Kanye West Rants About Beyonce, Jay Z, Hillary Clinton, Ends Show Early
As you've probably heard by now a Kanye West secret show took place in New York City, but never actually happened and nearly incited a riot at Webster Hall (we were there). Originally, the G.O.O.D. Music commander-in-chief was supposed to play a headlining set this past Sunday at Governors Ball, but was cancelled because of the weather (hence, he attempted to create an impromptu show).
Once fans got wind that the performance would happen at Webster Hall, approximately 4,000 people showed up and waited for The Life Of Pablo superstar to appear, which he did, popping his head through the roof of a car before driving off.
Well, fortunately for Yeezus, the cops aren't looking to press any charges against him. According to People, the New York Police Department are letting Kanye's tweet-inspired shutdown slide.
"His actions Sunday were irresponsible, which would almost be a compliment for a guy like Kanye," former NYPD detective Nick Casale said. "In my opinion, what he did Sunday night did not cross the threshold of criminality."
Talk about lucky, especially considering that today is Kanye's birthday (he's now 39 years old). In other interesting Kanye-related news, it turns out that the rapper was once laughed at for an early version of "Jesus Walks," which is now one the most well known tracks a part of his catalogue.
According to Jensen Karp, a former rapper turned podcast host (Earwolf's "Get Up On This") and co-owner of Los Angeles' Gallery 1988, he tells the story of how Kanye performed the song for a room of music industry people in his recently released book, Kanye West Owes Me $300: And Other True Stories From a White Rapper Who Almost Made It Big (via Vulture).
"I remember one day while recording, Kanye played an early version of "Jesus Walks," several years before its release, to a room that included myself, some A&Rs, some assorted industry types, DJ Clue, rapper Fabolous, and engineer Duro. As the song played, Kanye acted out and mouthed his lyrics, something he always did while his own music played, and I assume still does. He acted as if a music video was always being filmed around him, displaying yet another example of the unaware enthusiasm (and egotism) that would make him the butt of almost every joke at Baseline. The song ended, some people shared some positive (but subdued) comments, and Kanye left for the kitchen. A few seconds passed before the entire room erupted in laughter. A few people even mocked him, mimicking his rap voice and making fun of his over-the-top zeal. One major producer in the room even asked his assistant to make sure Kanye never performed like that again. Lucky for him he didn’t have to, because three years later, "Jesus Walks" would win a Grammy for Best Rap Song. (No joke here. He deserved it.)"
In the words of Ye himself, "Yeezy Yeezy how you do it, huh?"
