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If you're on Twitter and aren't following @KanyeWest, let me be first to tell you: You are missing out on THE FUTURE. The rapper turned fashion designer took to the social media platform yesterday to talk about his exciting new plans for the next few years. Top of his list? Building a 22-division company, DONDA, named after his mother. And it has an education element to it!
Rapper Kanye West, known for single handedly breathing life back into rap music, isn't resting on his Grammy-winning laurels. Nooo, he's teaming up with filmmaker Spike Jonze to start a new type of school that molds "architects, graphic designers, directors, musicians...writers, social media experts, tech guys, doctors, teachers" into the next big things. He aims to bring a new way of learning to the education system, which West believes is deeply flawed.
Spike Jonze and I want to do a Summer school that tries new forms of cuuriculim
— Kanye West (@kanyewest) January 5, 2012
Schools should be designed to prep human beings for real life.
— Kanye West (@kanyewest) January 5, 2012
Help education.School systems were designed to turn people into factory workers.
— Kanye West (@kanyewest) January 5, 2012
But this new vision for Yeezy isn't surprising at all and here's why:
+ Kanye's Mom Was a Professor
After receiving a Fulbright scholarship, Dr. Donda West joined the ranks of Chicago State University, where she served as chairwoman. Throughout his years on the charts, Kanye often noted that Dr. West stressed education over rapping in their household. Dr. West was his personal idol, after all, as was noted on his hit track, "Hey Mama."
On "Hey Mama", Kanye raps: "Like Forrest Gump, my momma said, life was like a box of chocolates. My momma told me to go to school, get your doctorate. Something to fall back on, you can profit with."
+ Kanye's Album Titles Reference Education
Though he was never a straight-A student (perhaps it was because he drew too many Nike kicks?) West's first three albums referenced education. College Dropout, Late Registration and Graduation all noted his connection with (or despise of?) the American education system. The flaws of the current system may have spurred West to bring his vision into fruition.
On College Dropout, Kanye dedicates two "School Spirit" skits and a handful of songs to recounting his not-so-awesome experience in high school.
+ His Lyrics Are Laced With Education Rhymes
Even on his latest album, Watch The Throne, West takes a moment to mention the importance that learning played in his household.
On "Made In America," Kanye raps: "I told my momma I was on the come up. She said you going to school, I'll give you a summer."
But instead of going to school, in typical over-the-top West fashion - he is CREATING one. Get your applications ready now!
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