On today's (October 23) episode of the Greatest Pop Stars of the 21st Century podcast, we reach No. 7 on our list of a producer-rapper-turned-everything-consumer-celebrity who's been inescapable in pop culture for the past two decades — often for his artistic brilliance, sometimes for his business ventures or personal life, and especially in recent years, often for his damaging statements and actions. (Read the No. 7 Best Pop Star Essay on Kanye West here.)
Along with host Andrew Unterberger Bulletin board Hip-Hop/R&B writers Angel Diaz and Michael Saponara to recap the eventful past 25 years for Kanye, from a producer to being taken seriously as an MC, to a longtime rap superstar and of pop cut off from many corners of mainstream entertainment (but still proving highly influential from the fringes). In between, we remember the virtually unmatched brilliance of Kanye's run of classic albums from 2004 to 2013, as well as the countless memorable pop culture moments he was at the center of during that time, and how his influence eventually spread to the world of fashion. reality shows, tabloid gossip and even politics.
Next, we prepare for Kanye's more difficult years, discussing whether Kanye's later work has lost some of its earlier magic or simply been overshadowed by his real-world controversies — and whether these recent headlines have affected our current ability to we enjoy him regardless. We close by reminiscing about some of Kanye's personal favorite moments on stage (“Runaway” at the VMAs! “All Day” at the BRITs! Coachella 2011!) and in the studio, and share some hopes for how things might go with Kanye from here.
Hear our thoughts on it all below, catch up on our past episodes here and be sure to subscribe Bulletin board'small The biggest pop stars of the 21st century series wherever you take your podcasts! (New episodes will be revealed every Wednesday after the Tuesday publication of our Biggest Pop Star for that week, until our No. 1 reveal on December 3.)
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/greatest-pop-stars-21st-century-kanye-west-number-seven-1235811449/
