EXCLUSIVE: Rare, Uncut Interview With Kanye West on J Dilla, Music/Fashion Parallels and Chicago

Before YEEZY, ‘The Life of Pablo’ and even his marriage to Kim Kardashian.

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An extremely rare interview with Kanye West has been uncovered that showcases the artist before his YEEZY fashion line and the hype around his adidas partnership. Shot in 2013 for Stones Throw documentary Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton, the multifaceted public figure comments on his relationship with J Dilla, his upbringing in Chicago, fashion parallels to artists and designers and much more.

The candid interview, as conducted by director/producer Jeff Broadway, is presented in raw form that highlights Kanye’s thoughts at the time; all of which do seem more focused on his music and his involvement within the hip-hop realm, but as the interview progresses his words begin to incorporate his passion and inevitable revolution brought upon fashion and art. The talk also interestingly previews specific lyrics found in The Life of Pablo‘s “No More Parties in LA” — a track that wouldn’t see the light of day until nearly three years later.

Jeff Broadway, who under his production umbrella Valentine Street Productions, is known for his directing and producing work with music video and commercial campaigns. His third and fourth documentary will release later this year; Living on Soul — a concert film shot at the Apollo featuring Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley; and an untitled film on electronic artist Moby and his life at middle-age. To learn more about the source documentary from Stones Throw Records, visit the Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton official website.

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Eddie Eng Managing Editor, Automotive & Culture

Eddie Eng has been an editorial content creator for over 10 years, with deep insight and experience across automotive, footwear, fashion, travel, gaming and other verticals. Based in Southern California, Eddie has maintained relationships across the automotive and fashion industries, and has helped spearhead premier initiatives for Hypebeast, including the Cars & Kicks event, collaborative products with F1, Staple, Leen Customs and others.

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