THE FOLLOWING IS A FORMAL PRESS STATEMENT RELEASED BY KANYE'S TEAM REGARDING THE INCIDENT DURING THE SAINT PABLO TOUR IN SAN JOSE.
WEST APOLOGIZES FOR HIS SAINT PABLO PERFORMANCE IN SAN JOSE
WEST APOLOGIZES FOR HIS SAINT PABLO PERFORMANCE IN SAN JOSE
Hidden Hills, CA, United States. November 20, 2016 - From the very beginning of his music career, Kanye West has made it a point to provide a platform for the most prominently oppressed communities. Having experienced racism and classism in most forms possible, West knows what it is like to be at the bottom of the American social food chain and it is that knowledge and raw power from that life that has made up the foundation of his life's work. While this has been reflected throughout his previous albums and his associated music acts, it unfortunately was absent during his stop in San Jose for his Saint Pablo Tour three nights ago.
The most spotlighted of his actions during the concert were his political remarks, which he made about the president-elect, expressing long-time support for him, and about his choice not to vote in the most emotionally-grueling election of our time. Many of West's songs reflect the harsh truth of racism in our country's history; the fans that have supported West since the beginning understand that. It's part of the reason why people enjoy his music. West's passionate recollection of life at the bottom is part of what launched his music. It would be counterproductive for a man who has lived through the same struggles as his fans in the streets of Chicago to vote for, let alone support, somebody who can neither comprehend nor embody the constant oppression the vast majority of Americans must face. West formally apologizes to the community he has been representing and claims a shared identity with for his remarks, but more so for the meaning behind them. He has retracted what was said Thursday night in an effort to prove his loyalty to his fans, the messages in his music, and his roots.
West's behavior during the concert was unacceptable-- restarting musical numbers repeatedly and scolding the crowd is not what makes a Kanye experience. West's music has reached many and concerts celebrate this. People attend West's concerts for a unique experience-- West has been working with his team to create a more explosive and surreal concert than all his previous performances combined. His inability to deliver has upset his fans and smeared the image he has been working to cultivate and polish, and West sincerely apologizes for that as well.
Stress and exhaustion have taken a toll on West's mental health as of late due in part by his multiple business ventures as well as family-related misfortune. His tiredness does not represent his feelings and lack of appreciations for his fans, though they did take the brunt of it. To avoid this situation repeating itself, West has called off the rest of his tour dates in order to take care of himself with the intention of re-evaluating his mental state, taking time to be there for his family, and refunding those who have purchased tickets for his upcoming tour dates, as well as those who were present at the San Jose venue.
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The most spotlighted of his actions during the concert were his political remarks, which he made about the president-elect, expressing long-time support for him, and about his choice not to vote in the most emotionally-grueling election of our time. Many of West's songs reflect the harsh truth of racism in our country's history; the fans that have supported West since the beginning understand that. It's part of the reason why people enjoy his music. West's passionate recollection of life at the bottom is part of what launched his music. It would be counterproductive for a man who has lived through the same struggles as his fans in the streets of Chicago to vote for, let alone support, somebody who can neither comprehend nor embody the constant oppression the vast majority of Americans must face. West formally apologizes to the community he has been representing and claims a shared identity with for his remarks, but more so for the meaning behind them. He has retracted what was said Thursday night in an effort to prove his loyalty to his fans, the messages in his music, and his roots.
West's behavior during the concert was unacceptable-- restarting musical numbers repeatedly and scolding the crowd is not what makes a Kanye experience. West's music has reached many and concerts celebrate this. People attend West's concerts for a unique experience-- West has been working with his team to create a more explosive and surreal concert than all his previous performances combined. His inability to deliver has upset his fans and smeared the image he has been working to cultivate and polish, and West sincerely apologizes for that as well.
Stress and exhaustion have taken a toll on West's mental health as of late due in part by his multiple business ventures as well as family-related misfortune. His tiredness does not represent his feelings and lack of appreciations for his fans, though they did take the brunt of it. To avoid this situation repeating itself, West has called off the rest of his tour dates in order to take care of himself with the intention of re-evaluating his mental state, taking time to be there for his family, and refunding those who have purchased tickets for his upcoming tour dates, as well as those who were present at the San Jose venue.
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