Track 2 Tumblr Response PDF

Preview

Summary

Track 2 Tumblr Response...

Description

Adam Glotzer 1/22/19 Track 2 Critical Response “Kanye West: Asterisk Genius,” written by Akil Houston, tackles the question of whether or not Kanye West can be considered a “genius.” Although there is no doubt that Kanye is one of the most talented musicians of his generation, there are certain questions that must be answered first to label Kanye West a genius. Although Houston raises three questions in his article, I believe only one is truly important: What constitutes [Kanye’s] genius? Houston brings up the argument that, “due to no fault of West’s own, the intensified commodification of commercial rap and the influx of mediocre artists have created an overall weaker game,” and that “much like the steroid era in baseball, commercial rap music during West’s emergence and his subsequent reaching of iconic status lacks in discursive complexity” (15). While this may be valid, that is like saying the findings of Aristotle are not impressive due to the fact that the majority of people at the time were uneducated. Even though Kanye may have emerged at a time when the rap industry was lacking talent and substance, that does not mean his journey to the top of the industry should be discredited. It is important to keep in mind that although West may have become popular at a time when the rap industry was lacking talent, so did many other artists – who were not nearly as successful. Kanye was very smart about his public relations and used his available platforms (the media) to change the way people view rappers. As Houston put it, “he uses his music, knowledge, public relations skills and finesse, in tandem with mass media, to reach key audiences” (24). Other rappers or musicians had the same opportunity but did not capitalize where Kanye did. Lastly, Houston says, “arguably, the true mark of genius is the ability to inspire others to follow in one’s path” (27). If this is the true defining characteristic of a “genius,” then there is no doubt Kanye can be considered a genius. Whether it is Kanye’s mentorship of Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, and Chance the Rapper, inspiration for J. Cole’s first breakout single, or The Weeknd saying “808s and Heartbreak got mixed reviews but is one of the most important bodies of work of my generation,” there is no doubt that Kanye West has impacted the next wave of artists. Between Kanye’s use of media to gain popularity, his ability to stay relevant, and the impact he has had on the music industry, it is clear that Kanye West can be considered a genius. A.D. Carson’s “Trimalchio from Chicago” focuses on the similarities between musical genius Kanye West, and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s fictional character, Jay Gatsby. As someone who has never read or seen the film The Great Gatsby, it was rather difficult for me to establish my own opinion about the comparison between the two characters. However, from Carson’s argument, the similarities between Kanye West and Jay Gatsby are quite clear. The argument begins with both Jay and Kanye’s vision relating to the American Dream. “As Gatsby’s quest for Daisy represents the American Dream, so can Kanye West’s quest (personal and professional) be similarly viewed” (181). While it is evident that Jay is chasing Daisy and she represents the American Dream, the same cannot be said for Kanye West. While there is speculation about Kim Kardashian being the modern-day version of Daisy, there are multiple factors that explain why Kanye may be chasing something else entirely. One explanation comes from the deeper meaning behind Kanye’s “Homecoming,” where Wendy actually represents the city of Chicago. By listening to the lyrics, however, one would not be wrong to infer that he is talking about a

girl. Relating back to Kim Kardashian, although she almost perfectly fits in with the character of Daisy (comes from wealth, married at the time they met), is that really what Kanye’s ultimate dream is? Is Kim Kardashian all the Kanye wanted? And now that he has her, is his life complete? In reality, Kanye is chasing H.E.R. (Hip Hop in its Essence and Real). Kanye’s American Dream does not come in the form of Kim Kardashian, but rather for his love for and success in Hip-Hop. Response to Fanny I would argue that Houston’s first question, “What constitutes his genius?” perhaps is the most difficult question of the three. I agree with the simplicity behind your answer, that Kanye is simply using his knowledge and understanding of music to push his genre to create new sounds and ideas. However, I believe it is very difficult to put an exact answer on what makes him a “genius.” While you argue that it is his music that makes him a genius, I would argue that it is his public relations and his ability to stay relevant that also contributes to him being titled a “genius.” To answer the question of “does Kanye only earn the status of genius because he is essentially the big fish in a small pond?” I would have to say no. Kanye started from the bottom just like everyone else, but through his knowledge of media relations, combined with his musical talent, led him to earn the title of genius. In my opinion, Kanye would be considered a genius even if he came to power during the peak of the rap industry....