Kanye West Can Still Inspire Despite Declining Music Career

Kanye West’s musical career appears to be in a major decline. West’s Paul McCartney duet “Only One” was released on January 1, 2015, and only climbed high enough on Billboard’s Hot 100 to reach No. 35. For other artists, that number wouldn’t be so bad. For Kanye, who is used to having new singles chart in the top five, it was a musical disaster.

Kanye West’s next single, “All Day,” climbed to No. 15 on Billboard’s Hot 100, so there was some hope. However, after the stunt West pulled in regards to the 2015 Billboard Music Awards, the attention he is getting has nothing to do with the music. After he was booed, West blamed his poorly-received performance on censorship. People quoted Kanye’s PR mouthpiece.

“It is ridiculous that in 2015, unwarranted censorship is something that artists still have to fight against. Although West was clearly set up to face elements beyond his control during the live broadcast, he would like to apologize to the television audience who were unable to enjoy the performance the way he envisioned.”

Kanye has used his recent negative experiences to give an inspiring speech to Los Angeles Trade School graduates. Billboard quotes part of the speech.

“It’s a tough world out there. You’re going to prepare yourself for politics, bad bosses, hating employees, and usually when you’re the absolute best, you get hated on the most. Even for me, as a successful musician, in order to make the transition it was really all but impossible. People always try to box you in to what they know you best for.”

Of course, Kanye made most of the speech about his number one subject, himself. However, the fact that he inspired so many students to reach for the stars and never give up is the most important thing to take away from the speech. Twitter, which usually rags on Kanye West, was filled with praise.

Meanwhile, according to Hits Daily Double, West may be the latest artist to jump ship from Jay-Z’s sinking vessel Tidal. It is believed that he will launch his much-delayed (probably due to the lack of hit singles) SWISH album, which could debut with Apple’s upcoming service. Besides Kanye West, rumors are spreading that even Jay-Z’s wife Beyoncé is also about to jump ship.

There is a currently a Tidal petition aimed at the DOJ that blames the service’s disastrous reception on racism in the media. So far, Kanye West hasn’t commented on the petition or his alleged plans to leave the service.

[Photo Credit: Billboard]