Matthew Johnson
    Sports Editor

As a fan of Kanye West’s music, the disdain he receives from most people amazes me. And before you glance your eyes to another article due to the fact I said I am a fan of Kanye West’s music, please reread what I just wrote. I am a fan of West’s music and not his antics. Unfortunately, others are unable to differentiate their feelings for his public behavior with his music.

And as an avid fan of hip-hop, this saddens me. West has changed the genre like few have. Breaking away from the mafasio styles of rap with his 2004 debut, “The College Dropout,” West inspired an era of artists like Drake and J.Cole who weren’t interested in glamorizing violence or drugs. And socially, West was one of the first in rap to speak out against the homophobic attitudes in the genre, which were unfortunately a longtime staple.

However, what has inspired me to take the unpopular defense of such a polarizing figure is simply his art. With the recent anniversaries of his second and third albums, “Late Registration” and “Graduation” just passing, I truly believe if you listened to West’s music, you would, somewhat, overlook his behavior. To me, it’s his unapologetic attitude, and as a former athlete, I understand the passion and borderline arrogance, which comes with your art.  “Screams from the haters got a nice ring to it/ I guess every superhero need his theme music” (“Power”).

It’s his vulgar and dark humor, reminiscent of a Redd Foxx routine or a Goodfellas quote, which also features elements of social criticism. “You know the kids gon’ act a fool/When you stop the programs for after-school/And they DCFS, some of ‘em dyslexic/They favorite 50-Cent song ‘12 Questions’” (“We Don’t Care”).

It’s his ability to discuss ideas about race and the black community that intrigues me.

“Now *iggas can’t make it to ballots to choose leadership, But we can make it to Jacob’s and to the dealership.” (“Never Let Me Down”)

“They take me to the back and pat me/ Asking me about some khakis/ But let some black people walk in/ I bet you they show off their token blackie.” (“Spaceship”).

It’s his own reflection, which allows him to see that he has made mistakes in the past. “I’m trying to right my wrongs/ But it’s funny, them same wrongs/ Helped me write this song” (“Touch the Sky”).

As the biggest popstar in music over the past decade, West continues to experiment, though he has already proven himself. And it is his own fault that he may never be a universally beloved figure, but it is simply a grievous error to completely remove yourself from his music because of his behavior.