#1554 - Kanye West

At a Glance

• Presidential Ambition Inspired by a Spiritual Calling - “It was something that God put on my heart back in 2015… I’m running for president in 2020”. Kanye discusses his inspiration to run for president, describing it as a divine calling that filled him with joy and determination.

• Overcoming Doubts and Financial Struggles - “At that time I was 50, around $50 million in debt. And I knew I had the confidence that I would be able to turn that around”. Kanye addresses skepticism and his financial struggles, showcasing his resilience and self-belief.

• Innovative Vision for Politics and Society - “The world is like, there couldn’t be a better time to put a visionary in the captain’s chair”. Kanye emphasizes the need for innovation in political systems, positioning himself as a visionary.

• Comparison of Music Industry Contracts to Exploitation - “The contracts are made to rape the artist… It’s not about me getting my masters back. It’s about freedom”. He draws parallels between the music industry’s exploitative contracts and broader social injustices, advocating for fairer treatment of artists.

• Faith and Community Building through Sunday Service - “I’m not going to let one Sunday go by without starting this church… And it quickly became the best choir of all time”. Kanye shares his journey of creating Sunday Service, aiming to bring people together and provide spiritual and emotional healing.

What to Do

• Pursue Your Calling with Confidence - Kanye advises embracing one’s divine calling with conviction, sharing his experience of running for president after feeling spiritually moved to do so: “It was something that God put on my heart back in 2015”.

• Innovate and Challenge the Status Quo - Kanye encourages challenging existing systems, especially in the music industry, advocating for fairer contracts and innovative practices: “It’s time for us to innovate”.

• Integrate Spirituality into Daily Life - Kanye emphasizes the importance of integrating spirituality into everyday activities and decisions, drawing from his personal transformation and commitment to service: “I said, I’m not going to let one Sunday go by without starting this church”.

• Value and Foster Creativity - Kanye highlights the importance of fostering creativity in all aspects of life, advocating for the use of creative talents to address societal issues: “I know how to make music. And I know how to put this choir together”.

• Embrace Leadership with Empathy and Vision - Kanye believes in leading with empathy and a visionary approach, aiming to serve humanity and create a better world: “I’m a great leader because I listen and I’m empathetic”.

What to Get

• Journaling - Amazon](https://amzn.to/47jU7Fj) - Kanye mentions his habit of journaling as a tool for ideation and personal reflection. “I use my journal daily; it’s crucial for my thought process and keeping track of my creative ideas”.

• Music Production Equipment - Kanye discusses using various music production tools as part of his work. “I’ve found these tools essential for crafting my music; they allow me to translate my visions into sound effectively”. https://amzn.to/3KELMS2

• Yeezy Sneakers - Kanye talks about his involvement in designing and using Yeezy sneakers. “I always wear Yeezys; they embody my style and innovation in fashion”. https://amzn.to/45p6LSk

• Video Game Consoles - Kanye briefly mentions using video game consoles as a form of relaxation. “I have been really happy with the latest gaming console; it helps me unwind”. https://amzn.to/4eeFHcq

Summary

In this engaging episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Kanye West delves into his presidential aspirations, emphasizing that his decision to run was divinely inspired back in 2015. He humorously recounts how the idea first struck him in the shower, filling him with joy and conviction. Despite initial skepticism from peers, including a notable encounter with Oprah who dismissed the idea, Kanye’s confidence remained unshaken. He articulates a vision of leadership rooted in spiritual and innovative thinking, aiming to transcend traditional political frameworks. Kanye’s ambition is not merely to win an election but to redefine the role of a leader by integrating his artistic and visionary prowess into governance, aiming for a utopia where innovation meets human need.

Joe and Kanye explore the broader implications of Kanye’s vision, particularly his belief in the transformative power of creativity and innovation. Kanye highlights his frustration with the current music industry, likening artist contracts to exploitation. He passionately argues for a reformation of these contracts to be fairer and more beneficial to artists. This conversation also touches on Kanye’s broader societal concerns, including systemic racism and the need for a paradigm shift in how society values and treats individuals. His reflections on his personal journey, from a musician in debt to a billionaire visionary, serve as a testament to his resilience and unwavering faith in his calling to lead and innovate.

The discussion is peppered with moments of agreement and mutual respect, especially regarding the need for systemic change and the power of individual vision. Joe appreciates Kanye’s unique perspective and his fearless approach to tackling big issues. The conversation also ventures into more personal and philosophical territories, with Kanye sharing his thoughts on spirituality, the role of the church, and his innovative projects like the Yeezy Christian Academy and sustainable community designs. This episode is a fascinating blend of political ambition, personal revelation, and visionary ideas, offering listeners a deep dive into Kanye West’s mind and his unconventional yet compelling approach to leadership and innovation.