In a conversation with a CNN reporter last week, I talked about certain celebrity geniuses who reached a pinnacle of their careers that most artists never attain.
But instead of being remembered for their contributions to their art, these stars are remembered for the way they flamed out.
Kanye West is one such musical genius slash narcissist who will be remembered for the way his career went up in a ball of flames.
The NY Times’ Artsbeat blog reports that Kanye’s new music video for his lame track “Power” invites us into the dark, twisted fantasies of his mind “teeming with debauchery, degradation and the ominous specter of death.”
Sounds good so far, right?
In a coming video for his single “Power” that was created by the artist Marco Brambilla, Mr. West is seen standing imposingly with a heavy chain around his neck. As Mr. West raps the camera slowly zooms out in one continuous, unedited take to reveal him in a classical structure, surrounded by female attendants who are partly or entirely nude; some kneel before him on all fours, others wear devil horns and still others are suspended upside down from the ceiling. The Sword of Damocles hangs precariously over Mr. West’s head, and behind him an unseen executioner is preparing to strike him with a blade. (ArtsBeat was allowed to watch a portion of this video but was not permitted to post it.) Read More…
The video will be posted on Kanye’s blog next week.
