NEWS
Akademiks has spoken up in support of Kanye West, arguing that some of the things he said in their recent interview aren’t entirely off base.
The media personality, who is no stranger to controversy himself, has interviewed Kanye twice in the last week — with their first chat seeing the Chicago rap legend wear a Ku Klux Klan outfit and take aim at a number of rappers, as well as his ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
Speaking to TMZ about his newfound association with Ye, Ak claimed that there are kernels of truth buried in the rapper’s inflammatory rants.
“He gave me a heads up about and I read the text wrong at first. It was like, ‘I’m wearing my black outfit’ and I was like, well, black’s my favorite color. I’m thinking he’s just gonna wear all black,” he said of their viral interview.
“Then I read it again and it was like, ‘I’m wearing my black KKK outfit.’ I tried to at least start the conversation by saying, ‘Why this representation?’ It’s hard to ignore the obvious. He’s sending very strong signals — you know, he’s walking around with a swastika chain.”
The Off the Record host added: “Having conversations with him on camera and even off camera, even if you disagree, he is making some coherent points.”
Akademiks did not specify which of Kanye’s remarks he found coherent.
The pair’s initial interview, held in an L.A. hotel room last weekend, saw the G.O.O.D. Music founder go off on the likes of JAY-Z, Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean, among many others.
He said of his former Watch the Throne collaborator: “JAY-Z, Beyoncé, you ain’t help me when I was having problems with my kids. You could have used your influence. No, your influence is for politics. Your influence is how you could use a n-gga you never wanted to sign anyway that Dame signed. You ain’t show up to my first wedding. You ain’t my family. I never had family out here.”
He added: “Everybody knows what I’m saying is true related to that photo that I put up with my youngest daughter, but everything is like, ‘But you offended JAY-Z.’ Fuck him! How much money you think JAY-Z makes off my catalog versus what I make off it? God hurts too. It hurt me that I had to hurt Jay.”
West then tore into Kendrick, saying: “I want Kendrick to always remember that JAY-Z tweet before he ever crosses the line,” referencing his widely-condemned attack on Hov and Beyoncé’s youngest children.
Ye also accused the Compton rap star of biting his style: “The last Kendrick album, not that [GNX] but the previous one [Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers], is like a direct copy of [The Life of] Pablo. It’s like, ‘Oh, these are the drums from this song. This is the approach to this song.'”
The 47-year-old also made a number of antisemitic comments while admitting regret over having children with Kim Kardashian and explaining why he “relates” to accused sex trafficker Diddy.
NEWS
The multi-hyphenate entertainer has scored five new certifications, including a platinum plaque for “Issues/Hold On,” which has sold over one million equivalent units in the U.S. The Kanye West-produced track is lifted from her 2018 album, K.T.S.E., which has been crowned gold for selling over 500,000 equivalent units.
Taylor’s third LP, The Album, has also reached gold status, tallying her second project to become RIAA certified. The King Combs-assisted “How You Want It,” a single from The Album, has been certified platinum.
Last, but not least, Taylor’s “Do Not Disturb” featuring Chris Brown is now gold. The steamy jam appears on her 2014 debut album, VII.
Taylor took to social media to celebrate her new RIAA updates. “Father God I thank you and I praise you in the name of Jesus. Thank You for showing patience with me, your kindness, grace & mercy every day. Your mercies never cease,” she wrote in a caption for her photo of her with her new plaques.
She continued, “Father God, please continue to instruct and teach me as I continue my faith walk. Thank you for keeping my head high to keep my crown from falling. I love you. Thank you for reminding me the wait is not punishment, it was preparation. Thank you to everyone involved with helping me bring these albums and songs to life. I am filled with much gratitude! WE PLATINUM & GOLD YALL.”
In other news, Taylor just released her new single “Long Time.” It’s the first offering from her upcoming album Escape Room, which will be accompanied by a short film. Taylor directed and produced the visual under her production company, The Aunties. It co-stars LaKeith Stanfield and Aaron Pierre, who appear in the video for “Long Time” as well.
Further, Taylor joined Ciara on her “Ecstasy (Remix)” alongside Normani. “When Ci hit me about jumping on this remix, it was an automatic yes,” Taylor said. “To be a part of this moment with two queens I love so much! Not only do I get to call Ciara and Normani my friends I get to call them my sisters! That’s black girl magic. We bringing the sensual, the sisterhood, and the soul. Let’s go!”
Taylor stars in Tyler Perry’s new drama Straw, now streaming on Netflix, alongside Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd.
