Kanye Omari West is a Chicago based rapper. West got his start producing hit singles for Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Ludacris. Soon after, he began producing records including Purple Haze by Cam’ron. Kanye West’s unique sound stood up to the popular “gangsta rap” beats. He became known for his “chipmunk soul” sound in which he sampled 70’s and 80’s soul songs and tuned up the pitch. After producing enough albums, he decided to make one of his own.
In 2004, West debuted with The College Dropout. Referencing to West’s status as a college dropout, the album focused on the struggles West faced as a Black man in Chicago. Criticizing consumerism, education, and modern work culture, a stellar record and artist were born. From 2004-2008, West recorded …show more content…
“All of the Lights” is a star-studded piece that reflects the true artistry of the record. This song marries the use of orchestral instruments, choir chanting, rapping, traditional rap elements, and soulful singing. West did not take an easy task when he set out to record this song. It has an extremely deep auditory profile, while telling the story of a man in decline. West tells the story of a man who is a domestic abuser, goes to prison for his crimes, and returns home. Upon entering his home, the protagonist has more conflict as Kanye narrates, “I’m on my way, heading up the stairs. To my surprise, a nigga replacing me.” (West) Even after spending all that time in prison, the protagonist is right back in the thick of it when he decides to fight his girl’s new boyfriend. Following these events, the protagonist is given a restraining order and can no longer see his daughter. West is commenting about the vicious cycle that many Black Americans face today. Prison stints fail to serve their rehabilitation purposes and instead breed even more aggressive and violent criminals. Referring to the title of the song “All of the Lights,” West is speaking about the highlights and lowlights of one’s life. The song contains references to cop lights, flash lights, street lights, strobe lights, and street lights. Some of these lights are positive, some negative. Kanye recognizes that most of his fans only want to see the highlights of the his life and the lives of other celebrities, but instead gives the harsh reality. All of the light being shone on celebrities can be overwhelming. All the exposure that the famous allow in their lives can be harsh, but what you don’t see lies in the shadows. When the spotlight leaves the star, they turn to addiction and
In 2004, West debuted with The College Dropout. Referencing to West’s status as a college dropout, the album focused on the struggles West faced as a Black man in Chicago. Criticizing consumerism, education, and modern work culture, a stellar record and artist were born. From 2004-2008, West recorded …show more content…
“All of the Lights” is a star-studded piece that reflects the true artistry of the record. This song marries the use of orchestral instruments, choir chanting, rapping, traditional rap elements, and soulful singing. West did not take an easy task when he set out to record this song. It has an extremely deep auditory profile, while telling the story of a man in decline. West tells the story of a man who is a domestic abuser, goes to prison for his crimes, and returns home. Upon entering his home, the protagonist has more conflict as Kanye narrates, “I’m on my way, heading up the stairs. To my surprise, a nigga replacing me.” (West) Even after spending all that time in prison, the protagonist is right back in the thick of it when he decides to fight his girl’s new boyfriend. Following these events, the protagonist is given a restraining order and can no longer see his daughter. West is commenting about the vicious cycle that many Black Americans face today. Prison stints fail to serve their rehabilitation purposes and instead breed even more aggressive and violent criminals. Referring to the title of the song “All of the Lights,” West is speaking about the highlights and lowlights of one’s life. The song contains references to cop lights, flash lights, street lights, strobe lights, and street lights. Some of these lights are positive, some negative. Kanye recognizes that most of his fans only want to see the highlights of the his life and the lives of other celebrities, but instead gives the harsh reality. All of the light being shone on celebrities can be overwhelming. All the exposure that the famous allow in their lives can be harsh, but what you don’t see lies in the shadows. When the spotlight leaves the star, they turn to addiction and