Sh*t or Shinola?
Biting Is Kanye's Schtick
Some years ago, when Kanye West's ego was still in its zygote stage and he was Louis Vuitton-backpacking through Northern America, Talib Kweli had made mention that Kanye's massive confidence was his schtick. After now witnessing him claim ideas that are not his own on now the fourth occasion, it has become clear that something else may be his schtick now, too: unabashed biting. Most people who take blogging seriously and like for their integrity to remain intact (such as the editors on this website), will always give credit to outside sources because we respect the Karma gods.
The last incident involves the folks at The Fader, who saw something a tad bit too familiar over at the Kanyeuniversecity blog, and with nary a photo credit mentioned. When it comes to photos, the rule of thumb is that if you cannot find a photographer credit after searching far and wide, you may post a photo. However, if you are able to find a photo that clearly has a photographer's name associated with it, you give due credit.
This may not seem like a big deal to some of you, but the problem I am seeing with Mr. West is that this habit has proliferated not only onto his blog, but into his music. After multiple tracks have been leaked from the November release of 808's & Heartbreak, all we have been given is the same tired Auto-Tune foolishness that constitutes popular Urban radio daily. And despite his insistence that he's going to be pulling out all the stops and changing the musical landscape as we have come to know it, I am not feeling like this new album will be his Electric Circus, an album I am only now beginning to appreciate more. But I guarantee that 808's & Heartbreak will be a flop, at the very least critically.
I seem to be seeing a trend with Kanye, an artist I never really liked but whose music I respected. Biting, my brother, does not become you.
Hey Kanye, Those Photos Look Really Familiar [FADER]
Tags: auto-tune is the devil, common, kanye west, talib kweli
Comments
Ask Peven Everett about Kanye's biting!
dreday74 | November 17, 2008 10:49 AM | Permalinkthank God for ill mami and other Soulbouncers keeping it real about Kanye. we all know that Kanye's blog is less than 100% authentic, in terms of the writing, photos, etc. that's number one. in a journalistic sense, this is frowned upon. it's simply unprofessional and bad form to do what he routinely does in his blog. it goes beyond biting when credibility and integrity come into the equation. if he were to sample a song without getting clearance, he would be sued. it's that simple. the same logic (and perhaps, law) applies in the case of the photo.
as far as his music, i wouldn't really care if he was biting so much if his current music sounded good to me, which it doesn't. as a fan of Roger Troutman and Zapp, i'm used to the vocoder/Auto-Tune sound. if i hated it, Zapp would have been complete overkill to me. my thing is, AutoTune is like nails on a chalkboard when you don't have a singing voice. Kanye and a lot of these current artists are using it as a crutch, because they know they don't have the ability to sing. it's like spraying cologne on a funky-ass body. when you have vocal talent and you use AutoTune, it can become quite a different thing. if this upcoming album is how Kanye wants to express himself emotionally and creatively, that is fine with me. i just need for him (and other people) to quit trying to make it seem like his every move is the "best thing ever." i feel like music speaks for itself. whether it's phenomenal, mediocre or rotten, we will know. it's like we as listeners and fans aren't allowed to form our own opinions anymore. we should be free to do that, and to express our feelings about it as openly as Kanye does. i don't like the idea of myself and others here on Soulbounce immediately being stamped as a hater because we don't readily accept his new direction.
dar | November 13, 2008 7:40 AM | PermalinkI like Kanye -- begrudgingly. I don't like the vodacoder. He should have given credit for the photo. Kanye, behave yourself, now!
Berry | November 12, 2008 10:24 PM | PermalinkCOME ON! If Kanye's biting, why haven't anyone else thought of doing this earlier. WHAT ELSE ON THE RADIO SOUNDS LIKE "LOVE LOCK DOWN" AND "HEARTLESS?" Please find something else or someone else to talk about.
WTF | November 12, 2008 9:59 PM | PermalinkOh gawd, puhleeze. Are you that desperate for any new reason to bash Kanye West?
Paco | November 12, 2008 9:50 PM | PermalinkRE:PRETTYARIES16
MMMyeahOK | November 12, 2008 6:02 PM | PermalinkIs that you Kanye?
Because that is the only person that I know that really regards Kanye as a musician is himself.
Show me Kanye Playing any instrument any one at all and I don't mean pecking at synth keys.
Kanye is NOT A MUSICIAN! AT ALL and his singing is booty.
So prove me wrong ya'll I have just never seen him do anything real or difficult. Or warranting any press at all unless peeing on the floor is now big news
You know what? I really LOVE this site because it gives a forum to the music that is most important to me above all others. It seems as though I have finally found a place online that expresses my musical tastes, even if I am young. While, 85-90%of the time I agree with your comments regarding artists and the musical landscape, this is one time I have to speak out and give my opinion....What is with the constant bashing of Kanye West??? At a time when real hip-hop, true musicianship, innovation and artistry are at an all time low I would think you would have more positive things to say about someone who is trying (at the very least) to open minds and bridge gaps. The constant dissing of Mr. West is really starting to become too much...From a very loyal and impassioned reader.
PRETTYARIES16 | November 12, 2008 3:42 PM | PermalinkLast time I checked, wasn't hip-hop all about people who bite, but hate biters?
Sampling or Interpolating no matter how clever (or how much you make it your own) is biting.
In my eyes, Kanye's more hip-hop than hip-hop
Stephon Johnson | November 12, 2008 3:35 PM | PermalinkWhile I am a fan of Kanye's work I do agree with you whole heartedly regarding "biting". Also his talent of "chewing', "swallowing", regurgitating" and "defecating" musical styles.
I still take pleasure in what he says in his rhymes. Its the turn of the phrase that makes him worth listening to.
But be of good cheer. His use ( and others) of the demonic auto tune is a good thing. Auto tune is becoming the "George Bush" of the music industry. And like Bush, its failure and bland taste will herald a new day once someone worthwhile does something ....ANYTHING... to offer the hope and "change" in music that we now have in the system.
....and MAY God bless the United States of America.
hoodedmonk | November 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Permalink