Ever since his notable public outburst during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, Kanye West has been targeted in the public eye as a narcissistic, egotistical, selfish celebrity. Despite this, I find West's road to fame an inspiring one. I know it's a hard thing to sell based on West's bad past, but I believe he is a remarkable human being and should be recognized for his efforts in an attempt to progress not only the music industry but society's perceptions. I am not saying that everyone should try to act like Kanye West, but he has always been a role model for me.
West's Twitter account
West grew up dirt poor and never forgets it. He always makes sure to acknowledge his fan base, shown on his Twitter account, as well as encourage fans and fellow artists to conquer their dreams. He reminds users that he managed to make his way to the top through sheer hard work and networking, and that we could all do the same. Whether you laugh at his outrageous tweets or feel inspired, you can always count on his account to brighten your day.
His family
West is never afraid to show off his wife, Kim Kardashian, beam about his two children, North and Saint West, or praise his late mother for all that she did for him. For instance, West was honored at the Footwear News 29th Annual Achievement Awards with the Shoe of the Year Award for his Adidas Yeezy Boost 350. During the speech, he gushed about his daughter North. "She might not be making sentences, but she's bringing so much joy. I know she's going to grow up to be amazing." He reminds us that through family, nothing is impossible. Whether or not you are disgusted with the Kardashian clan, you cannot deny the love and support they give to each of their family members no matter what.
His music
Unlike most rappers, he writes all of his own music (lyrics and instrumentals) and plays many instruments; he is an urban poet and doesn't allow himself to be tied down to a particular style. West's album, "808s & Heartbreak," in particular showed just how versatile hip-hop can be. The album is a collection of auto-tuned crooning, as well as heavy-hitting beats and instrumentals, Because of this, it has inspired a whole new school of rappers that flawlessly switch between rapping and singing, including the likes of Lil' Wayne and Frank Ocean. West doesn't allow stereotypes of what it means to be a hip-hop artist control his creativity, and notes that nothing should stop your own desire to be creative. He is not afraid to shy away from uncomfortable topics such as racism, as he did in his song “New Slaves” by saying, "I throw these Maybach keys / I wear my heart on my sleeve / I know that we the new slaves / I see the blood on the leaves.” Most notably, West encourages everyone to voice your opinion and to not be afraid of your opinion either.
His sense of humor
Although his talks of being the greatest are more than real, he is also not afraid to laugh at himself, especially at the expense of the media. Today, shown through his Twitter, and some public appearances, he is not afraid to crack jokes abut his prior outbursts. Ironically, he takes himself seriously, but then also does not take himself seriously. He is a joy to watch at award shows, interviews and any public appearance, really.
His drive
Everyone can find a reason to hate Kanye West, but that has never stopped him from creating. He never lets negativity from the public and the media destroy his musical dreams. He makes his haters his biggest motivators to be bigger and greater each day. No matter what people tell him, he never lets it affect his confidence. Many comments on his YouTube videos are people trying to take him down a peg, but it's impossible.
I look up to West for instilling confidence in my creativity. He has the most noble ambitions and desire for change, which is admirable, and shows the world that anything in life is possible as long as you believe in yourself; anything is possible with confidence. No matter what Kanye West is working on or whatever his new ambition for the day is, he completes each project with passion and drive.
