Kanye Explains: ‘West Was My Slave Name, ‘Yeezus’ Is My God Name’
Kanye West’s Yeezus listening party cleared up some confusion about Ye’s new album, even if it made the rapper’s cult of personality that much weirder.
Yeah, we still don’t really know what to make of Kanye West, but we want to buy Yeezus to see what the hubbub is all about, so whatever he is doing, it works. During the listening party for the new album, Ye addressed his anti-industry inspirations and even cleared up some of that “Does Kanye think he’s God?” confusion.
A few highlights follow. First, what is Yeezus all about?
“Collectively, collaboratively, we didn’t give a f*ck about what nobody said from the outside looking in. We just wanted to make the best product possible and this is just the beginning of an entirely new mentality of how to make music directly for the people.”
Second, why the name Yeezus?
“Simply put, West was my slave name and Yeezus is my god name.”
Third, why Kanye (excuse me, “Yeezus”) is going all anti-industry for the indefinite future:
“I have a new strategy, it’s called ‘no strategy.’ I have a plan to sell more music it’s called ‘make better music.'”
Music publications have noted that all in all, it was a triumphant night for Kanye West, with many pointing out that he seemed visibly happier than he has been in a long time. Sure, he was still pretty erratic, but his apotheosis at least seemed to result in good music.
A few other new details about Yeezus:
- The album is 10 tracks long.
- Daft Punk produced the first three.
- The album was executive produced by “the god” Rick Rubin.
- Chief Keef, King Louie, Kid Cudi and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver appear on the record.
- C-Murder and Billy Holiday lines are sampled.
- Keef and Vernon appear on the same song, “Can’t Handle My Liquor.”
Are you excited for Kanye West’s Yeezus?
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[Image via: Tyler Curtis]
