Runaway Controversy

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To critical acclaim, his fifth studio album was a stylistic turnaround from his previous work– an attempt, some thought, as a way to build back his reputation after his infamous outburst on stage (Callahan-Bever). Exploring a broad range of topics from excess and the spotlight to failed relationships and self-doubt, his album was influenced by a wide range of artists and producers who helped build it from the ground up. From his past experiences and influences, Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy delivered a present in the song Runaway, which altered the future of rap and pushed forward many forms of contemporary music. Written and recorded during what he claims was a “little self-exile,” (Nelson), Runaway came as a reflection piece where he …show more content…

After spending time in both Japan and Italy, he ultimately decided that Hawaii would be his place to hide out for six months and do nothing but work tirelessly to create arguably his most refined project to date. During this time, he managed to stay away from the public eye, which allowed him to focus on some of the most complex topics he’s ever written about. The subject matter of Runaway is one of self-scrutiny and self-doubt as Kanye delves into his struggle with his own character and inability to have meaningful relationships with women due to his struggles with overindulgence and a life of luxury. Through his direct lyrics, he discusses how due to his unstable and harsh personality, “And I know it did damage, 'Cause the look in your eyes is killin' me,” is the reason that the woman he is with would be better off if she left him, “Run away from me, baby, Run away. Babe, I got a plan, run away as fast as you can,” (West). Through the critique of his life of excess, he suggested that this and his personality flaws lead to self-destruction at more levels than just the relationships that he mentioned in the

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