Miserable America
Kanye West is a complex individual. He has been known for his infamous rants and speaking his mind. West is not afraid to hold his tongue when it comes to issues dealing with race. For example, in his song “Gorgeous” featuring Kid Cudi and Raekwon, West touches on racism and politics. Ironically West shows that the United States is not so “Gorgeous” by doing so. Kanye West through his own experiences and historical figures adds credibility to his song. West uses rhyme, allusion, and character to bring attention to the racism African-American men in modern American society endure.
Verse one of “Gorgeous” is an excellent example of how West uses rhyme to give his message flow. In the first verse, West explains “Based off the way we was branded/ Face it, Jerome get more time than Brandon” (West). He not only rhymes these words but also connects them in a way the words get a second meaning. …show more content…
For example, West explains “And what’s a black Beatle anyway, a fucking roach?” (West). Here not only is Kanye alluding to the historic rock band the Beatles. He is also comparing himself to them and basically stating that even if he were to carry out the same achievements as the Beatles, he will not get respect they got because he is a black artist and well rather be referred to as an inferior “roach” rather then get his just dues and be looked at as a Beatle. Another example of how racism has affected West is when he raps “As long as I’m in Polo smiling, they think they got me/ But they would try to crack me if they ever see a black me” (West). West explains that he though choosing a music career was a good idea but it did not turn out how he expected. The media only likes him when he is smiling in polo shirt but as soon as he acts out they turn him into a public enemy. Also, he could be referring to slavery since the foreman used to “crack” the
Kanye West is a complex individual. He has been known for his infamous rants and speaking his mind. West is not afraid to hold his tongue when it comes to issues dealing with race. For example, in his song “Gorgeous” featuring Kid Cudi and Raekwon, West touches on racism and politics. Ironically West shows that the United States is not so “Gorgeous” by doing so. Kanye West through his own experiences and historical figures adds credibility to his song. West uses rhyme, allusion, and character to bring attention to the racism African-American men in modern American society endure.
Verse one of “Gorgeous” is an excellent example of how West uses rhyme to give his message flow. In the first verse, West explains “Based off the way we was branded/ Face it, Jerome get more time than Brandon” (West). He not only rhymes these words but also connects them in a way the words get a second meaning. …show more content…
For example, West explains “And what’s a black Beatle anyway, a fucking roach?” (West). Here not only is Kanye alluding to the historic rock band the Beatles. He is also comparing himself to them and basically stating that even if he were to carry out the same achievements as the Beatles, he will not get respect they got because he is a black artist and well rather be referred to as an inferior “roach” rather then get his just dues and be looked at as a Beatle. Another example of how racism has affected West is when he raps “As long as I’m in Polo smiling, they think they got me/ But they would try to crack me if they ever see a black me” (West). West explains that he though choosing a music career was a good idea but it did not turn out how he expected. The media only likes him when he is smiling in polo shirt but as soon as he acts out they turn him into a public enemy. Also, he could be referring to slavery since the foreman used to “crack” the