-
1 of 10
-
2 of 10
-
3 of 10
-
4 of 10
-
5 of 10
-
6 of 10
-
7 of 10
-
8 of 10
-
9 of 10
-
10 of 10
Kanye West still large, in charge
Archive
Comments
Story
On Nov. 24, 2008, Kanye West released yet another eagerly anticipated album. The rapper, famed as much for his style and temperament as his music, eschewed the media this time around, granting only one interview to VIBE magazine. In return, West is on the February cover of VIBE. While The Arbiter may not have the clout or credentials to talk to West directly, we got the next best thing: the direct second-hand source. Culture Editor Dale W. Eisinger asked VIBE’s music editor Sean Fennessey a few quick questions about where the rapper’s at.
EISINGER: Did Mr. West respond to 50 Cent’s accusations of “808s & Heartbreak” being an R&B record?
FENNESSEY: We didn’t talk about this, though historically Kanye has made a point to avoid beef at all costs. It doesn’t seem to interest him much.
EISINGER: What is his overall position on the completion of the album? Is he satisfied with the results?
FENNESSEY: In the piece he says it’s his best album to date. Whether you agree with that or not, he certainly seems to feel good about what he’s accomplished.
EISINGER: How have comparisons and criticisms to Lil’ Wayne’s work effected the rapper, specifically in regard to Autotune?
FENNESSEY: I think he’s a bit unnerved by all the questions about Autotune, but I also think this album would have been impossible without it. He’s not at peace, but he understands why he needs it.
EISINGER: What did Kanye have to say about his new sneaker design for Louis Vuitton?
FENNESSEY: We didn’t discuss this.
EISINGER: Fine. How was Kanye’s disposition? Has he seemed to move on from his mother at all?
FENNESSEY: I expected a far-more sullen person. At the photo shoot, he was tired but happy, excited to show off what he’d been working on for the past few months. During our interview he was similarly excited, but didn’t always respond pleasantly when he was challenged. He’s a very bright, perceptive person though, so he never became too angry in the situation.
DALE W. EISINGER
Culture Editor
