Kanye West is one of the most controversial musicians in the world, let alone the hip hop community. It seems everyone has an opinion when it comes to Yeezy especially in reference to the conversation of faith, religion, and Christianity.
I feel it is important to state that I am a fan of Kanye West. My family would consider me a "stan" (stalker + fan) because I spent over $300 to see Kanye West in concert with my brother. So after listening to his newest album "The Life of Pablo" nonstop for the last few days, I have formed an opinion as well.
The Gospel according to Ye is one of prosperity and liberation. It is a reflection of biblical statements from the likes of the apostle Paul, King David, and Jesus Christ. It is complex and nuanced all while being a work in progress; a mix of perfection and flaws.
Kanye himself said this album is a God dream, which is a dream that can't happen without God according to interview he did earlier this year. Yeezus compared himself to Jesus Christ in his somewhat self-titled album, but now he sees himself more as the Apostle Paul. He is an outsider within the Christian mainstream community allowing him to use his voice to share the gospel to those that have not yet heard the good news.
But not the conventional gospel message we find in the New Testament. Rather it's the message of Mary Magdalene becoming Mary. It may not be the way or so to speak truth we are accustomed to, but it is none the less an honest message. It is the lens in which we can use to start and understand the mind of Kanye West.
It is important to remember that he is on a journey just like everyone of us. He is an artist, black man, and new father struggling with the teachings of Jesus in a Post-Christian world. However his life is under intense scrutiny; I admit that sometimes it is self inflicted. None the less we have seen progression and self reflection rarely witnessed in such a public manner.
Years ago I meet a young man who was a recent college dropout with his mouth wired shut due to a life threatening car accident. I saw him develop into a star who had to deal with the darkness that is brought with celebrity culture; a lifestyle of excess and greed fueled by immense power and responsibility or lack there of.
Recently I have seen a softer side. One that reflects the loss of his dear mother, but the addition of two beautiful children as well as a loving and supportive wife. Ye's life has become a melting pot of the old and new Kanye. The one he hates and the one he loves.
"The Life of Pablo" is a narrative of redemption. Throughout the album Ye wanders in the desert similar to the Israelites. He breaks his covenant with the father, and constantly looks back to his old lifestyle all while receiving figurative commandments from the most high. He makes confessions that would cause a priest to blush, but despite that he continues to search for God's heart.
Kanye is willing to share his struggles with his brothers and sisters just like we are instructed to do by Saint John. So I ponder this; do those who have a problem with Kanye West disagree with his music, gospel message, or lifestyle. Because I understand those that do not like the hip-hop/rap genre or his vulgar lyrics, but when people criticize his personal life I'm reminded of the woman who has caught in adultery.
Instead of avoiding the difficult and polarizing issues concerning the law being broken Jesus tackled them head on helping even the most righteous know that we all need forgiveness. I believe it is our job as followers of the way to engage in meaningful discussions of gender, race, and religion.
I conclude by quoting the original Saint Pablo, "Some preach Christ from envy, but others from good will... The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice." (Philippians 1:15-18)
In God's love,
- TC