We all know Kanye is one of the most talked about entertainers in the industry. He has gotten a lot of feedback and criticism over the years for various things. People talk about his attitude, comments he makes, his experimental music, and all the angry rants he goes on; but at the end of the day Kanye still remains Kanye. And one thing that cannot be denied and that has remained consistent through it all is his passion for Art.
Kanye has proven to master the element of surprise. And whether we like it or not, it is still his art. It's always hard as an Artist to find a balance between staying true to yourself and the art you wish to share with the world, and providing something that people will like and positively respond to. Many people will probably say, "Who cares what other people think", "Just do you regardless of what anyone says". But when you make art and especially music, there are many other factors that go into it's creation that many people may not understand or may not even know about. There's nothing wrong with creating something for someone else to enjoy, but it is still important to not lose elements of yourself in the process. And with his latest album The Life of Pablo and his 2016 fashion release of YEEZY Season 3, Kanye was able to find that perfect balance.
In case you missed it or just want to relive it somewhat again. the pictures above showcase various fashion looks and imagery from the event. Kanye used Madison Square Garden as his venue to present his new Athleisure line YEEZY Season 3. While most designers who present at NYFW conduct their shows in smaller venues throughout NYC, Kanye as the artist he is, knew it was best to use MSG to dual his fashion show also as his new album listening party. I'm sure the energy was insane. And of course when you're such an influential artist in the industry you can expect it to be packed and to also be a star studded event. Of course the Kardashian clan was there in a custom designed mini collection collaborative between Kanye and Balmain. Weeks prior, Kanye flew to Paris to meet with Olivier Roustieng to create the looks for the family.
In the actual fashion show, Kanye was able to showcase YEEZY looks on supermodels Naomi Campbell and Veronica Webb. The stages were set in the middle of the floor and started with a large covering over them, which were later removed to reveal an entire fleet of models in a refugee camp aesthetic. Kanye had his own area separate from the main stage where he played the various tracks from the album and also got to vibe and hang out with his music friends. Artists such as Pusha T, 2 Chainz, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Big Sean, Lil Kim, Jay Z, ASAP Rocky, Tyga, 50 Cent, Omari Hardwick, Run DMC OG Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, Jennifer Hudson, Anna Wintour, and Jaden Smith were all there to support.
Kanye has been acknowledged by many for his musical genius and sense of fashion. And they are both separate art forms, but on multiple occasions are able to be infused together to create something beautiful. Kanye has never been shy in drawing inspiration from various artists, genres of music, business moguls, and fashion trends. To be an influential artist it is important to be well rounded in various art forms. And it's nice to be exposed or reintroduced to a Visionary Artist's personal inspiration. As inspiration for his YEEZY Season 3 presentation, Kanye used a photo by British Photographer Paul Lowe.
Click on this image to read an article from TIME Magazine on the origins of this iconic photo.
This photo was used as the invitation to Kanye's event at MSG. Taken in 1995, thousands of Hutu survivors gathered into a small area of the Kibeho Camp one day after Tutsi Rwandan soldiers shot and massacred over 4,000 refugees. The Southern Rwanda tragedies have been widely talked about and depicted by various news outlets, actors, artists, and activists. So it was interesting that West used this tragic event as artistic inspiration. The photographer positively responded to this inspiration stating:
"When my work gets picked by other cultural forms and used to explore the edges of what social politics are about, it’s quite interesting. If people want to find things in my work that is relevant and useful to contemporary issues and contemporary politics, that’s great. And the fact that an image that is 20 years old can still resonate today is indicative that there’s still a lot to do."
With the state of the world currently, and the killings and mass genocides that are still happening today, no wonder Kanye felt the need to incorporate this controversial concept into his show. When you have such a large platform to impact the world it is vital to get everyone talking about important social matters to produce change. And art is most impactful when a Artist holds true what is most meaningful to them. In 2008 West first began collaborating with Vanessa Beecroft, an Italian conceptual artist known for her "living paintings". They came together again to bring this image to life in the MSG arena.
Kanye expressed that this latest album would be a Gospel Album for him and that he wanted to get back to his roots. He even asked the audience if they approved of his new work and if they could finally agree that he brought back the old Kanye everyone loved. Albums such as 808's and Yeezus weren't as widely received and praised as his other albums. So the pressure was on for Yeezy to give the people somethin' they can feel. Based on the positive feedback and endless streams of this album, it's safe to say Kanye has done just that. Once again, it has been enlightening to get inside his mind and to see and hear the outcome of his artistic inspirations.
Various songs and artists influenced and participated in the creation of this album. One would like to believe that Kanye admires these artists for their individuality, firm beliefs, and musical artistry. You should be able to recognize certain samples used to create the song tracks. Kanye revealed the songs used via playlist on Tidal. But if you don't have Tidal or didn't catch the sources of inspiration, here they are. You might notice some of these have been used as samples by other musical artists. Click Here to view the Instagram Post of a young girl named Natalie praying that Kanye used on the opening track "Ultralight Beam".
Pastor T.L. Barrett "Father I Stretch My Hands"
Desiigner "Panda" track has also been used in freestyles by multiple rappers.
Nina Simone "Do What You Gotta Do" also used by 50 Cent.
Sister Nancy "Bam Bam" also used by artists such as Chris Brown, Sade, Dawn Richard, and Lauryn Hill.
Googoosh "Talagh"
Il Rovescio della Medaglia "Mi Sono Svegliato E... Ho Chiuso Gli Occhi"
King of Tomorrow "So Alive"
Goldfrapp "Human"
Section 25 "Hit"
Whodini "Friends" used numerous times by artists such as Tupac, Nas, Nate Dogg, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
Arthur Russell "Answers Me"
Junie Morrison "Suzie Thundertussy"
From "Suzie Super Groupie" LP, 1976, including orchestral arrangements removed from later versions. Associated acts: Ohio Players and Parliament-Funkadelic.
Johnny "Guitar" Watson "Give Me My Love"
Larry Graham "Stand Up and Shout About Love"
Credited with the invention of the "slapping" technique, Graham has played bass with Sly and the Family Stone and Graham Central Station.
Father's Children "Dirt and Grime"
Washington D.C. Soul Doo Wop Group, who's debut project from 1973 was never released until 2011.
Rare Earth "(I Know) I'm Losing You"
Cover version of the original song "(I Know) I'm Losing You" by The Temptations.
Mr. Fingers "Mystery
Larry Heard aka Mr. Fingers.