The normally-reclusive Kanye West has adopted a dramatically different tone after the release of Yeezus this summer. After years of eschewing the media circuit (between his George W Bush comment and the Taylor Swift incident, you can’t blame him) Kanye seems to have embraced the circus that follow him.
On Monday, he appeared on Los Angeles’ 97.1 AMP Radio to deliver his usual talking points: realizing his creative vision, how he is re-appropriating the confederate flag, and (obviously) his desire to coach his daughter’s soccer team.
The merchandise for West’s Yeezus tour features prominent use of Confederate flags and Native American headresses. When asked about it, Kanye had a decidedly Kanye answer –
The confederate flag represented slavery in a way. That’s my abstract take on what I know about it, right? So I made the song ‘New Slaves’ so I took the Confederate flag and made it my flag. It’s my flag now, what you going to do?
At least it’s better than the disastrous Brad Paisley/LL Cool J collaboration Accidental Racist.
As these things tend to go, Kanye found more than one moment to explode into a vivid, erm, explanation. When the host asked about his “Beyonce had the best video of all time,” stage rush at the VMAs, West naturally found a perfect segueway to talk about Chicago violence.
We are uncomfortable. 500 kids are dying in Chicago a year, we are uncomfortable. just because we’re behind a gated community doesn’t mean things are comfortable. The thing is, we have the resources on this planet to have a human utopia, to have respect for each other, mankind. We have that. but we’re too concerned bout getting the next Hollywood film to Netflix.
Kanye also talked a moment to reflect on his newborn daughter with Kim Kardashian. His plan for the future? Obviously navigate the treacherous world of AYSO soccer.
“My biggest goal is to get home to my family. Even as I’m thinking about things I’m doing for the future, how can I set it up so I can just be my daughter’s soccer coach?” Kanye mused. “I’m gonna be a soccer coach and I’m definitely going to design the uniforms.”
The rest of the 40 minute interview is filled with classic Kanye – talking about God as the ultimate creative, marrying Kim Kardashian despite never playing in the NBA, and the struggles he faces as a black designer. If you’re a Kanye fan, it’s worth checking out.
Here’s the full thing –
[MSNBC]
