Regular visitors know I’m a big fan of Kanye. But not only his music, also the way he presents himself to the world and how he has build up his carrier are a true inspiration. Kanye is never not growing, always doing it his way and always 10 steps ahead.
This is what I’ve learned from the build up to the release of his latest and greatest MBDTF.
1.Top-tier celebrities can do anything.
Having a strong (personal) brand means you can make whatever you want, work with whoever you want and give the freedom to do whatever you want. If Supreme releases a comb people will buy it. If R. kelly pisses on a kid nobody gives a fuck, the dude makes crazy good music.
2. An artist and a performer, big difference.
There’s an entire generation of peeps that grow up with TV-formats that show performers reenacting other peoples songs but entirely skip the creative process. Sure, that can be an art but there is a minimal amount of creativity involved. Artists make music, write songs and are above all themselves or carefully molded into what they are. Everybody can be a singer, not everybody can be an artist.
3. The power of Fuckin’ Ridiculous.
Exaggerate the metaphors and talk expensively about what you want to say. Not so subtle but it will get your message across. Fuckin’ ridiculous is more powerful than misunderstood or not noticed.
4. Everything you do can be newsworthy.
Perform on a plane, follow someone random on Twitter, make a statement, make music every Friday or post a Tweet. When you’re a strong personal brand like Kanye you can do something noticeable everyday. Make sure you use these opportunities as they will earn you a prominent and permanent place in the daily life’s of your fans.
5. Practice what you promise.
If you say you’re gonna be on top of your game, be on top of your game. Have no shame in your narcissism’ game. Think big and outrageous but never say or claim anything you can’t deliver.
6. Honesty over diplomacy.
People hated on Kanye for the MTV scandal, but his fans admire him for his honesty. There is something to say for giving a fuck and standing up for what you believe in. It will not make you popular with everybody but it will make you a real person. In the end the world will love you for it.
7. Social media, done right.
No PR people planning the next Tweet. No censorship. No endless self-promotion. No politics. Just one dude speaking his mind. make it personal and real and social media is the simplest way of building your brand ever.
8. Quantity is the new quality.
Putting everything you produce, even the lesser quality stuff in this world will not reflect onto the way people will look at you. They will not think you suck as a rapper, they will love you. The power of the leak. Now give the real cool shit a special place and an official release and peeps will buy it.
9. Fuck a collaboration.
A collaboration is 9 out of 10 times a compromise. When you’re making an album like Kanye’s and put your vision on tape all artists featuring on your album are like a section in an orchestra. They bring in their own talent, feel and sound but at the end of the day the director decided. Be that guy.
10. You can make the rules.
Print ‘em on a white sheet of paper and hang them on a wall. You will win in life.
