"Wake Up, Mr. West"
Author | : Joshua K. Wright |
Publisher | : McFarland |
Total Pages | : 285 |
Release | : 2022-01-13 |
ISBN-10 | : 9781476686486 |
ISBN-13 | : 1476686483 |
Rating | : 4/5 (86 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: Black celebrities in America have always walked a precarious line between their perceived status as spokespersons for their race and their own individual success--and between being "not black enough" for the black community or "too black" to appeal to a broader audience. Few know this tightrope walk better than Kanye West, who transformed hip-hop, pop and gospel music, redefined fashion, married the world's biggest reality TV star and ran for president, all while becoming one of only a handful of black billionaires worldwide. Despite these accomplishments, his polarizing behavior, controversial alliances and bouts with mental illness have made him a caricature in the media and a disappointment among much of his fanbase. This book examines West's story and what it reveals about black celebrity and identity and the American dream.