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I miss the old Kanye West. The Kanye who acted as if he had some sense. The Kanye who was hungry and humble. This new Kanye gets the same screw face for his antics and rants that I gave Pharrell when I heard his definition of “The New Black.”
Kanye’s latest foray into fashion has me missing the Kanye who used to put clothes on layaway. That Kanye, at the very least, understood the hard work and pride that went along with looking fresh and stylish, even on a budget.
This new Kanye acts as if he grew up wearing Givenchy and Balmain, when he probably really shopped at Bloomies while mispronouncing Versace (Pass that Ver-say-see!, Ye). Because this Kanye acts so brand new, he reminds me of the Negros Uncle Ruckus from The Boondocks spoke of when he said, “Don’t trust them new niggas over there.”
The College Dropout Kanye would have never been okay with A.P.C.’s Jean Touitou calling his Fall/Winter 2015 collection, “The Last Niggas in Paris.” The old Kanye would have schooled the French designer by telling him, since the 19th century American Blacks have flocked to Paris and the city is rich in Black history. And with his late mother being an educator, Kanye would have also told Touitou that while most people believe African-Americans migrated to France during the Harlem Renaissance, the first great mass migration to France came following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803.
Speaking about niggas in Paris, the old Kanye would have went in on how fly Josephine Baker was. Since his wife has a vested interest in Black history (dating multiple Black men does count as interest, no? And redoing the iconic Black model Carolina Beaumont’s photo), the old Kanye would have stated that Josephine was the daughter of a poor maid who made a living by being talented and provocative.
The old Kanye would have been flattered to receive a phone call from the designer, but would have told him, “Naw, rethink the title of that collection bro.” During his fashion week presentation Touitou said, “The Timberland here is a very strong ghetto signifier. In the ghetto, it is all the Timberlands, all the big chains. Not at the same time—never; it’s bad taste.” The old Kanye would have told Touitou that Timberlands and chains go together like water and Kool-Aid. He would have said the clothes are cool but the name isn’t a true reflection of the collection. Kanye would have continued the conversation by staying a collection that showcases ghetto signifiers needs an urban feel and some bling. A collection called “Last Niggas in Paris” would be more reminiscent of Harlem’s Dapper Dan. In short, it wouldn’t be a minimalistic line of overpriced sweaters and joggers.
The old Kanye wouldn’t have tried to pass off his new collaboration with Adidas as if hobo chic is the new white tee. He wouldn’t have had his girl Alexis looking like she was about to jazzercise, as he did with the ever so compliant Kim K. And he would have had his mama holding North in the back at his fashion show, as to not disturb the audience.
The new Kanye West, who sometimes makes great valid points (I’m a creative and I do just want to make dope ish), is so far removed from his Chi-Town. I believe Kanye doesn’t care about himself as much as he cares about Beyoncé.
What I wouldn’t give to see the down to earth Kanye West again, the one who worked at the Gap and was waiting for his spaceship.
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