Misogyny And Materialism In Politics As Usual, By Kanye West

When it comes to Hip-hop, it seems that no subject is off limits. However, in these modern times, religious references are rare in this genre of music. Hip-hop music is often criticized for its provocative lyrics of misogyny and materialism. Despite that several mainstream rappers have released songs about societal issues they see. In addition, Jay Z seems to agree in his article, “Politics as Usual’’, where he makes it clear that Hip-hop “was hugely influential in making our slice of America visible through our own lens-not through the lens of outsider.” Kanye West opens a discussion about religion in his song,” Jesus Walks.” The audience can sense that he is struggling with his faith by the vices that come with being a rap star, “ So here …show more content…
The song starts off with the sounds of drums cadence which creates an ambiance of war and oppression. The audience gets a clearer image of modern-day slavery where the troops are actually chain-gang prisoners. The interaction between the two groups highlights the aggressive interrogation methods police forces use against African Americans. Kanye West wants to bring to light the evils done to African Americans, “getting chocked by detectives, yeah, yeah, now check the method. They be askin’ us questions, harass and arrest us.” The lyrics and visuals are there to portray the violent treatment towards African Americans; in order for them to confess crimes, they did not commit. Furthermore, the guard jabs one of the prisoners in his ribs with a baton like the Roman soldier did to Jesus before his crucifixion. The chain gang prisoner goes into the crucifix position when the guard is harassing him. This symbolizes the true feeling of what it's like to be an African American in modern-day …show more content…
This symbolizes that a person can simultaneously be both good and evil. It is a true testimony of the inner conflicts that mankind deals with on their journey with Jesus. Within the same scene, Kanye West is thinking about the struggles that he is facing in his own life. After these lyrics, “God show me the way because the Devil’s tryna break me down” the flames start to disappear. The effect of the flames vanishing after he asks for God to show him the way is representative of how a person may say a prayer. When evil and temptation are prevailing in their