Crazy how the modern myth of the super hero effortlessly intertwines with society's fascination with celebrity status. Both embrace dream worlds, canted, but often painted to be similar to "reality," featuring individuals who are arbiters of ideas that transcend the "self." Arguably, a compelling villain is essential in crafting a great super hero story, raising the idea of the antagonist functioning in the world of the rich and famous. After watching Kanye West's performance of "Power" the other night, I'm catching vibes that it is an idea the troublesome artist entertains.
Perched on top of a fiery volcano backlit by a sweeping mountain vista, West appears lost in the surrounding epic. "Screams from the haters, has a nice ring to it. I guess every super hero needs his theme music," Kanye snarls, clutching his mic stand like a staff. Rapping over the track's heavy chanting, the image of the prophet is embraced by the self proclaimed pop star as he bellows out the lyrics to the audience. Considering that it's the first major stage performance after the Taylor Swift debacle, it's a curious image choice to basically be saying "f-u" to everyone while standing on an active volcano.
Between now and the six years following "Through the Wire," it's clear that Kanye has been developing a persona unique to pop music. Self-aware of the superficiality of materialistic gain that encapsulates commercialism, he pursues the artistry trapped within the artifice. Depicting himself as a tragic figure, Kanye appears to not be a pop star by choice. Instead, it's simply an outcome derived from his desire to create. In a sense, it's as if he's "possessed."
His egotism matches his possessive drive tic for tac, as he aspires to talk shit and be capable to back it up. Not settling for anything less than greatness, he seeks validation for his hard work and for the hard work of his peers. Kanye was right, Beyonce had the superior video, however, his actions were obviously inexcusable and were rightfully shunned. What makes him a great artist is what also makes him, unapologetically, a jerk. Kanye's his own worst enemy, and since he embodies the image of the pop star, that makes him pop music's enemy as well.
Still his work ethic, creativity and showmanship cements his status as one the premiere creative forces of our generation. Kanye's sheer audacity and unfiltered emotion makes him the most intriguing and evocative act in the past decade. So says Yeezy: "I embody every charactersitic of the egotistic. He knows he's so fucking gifted." Note how the audience can't help but to clap with the man as nature wreaks havoc behind him.
Kanye West is an ass and an inspiration.
He's pop music's first villain.
Note: I would have posted the performance, but evidently it has been taken off of youtube.
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