Kanye West sat down for an honest conversation with Justin Laboy, opening up about his personal life, creative journey, and challenges in the music industry.
On Being Called “Crazy”
When asked about being labeled “crazy,” Kanye admitted that some of his actions, which many saw as “crazy,” contributed to this perception.
He explained that his controversial behavior created the narrative, but he stands by his choices.
Kanye’s Connection to Japan
Kanye also shared his admiration for Japan, specifically its respectful culture and beautiful temples. He mentioned that his wife believes he was an emperor in a past life, reflecting on how deeply connected he feels to the country.
Prioritizing Family and Announcing New Album Bully
In a touching moment, Kanye talked about his children, particularly his daughter North. He expressed his desire for her to achieve greatness, envisioning a future where she becomes extraordinary, inspired by his teachings.
He also announced the release of his new album Bully, which will drop on North’s birthday in June. Kanye described the album as a shift to a more positive approach, comparing it to his iconic works like Miseducation or Nars Barkley.
The Story Behind the Name Change to “Ye”
The artist also spoke about his name change to “Ye”, explaining that his friends call him that, and he believes it brings him a certain respect in the industry.
AI and the Future of Music
He went on to discuss how AI is influencing his music, making it easier to manipulate tracks, much like how autotune was once criticized but eventually embraced.
Struggles with Diagnosis: Bipolar Disorder vs Autism
Kanye opened up about his personal struggles, revealing that he had been misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder, only to later learn that he actually has autism. He described how autism affects his thought process, especially during moments of defiance.
Overcoming “Cancel Culture”
In a bold reflection, Kanye shared his experiences with being “canceled” by the media and industry. He spoke about overcoming these challenges and how the pressure to silence him only strengthened his resolve.
Competition with Other Artists
Finally, Kanye discussed his ongoing competition with other top artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar.
While acknowledging their talent, he confidently asserted his own greatness, highlighting the challenges of being a public figure with strong opinions. He also shared the difficulty of balancing creativity and freedom while facing constant media scrutiny.
