Kanye West Says He Considered Suicide
Kanye West says he considered suicide following the backlash of the Taylor Swift incident at the VMA Awards.
Article Summary
Kanye West Discusses Suicidal Thoughts and Artistic Responsibility
At a screening for his film "Runaway," Kanye West spoke to the audience about thinking about killing himself in the past. Describing himself as a pop icon and a "soldier for culture," West shared, "there were times that I contemplated suicide." However, he told the crowd, "I will not give up on life again." West explained this decision came from feeling a responsibility because his voice could be heard so loudly, unlike many others. He stated he felt a duty to make meaningful contributions to pop culture and art, saying, "I do it for them." These comments came as West presented his film, which was linked to his upcoming album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy," set for release on November 22, 2010.
"Runaway" Film Details and Personal Context
West directed the 35-minute abstract film "Runaway," which features parts of nine new songs from his album, including collaborations like "All of the Lights" (which he said featured artists like Elton John, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Fergie, and John Legend) and the title track "Runaway." The film includes narration from Nicki Minaj and stars West as Griffin alongside model Selita Ebanks as a phoenix; one scene depicts a parade float honoring Michael Jackson. West mentioned he didn't specify when the suicidal thoughts occurred. He told the audience that after a difficult period, including the death of his mother Donda West in 2007 and losing other parental figures, he found his "creative sweet spot" by thinking like "a 5-year-old." He also referred to the incident involving Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMAs as "a moment of sincerity," which led to a six-month break during which he interned at the fashion house Fendi in Rome before recording "Fantasy" in Hawaii with producers Q-Tip, RZA, and Pete Rock. West also noted future plans for albums with Jay-Z and with Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams (as Child Rebel Soldiers).
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Event Date: October 19, 2010
