status. As far as I’m concerned, there is nothing wrong with this album. Nothing. Not one word is out of place, the album tells a beautiful story, all the beats are sick, the features are insane, it’s just an amazing album. This album makes you feel, it makes you believe, it makes you think, it makes you sad, it makes you happy, and it makes you laugh. Any album that makes you feel or think that much is an A plus in my book.
Not only has Kanye been making some of the best music on the radio for the last seven years, he’s been a darling to watch on the red carpet and while out and about. His outfits are fun, fresh, chic, and so covetable. Kanye’s fashion always makes you pay attention to his music and vice versa. Kanye has been spotted in everything from Louis Vuitton (whom he’s designed sneakers for) to Yves Saint Laurent, to Phillip Lim, to Balenciaga. He wears only the best designer labels in a cross between chic/frat boy/prep.
Kanye West is the most refreshing Hip-hop artist to ever enter the game. He made it cool to be well dressed/fashionable and still be an amazing rapper and producer. Kanye doesn’t rap about what Hip-hop has stereotypically become…talking about crack, rapping about selling crack, growing up in the “hood”, and how many “hoes” he has. Kanye gives you real music that makes you think and inspirational fashion for your eyes.
And there it is. The Fashion and Style of the Pen…de la Pen.
I’m not big on Kanye…but he does have talent. My problem wit him is not really know what side he is on (another story). But from an artist standpoint he is an amazing talent. He came in the game at the perfect time where artist dare to be diff..but I dn’t know that it would have flown 20 years ago. Great PosT!
I agree with you on the point that Kanye came into the game & dared to be different when no one else would. And I definitely love my Ye! Although, I can understand why one wouldn’t, so I respect your opinion. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for this post. I also agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my father so just maybe this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for this post. I indeed agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my father so may possibly this will get him to see my point of view. Fingers crossed!
All that you mentioned is what iv’e been thinking iv’e heard almost all his songs in a ll the albums and so far he is the most consistent Artist, fashion designer, beat maker etc.
but he’s simply incredible …