Kanye West: I'm The 'Voice Of This Generation'

LONDON — Kanye West is to music what Michael Jordan was to basketball _ at least that's what West thinks, in his humble estimation.

"I realize that my place and position in history is that I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade, I will be the loudest voice," he said in an interview on Wednesday. "It's me settling into that position of just really accepting that it's one thing to say you want to do it and it's another thing to really end up being like Michael Jordan."

The Grammy-winning rapper-producer said Justin Timberlake had a chance to be music's MVP, but hasn't put out enough material. (Timberlake's last album was in 2006, while West released a CD last year and is releasing his latest _ "808s and Heartbreak" _ on Nov. 24.)

"There were people who had the potential to do it but they went on vacation, so when Justin went on vacation I made albums," he said. "And it just came out to be that."

West, 31, said life has been difficult since his mother's death. Donda West died last November after having plastic surgery.

"I'm just going through balancing that. And I always used to have that support system, you know. My mom would be there; no matter what, she was there before everything," he said. "We were together for like 30 years. And you know now when I'm on that stage and I look out and I say, 'What am I going to do with the rest of my life?' Like when does a real life start?' Because I have sacrificed real life to be a celebrity and to give this art to people, which is great. It is great that I was able to do that, I'm not trying to shun that in any way, but it's definitely a Catch-22 and it's bittersweet."

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On the Net:

http://www.kanyewest.com

Comments

[TimeKoder13]

I'd love it if he actually promoted the talented artists he works with like Lupe and Con with the same vigor. John Legend did it on his own with a Ye assist, but he's an actual musician anyway...Keep it up Ye' We Love You. It must mean he got lil man problem...

[godhelpusall]

unfortunately for the rest of us, this "voice" is only to be heard inside west's own mind, where he truly is a legend .............

[TurgidCaterwauling]

Sounds like an awesome responsibility.

[auramac]

Speak for yourself, man. How arrogant.

[jeplanet]

This type of forced high self-esteem usually belies an actual case of insecurity.
If Kanye really had such confidence, he wouldn't feel it neccessary to continually tell the world how wonderful he is.
Look no further than BarackObama for proof of this. A truly confident man, who is humble at the same time. He doesn't need to speak about his "greatness"; and yet it is obvious to all.
Take note, Kanye.

[bluguy8]

another legend in their own mind - he's only a rapper nothing more. nor great . very forgetable

[Magella]

BARACK OBAMA TOP TEN:

Fugees - 'Ready Or Not'
Marvin Gaye - 'What's Going On'
Mystique GP -"Vanity"
The Rolling Stones - 'Gimme Shelter'
Nina Simone - 'Sinnerman'
Kanye West - 'Touch The Sky'
Frank Sinatra - 'You'd Be So Easy To Love'
Aretha Franklin - 'Think'
U2 - 'City of Blinding Lights'
will.i.am - 'Yes We Can'

[auramac]

Aren't you overdoing this? How many places have you posted this?

[Imzadi]

A legend in his own mind. Irrelevant to many others.

[avenue]

If only he didn't sample everything from the last generation to make his hits. I still don't understand how a producer can think so highly of himself, when he literally samples others' music 98% of the time.

[valkyrie607]

Oh, Kanye. You could have been the voice of this generation, except you're so self-involved, you've only ever spoken for yourself.

Nas, with his song about electing Obama, has secured a spot for himself in every American history textbook that's written from this day forth. He has a better claim on the title of "the voice of this generation."

[kalerik]

Is it just me or does he always have sort of a low IQ look on his face? The mouth that's always gaping open like he's trying to catch flies, the sort of dazed look in the eyes...

I saw him interviewed on the red carpet during the Grammies once, and he seemed dumb as a bag of hammers.

[kesiac]

In case none of you knew, I am the voice of the blogosphere!

[luluLA]

what an ego-
couldn't name a song-
I kind of remember he stormed out of an awards show because he didn't win a few years back-
something like that....
Bad attitude and horrible personality.

[Tamalpais]

Who is Kayne West?

[macintoshsauce]

I was just going to ask the same thing. Must have something to do with (c)rap music.

[Dogmanger]

Nice one! You just dismissed an entire genre of music out of hand with what I'm certain is total ignorance of the genre.. I take it your exposure is limited to MTV and commercial radio?. Very cleverly done by the way- putting "c" in front of "rap" music- has that been done before? If it wasn't for the fact that my grandfather can't use a computer, i would've sworn it was you Poppy!

[AnthonyVolpe]

For someone who's a voice of a generation, I can't name a single song of his or a lyric out of any of his songs.

Some voice.