Kanye West Appreciation

This goes to the only Louis Vuitton Don. I used to be hate on you also [please see my July 2004 boycott blog], but you kept delivering music that I felt. I thought the self-comparisons to the #1 Soul Brother Pete Rock were asinine, but now they are very legit. I saw the passion in your work in a time when a lot of established rappers were one-butt-cheeking [half-assing] their songs. Hip-hop hit a flatline until you injected the culture with some life. You transcended the genre and showed that you don't always have to be hood to make it as an emcee. Pink polos didn't hurt the Roc, but it just expanded your fan base.

You kept it true to the roots of hip-hop by pushing boundaries and expanding on your musical horizons, essentially representing what it is all about - creativity and expression. When Pac left and Jay delved into other business ventures, you inherited that torch and kept it about the music. You helped bring Lupe to the scene, revitalized Common's career and truly defined what having swagger is about.

We all know you're a prick and a douche, and I'm sure you know that too. You're an egotistical maniac - like a Tiger, Steve Jobs, Trump - but that's what makes the great ones great. I'm glad you speak your mind, as you keep your name in the media creates all this free advertising! You're probably the face of hip-hop of the 21st century, for better or for worst. But us heads wouldn't want it any other way. Your "Thank you and You're Welcome" book is a permanent fixture on my toilet, but that is a compliment despite how it sounds.

They say if they hate you, then you must be doing something right. So big ups on that.

Keep up the good work, but next album please retire the autotune.

"I ain't play the hand I was dealt, I changed my cards
I prayed to the skies and I changed my stars" - "Last Call" - Kanye West
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