The Rise and Fall of KANYE WEST

I believe it’s fair to say that many of us, at some point in our lives, have found (or perhaps still find) ourselves 'prying' on innocently at the exterior of what once appeared to be the alluringly glamorous Music and Entertainment Industry. With the much coveted “Fame & Fortune” that often accompanies individuals who manage to gain access into this rather exclusive environment … what is there not to admire?

With there now being much more insight given into the darkside of this Industry – whether it be celebrities battling against life threatening drug addictions, on the verge of some very public nervous breakdowns, or the ‘unearthing’ of several conspiracy theories etc not only do we learn that fame & fortune does not equate to both the ‘happiness and fulfillment of life’ we all strive for … but that there is always a price to pay here.

Still, with so many choices being given to us all on a day-to-day basis, we all have the opportunity to make decisions that will affect us not only in the short term… but also the long term. Speaking of such, we will now begin to look into the life of US Rap sensation, Kanye West – exploring his career highs, his somewhat ‘self inflicting’ trials, as well as looking into just how this may all affect his salvation.

CAREER HIGHS
Having successfully delivered four consecutive no.1 albums upon release in the US, as well as receiving numerous awards for both his artistic ability and style, one simply cannot deny the now widely acclaimed rapper, singer and record producer that Kanye West has gone on to become.

Although use of this appears to have lessened over the years, West is also well known for his heavy “sampling” (incorporating samples of other songs into his own work) of past 70’s soul and RnB tracks – producing for the likes of artists, such as Jay Z, John Legend, Ludacris and Alicia Keys etc.

To add, he is also noted as one of the few recording artists today to have publicly embraced his Christian faith – stressing his need for Jesus in a well-received track entitled “Jesus Walks”.

CONTROVERSY
Never one to shy away from speaking his mind, West is also known for his ‘politically charged’ rhymes and controversial behaviour - both inside and outside the realms of music. Whether it be him storming out of the American Music Words in 2004, his 2005 televised outburst against President Bush or publicly humiliating country pop singer/song writer Taylor Swift as she went on to accept her VMA awards in 2009 etc … these have left West having to apologise on quite a few occasions to say the least.

STRUGGLES
Although much of West’s lack of humility is demonstrated here, “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” (the lead single on his 3rd album – “Graduation”) tells of a young man’s struggle between the world and his much under-developed religious faith, with the line “I had a dream I can buy my way to heaven, When I awoke, I spent that on a necklace. I told God I'd be back in a second, Man it's so hard not to act reckless.” Can anyone of you still identify yourselves here? However, can this still be said today? A freestyle back in 2010 hears West uttering the line "I sold my soul to the Devil, I know it's a crappy deal. Least it came with a few toys like a happy meal." Although West later denied his involvement with Satan by saying that he was referring to the “Devil” to when he allows others people’s ideals to interfere with what he knows is true to him. Hmmm… Still, in his latest single, entitled “Monster”, at the end he sings “I-I crossed the line-line And I’ll-I’ll let God decide-cide”. All of which does absolutely nothing to better his image if you ask me.

CHURCH…
Whether his rumoured involvement with Satan is all just one big publicity stunt or is in fact true, one thing’s for sure… his more recent tracks/videos (“Runway”, “Power” and “Monster”, really does incorporate a rather dark feel to it. Don’t you think? Matthew 16:26 really does spring to mind here. I mean, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Is any involvement with The Kingdom of Darkness really all worth it in the end? Church, there IS a war for our souls still going on at present… a war whereby even the very final outcome of it has already been decided. There are only two sides to this war. You are either with God (the winning side)… or against Him – hence joining forces with Satan (faced with eternal damnation). Although many of these artists today (e.g. Kanye West) try to convey the idea that there is somewhat of a middle ground between the two, there quite frankly is NO middle ground here. There is no grey!

So for all of those “Followers of Christ”, let us continue to be ever so vigilant over the lives of others, as well as ourselves. However, for those mere “Admirers of Christ”, still “gassed” by all the fake hype…  it’s time to simply fix up or risk getting left behind for good.

...your choice!
Michelle Wright