Kanye West: Misunderstood Visionary

Kanye West: Misunderstood Visionary
Introduction
Kanye West’s album Yeezus has been an ongoing topic of controversy over the intent of the title and content. From that album is the keynote song that drives the controversy, I Am a God. By analyzing the song’s place in hip hop as well as West’s intended message, this essay will examine the intended as well as the unintended messages that stem from the song. Though Kanye West has received criticism from I Am a God, it is from the unintended message and the true message of the song is smeared.
Background
Kanye West released his album Yeezus in mid-2013 to massive critical acclaim. With Yeezus as his sixth studio album, West had already attained a high status in rap culture. Despite this the album did receive backlash for the unrefined techniques used as well as controversial and taboo topics covered in the songs. Though I Am a God appears as low-hanging fruit, many other songs from the album such as Black Skinhead and I’m In It. Upon the album’s release, the use of harsh rock elements in hip hop was unknown in the industry. As with most pioneering works most people did not know what to make of it or how it was going to

influence the genre though some rushed to conclusions.
Intended Message
From the title of the song, I Am a God, West is implying off the bat that he is a God.

Though not in the conventional sense, but rather in relationship to the rap industry. As stated earlier West had already been a prominent figure in the rap industry and there was no doubt that West knew this too. The lyrics in the song reflect a strong power that West feels he has over his life, no one can deny he is a megastar. The song has strong pathos appeal in the title and harshness of the song. It is the strong lyrics West is repeating over and over, “I am a god,” that invoke a feeling of power. These lyrics on top of a hip-hop interpretation of a hard rock instrumental come through raw with emotion. The feeling of being powerful and in control, similar to a god, is something all listeners strive

for.
Unintended Message or Problems
Similar to the intended message, the song title also draws out unintended messages. The pathos appeal of being in control and powerful is something that is taken
Above all else the most miscommunicated message is that West believes he is an actual god. A lot of initial backlash came from the outrage that a human would make such an egotistical comparison of themselves. Though it can be argued that West may have done this on purpose simply to cause strife, he has since come out to clarify the intended message.