Kanye Interview Yahoo Music

In this interview Kanye West talks a lot about himself, his car crash, and his new album. He talks about how he felt disrespected by the label despite selling so many copies and that "Through The Wire" sold surprisingly well despite the label giving him limited support. He also talks about how the car crash was a life lesson for him because it shows that everything can be taken away from you, and notes that he made one of the worst things in his life turn into one of the best.

Longer Summary

Kanye's Start and Label Problems

Kanye West talked about becoming a solo artist after years of success making hit songs for others. He was already known for producing big tracks like "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" for Jay-Z, "Get By" for Talib Kweli, "Stand Up" for Ludacris, "You Don't Know My Name" for Alicia Keys, and "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" for Jay-Z and Beyonce. Even though his album sold very well right away (he mentioned shipping a million copies on day one, and it started at number two on the charts), West said he still had problems with his major record label. He shared a story about how hard it was to get studio time booked, even though he had money left in his budget. He felt the label didn't always understand or respect his music ideas, similar to issues he faced when making his song "Through The Wire."

Ideas Behind The College Dropout

West explained that The College Dropout was about thinking for yourself and not being afraid to go against what's expected. He used the album cover, which features a mascot bear, as an example of doing what he wanted instead of following rules. He clarified that the album wasn't anti-school, but about using education in a way that works for you, rather than just going because parents expect it or without knowing what you want to do. West wanted his music to connect with regular people. He looked up to artists like Tupac Shakur and Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers because they talked about everyday life. He felt that, like Eminem, he represented the average person buying music. West, who started rapping in third grade and making beats in seventh grade, said being a "true artist" meant needing the freedom to create his way, using lessons learned from working with stars like Jay-Z, Ludacris, and Alicia Keys.

The Car Accident and "Through The Wire"

A major topic in the interview was the serious car accident West was in back in October 2002. He said the accident changed how he looked at life, his music, and even his face, making him feel self-conscious. He felt it was like a message from God reminding him that success could be taken away at any moment. Recording the song "Through The Wire" just two weeks after the crash, while his jaw was still wired shut, was a key moment. West believed this turned the worst thing that happened to him into the best thing for his career because the song became huge and showed people he was human, comparing it to how people connected with 50 Cent after his struggles. West felt this vulnerability set him apart from artists like Jay-Z, who had more of an untouchable image. He was surprised the song did so well, especially since he felt his major label didn't support it initially, but overcoming that challenge was important to him.

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Event Date: April 11, 2004