Graduation Day

“When I had my accident, I was working on Beanie Sigel, Black Eyed Peas and Peedi Crack, and let’s just say that those tracks were not my best work. If I would have passed that night, that would have been the end of my legacy. Now when I go into the studio, I act like this could possibly be my last day.” — Kanye West

I read a curious article by David Opie looking back on the game changing album that was The College Dropout.

Everything about Kanye West’s debut was scandalous, its confessional undertone a big faux-pas in an industry where tec-nines, bullet-proof vests and million-dollar bling reigned supreme.

Yet it was something much deeper that hooked me in. Specifically a car accident that left the 25 year old rapper on death’s door.

Laid up in hospital for weeks, West underwent facial reconstruction surgery, paying for everything out of pocket (he had no healthcare insurance).

Facing the lowest moment of his life, West took the first exit ramp off the self-flagellating highway and confronted his trauma by picking up pen and paper. The result? 

Through The Wire  — One of my favourite noughties singles. (The bold bastard sung it with a metal mouth!!)

Ask yourself, if this was your last day on this beautiful planet, are you where you need to be?

Xo