Ye is a f***ing clown. A misogynistic, racist, Nazi, homophobic, ableist, sexual abuser who fell off almost 10 years ago now. I am so ashamed I used to love his music.
I still remember downloading The College Dropout when it released and loving it so much I had to share it with my friends. His whole album run up to Yeezus was great. But yeah the dude's been mentally ill for awhile now. Haven't listened to anything from him for a long, long time now.
Art is one of those difficult subjects. As long as you're not financially supporting them anymore (including with streaming) there's no harm in having a relationship with a track that came from someone who had a downfall. I still listen to the Thriller album sometimes, and though it is always freighted with the context of what came later, I am able to separate the art from the artist enough to still enjoy the thing in itself.
I still listen to the Thriller album sometimes, and though it is always freighted with the context of what came later
I'm very much aware of the controversy around MJ, but in the end he was cleared on all the charges. There's obviously a ton of things which are problematic, to say the least, but in my personal opinion he was a victim of the system too. There's absolutely things to condem him for, but I don't think he was a bad person in the end. Just someone who really needed some help which wasn't there. Britney Spears would be a better comparison than Kanye.
And there's quite a big gap between being a problematic human being who created (ambiguously) some of the best art around and someone who straight up wants to make a statement of being a bigger natzi than Elon.
I have a bigger problem with MJ than Kanye. Kanye admits to being an ass and his music has fell off since 808. But MJ contends that he did nothing and I don't believe him. I believe the victims. Especially after that HBO movie. I just can't support the guy.
You're right, it was a stretch to generalize between the two. I'm just keen on the point of separating the art from the artist in the context of everything being streamed for money. It's fine to listen to any old shit that used to hold uncomplicated joy for you, as long as it's a local copy.
It's not easy with a kid. I refuse to give her a fucking dime though, he can watch or read it pirated if he insists. We've got trans friends and family.
Tbf hes in some pretty good songs. I dont like his music but you cant really avoid listening to him completely. Also if someone likes his music i dont care, just dont like him as a person.