Getting into the Sunshine Theatre on East Houston Street was going to be a clusterfuck last night. The theatre was hosting KanYe West’s premiere of his movie ‘Runaway‘. The film is a rap opera reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’ which could be considered the rock music counterpart.
‘Runaway’ is ambitious in it’s attempt to tell the story of redemption and release. Victoria Secret’s model Selita Edwards provides her beauty as the ultimate muse. A phoenix. She is destined to burn herself into ashes but KanYe wants to preserve her.
Ultimately she must burn up and he must be alone.
The film is visually stunning. There are scenes that are unlike anything we have seen created from a Hip-Hop artist. With this film KanYe West transcends rap music. He isn’t bigger than Hip-Hop. He just sits above Hip-Hop.
I suppose KanYe West could spend less of his money on Louis V. luggage and more (some, any?) on getting some good pyschological help. But he wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining if he removed his social Tourettes. KanYe still says that shit that is on many of our minds with a crass wit most of us wish we had. He doesn’t know how to let go of the shit he loves. I can relate to separation anxiety my damn self.
‘Runaway’ will be dissected, debated, dissed and at the end of the day you will see that KanYe West has complete autonomy for the projects he wants to deliver. He has taken his personal losses to fuel his current success. KanYe is taking over this rap shit just like Mos Def promised us he would. But I don’t know how many people are ready for this dude’s interpretation of ‘our’ music.
Does anyone even care about rap shit anymore?
