At the New York Times’ Dealbook Conference Wednesday, Kanye West was reminiscent of his old self when he called himself “the greatest artist in human existence” and said he would legally change his name to “Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West.”
He made the not-so-humble proclamation after being given a microphone while his wife Kim Kardashian-West and his mother-in-law Kris Jenner were featured speakers on a panel. Then he started talking social media, his faith, “Jesus Is King,” his alleged “billionaire” status, voting and Trump, reported Rolling Stone.
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Of his history making album and bold new Christian faith, West said, “In my perspective, Jesus has already won the victory.” As the first album of West’s without profanity, “Jesus Is King” is also the first by any artist to top all five of Billboard’s charts including: Top Christian, Top Gospel, Billboard 200, Top R&B Hip-Hop and Top Rap Album. He also said his family would be “starting a church“ which is assumed to be more emphatic than his Sunday Services.
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West said social media sites were “actually controlling the rate at which we’re supposed to communicate and advance, as human beings.” He went on to decry Forbes’ refusal to acknowledge his billionaire status – and instead call him a “centimillionaire” – as anything but funny to him. Hence his upcoming name change, to stick it to them.
Despite having come under immense backlash for his support of President Donald Trump, West has not stopped praising him. He indirectly gave credit to Trump for being able to purchase his Wyoming estate.
“We have 12,500 acres in Cody, Wyoming, and Trump has actually opened up the ability to buy more land in America. In America you can buy land, and we can be owners. We don’t have to be just the product of what Black Twitter tells us what we’re supposed to do,” West told the crowd.
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Noting that his father was a Black Panther and his mother participated in sit-ins to fight for voting rights, West said despite accomplishing that feat, Black people were still being controlled politically. He added Kardashian would likely chastise him at home for being too outspoken.
“It was the right to vote for who we tell you to vote on. It’s OK that any Black man voted for Hillary. But if a Black man didn’t vote for Hillary, you’re a coon,” West said.
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West doubled down on his sentiments that Black people are being censored and bullied by the status quo in politics during Fast Company’s Innovation Festival. He also reiterated he’d run for president. This time in 2024.
“I’m not going to run, I’m going to walk,” West said according to Yahoo. “What they’re saying is Kanye’s crazy — one and three African Americans are in jail and all the celebrities are in jail also because they can’t say nothing because they’re so scared.”
