Ye, the newfound messiah, is apparently about his money, also when it comes to paparazzi. He wants the world to understand this principle loud and clear.
Saturday, January 22, Kanye came across some press members, and he had a message to share.
“Right now, y’all get to shoot us without having to pay. I’mma change that.”
He could not be any clearer.
Is Ye Serious?
One can only assume, yes, West is serious. It has become obvious Kanye is fed up with the press. He is sick and tired of his image being plastered throughout the media. Yet, he is not receiving any compensation. He wants what he believes is due to him.
On the other hand, one can justifiably say that Ye’s substantial monetary gains from music, concerts, and clothing are the price to pay for the paparazzi’s attention.
A decent part of famous people’s income also comes from the fact that they’re famous. The man who made millions of dollars in 2018 from the fact that he’s a famous man posting provocative tweets should probably know that too.
How Sound Is Ye’s Argument Against Paparazzi?
The Donda artist makes a relative point. Who can deny West is the CEO of his image? We all are owners of our likeness! As he relays, his likeness is his brand, and others should not be permitted to profit from his brand without sharing the residuals.
West makes an intelligent argument.
While Ye’s argument is understandable, and he surely deserves a right to privacy, is charging paparazzi a proper way to resolve the issue?
Moreover, if the artist can charge journalists for attention, why politicians can’t? Same way, officials can exercise their “right to privacy” during governmental meetings to keep unneeded eyes out.
How many independent newspapers would be able to report from such events? Do we really want to consume Ye’s vision of media, where only those “paparazzi” with the constant significant money sources get unmodified information?
So, Is Ye Arguing To Block Access For Paparazzi?
No, Kanye is not saying he shouldn’t be accessible to the press. But, conversely, the “Only One” performer is standing on the principle of respect.
“Look, if I’m with my kids, I say I don’t want you to shoot me, then that’s just something y’all gotta respect.”
He gets no argument there.
That is not all Ye is saying.
It’s all about clarification.
The artist also clarified he was not above being in the press, but the terms needed to be clear upfront.
“… We can get that money together, but we gotta have a conversation.”
The conversation about how much money every journalist owes to get information? Ye might as well start giving discounts to paparazzi for the “proper reporting.”
Looking Forward.
So, will the press buy into what Ye is suggesting? Is Ye serious about pursuing this issue? Well, we can’t answer for the press. Time will tell whether Ye is serious.
This reaction appears to stem from recent press incidents portraying Ye negatively.
All who know Kanye understand with him; anything is possible. In Ye’s words,
“I’m gonna make sure we get our rights …”
What else can we expect but take him at his word? Remember, West is the guy who ran for the office of President when no one honestly expected it!
And do we want a president who gets pissed and demands compensation for negative coverage? Especially if Ye is defending his stance against paparazzi with, “As Americans, we gotta…” Cover everyone in complimentary light?
Well, seems like it, especially with Ye being specifically concerned about negative coverage. After all, is that about us “[respecting] each other,” or is Ye establishing a personality cult?
So stay tuned! If, or when, more comes of this, FM Hip Hop will keep you in the loop.
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The cursive was written by Nikita Serdiuk, while the rest is under Renae Richardson’s authorship.
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Kanye ran into trouble with the press only a week ago. Are you interested? Then check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article.
