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.

54.9K 0 Comments
Save

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.

Read Full Article
Text By
Photographer
Valentine Street Productions
Share this article
In This Article
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.

What to Read Next

D.S. & Durga Bottles the Nostalgic Magic of 2000s New York Romance With “Ain’t That Sweet”
Fashion

D.S. & Durga Bottles the Nostalgic Magic of 2000s New York Romance With “Ain’t That Sweet”

Co-founders David and Kavi Moltz detail how their latest gourmand fragrance captures youthful passion, nocturnal possibility and the convergence of sound with olfactive craft.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Fronts Levi's FW26 Campaign and Speaks on His Unfiltered Approach To Style
Fashion

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Fronts Levi's FW26 Campaign and Speaks on His Unfiltered Approach To Style

In an exclusive interview with Hypebeast, the NBA MVP discusses his instinctual approach to fashion and bending traditional dress codes for the new collection.

Kohei Ogawa Expands His Storybook Universe With ‘Green Cow Garden’ Pop-up in Hong Kong
Art

Kohei Ogawa Expands His Storybook Universe With ‘Green Cow Garden’ Pop-up in Hong Kong

Taking over BELOWGROUND with SAKA SAKA and HOW2WORK, the artist speaks to Hypebeast about launching his inaugural trading card collection.


Mark Tuan Isn't Performing Around the Quiet Anymore
Music

Mark Tuan Isn't Performing Around the Quiet Anymore

On “Alone,” his first release of 2026, the artist writes from the overthinking and loneliness he used to keep off the record.

One-Legged BMXer Julián Molina Shreds Harder Than You
Sports

One-Legged BMXer Julián Molina Shreds Harder Than You

“Strength doesn’t come from the body, it comes from the mind’s will.”

'Supreme Copies' Takes a Look Back at the Brand's Clothing References
Fashion

'Supreme Copies' Takes a Look Back at the Brand's Clothing References

Coming this spring.

Jon Furlong of OBEY to Exhibit Personal Photos Featuring Renowned Street Artists
Art

Jon Furlong of OBEY to Exhibit Personal Photos Featuring Renowned Street Artists

To be held in the Black Book Gallery in Denver, Colorado.

Air Jordan 1 "Royal" Slated for a Long Overdue April Launch
Footwear

Air Jordan 1 "Royal" Slated for a Long Overdue April Launch

Better late than never.

San Francisco Startup Apis Cor 3D-Printed a House in Less Than 24 Hours
Design

San Francisco Startup Apis Cor 3D-Printed a House in Less Than 24 Hours

And it only cost $10,000 USD.

adidas Flaunts A "Pink Rose" Iteration of the Illustrious NMD_R1 Primeknit
Footwear

adidas Flaunts A "Pink Rose" Iteration of the Illustrious NMD_R1 Primeknit

With a glitch camo upper to boot.


Instagram Stories Adds Geostickers
Tech & Gadgets

Instagram Stories Adds Geostickers

Just like Snapchat.

N.HOOLYWOOD Takes on the Reebok Furylite for a Second Time
Footwear

N.HOOLYWOOD Takes on the Reebok Furylite for a Second Time

This time in slip-on form.

DJ Premier & Pete Rock Collide for Legendary Beat Battle
Music

DJ Premier & Pete Rock Collide for Legendary Beat Battle

A clash of titans.

Nike's FL Rue Silhouette Is a Subtle Mesh of Past Innovation
Footwear

Nike's FL Rue Silhouette Is a Subtle Mesh of Past Innovation

Past creates the present.

PUMA Welcomes Big Sean as Global Ambassador for Classics Line
Fashion

PUMA Welcomes Big Sean as Global Ambassador for Classics Line

The German brand will sponsor the ‘I Decided’ summer tour.

Life as Canada's Beer Guzzling, Arm Wrestling Internet Troll
Sports

Life as Canada's Beer Guzzling, Arm Wrestling Internet Troll

A “street legend” at the crossroads of his life.

More ▾