Kanye West Was "Ridiculed" Until He Cried By Executives Earlier In His Career

BY Erika Marie 9.9K Views
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Kanye West, Devo Springsteen
Former G.O.O.D. Music producer Devo Springsteen recalled Kaye West's difficult journey to stardom.

At this point in his career, Kanye West can do or say pretty much anything and it wouldn't come as a surprise. His recent political aspirations may have made headlines, but really, the rap mogul's antics are no longer head-turners. We all take his comments in stride, especially because of his catalog filled with classic hits that we all love. Former G.O.O.D. Music producer Devo Springsteen spoke about his days with Kanye West, recalling how even when West was mocked to his face by music executives, the rapper still believed he was the best on the block and capable of anything. It may have been that belief to his mastery.

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“Even Ye, ‘You’re not a real artist. No one wants to hear it.' People have heard stories, 'Oh, they didn't want to sign him.' No, it was worse," Springsteen said. "They would ridicule him. Executives, artists, et cetera, would ridicule this guy until he was crying. I’m telling you. And he would still say, ‘I’m going to be the number one artist in the world.'”

“So, that is why, I believe, when you see your friend, someone you care about that says that and no matter what people say they literally still believe it in their bones that this is the case, it helps you believe anything is possible," Springsteen continued. "So, I think that’s why if you look at all those people that were around G.O.O.D. Music in those days, whether it’s Don C...Don was like, an assistant road manager. Now, he’s probably the number one streetwear designer."

“Virgil? I’m not even going to go into that. Virgil is... Who’s Virgil? He's like a...creative director is like a very new, sort of concept in rap, now everybody has a creative director. But he was a kid from the University of Wisconsin and now you see what he is. So,  think this concept of literally believing you can be or do anything despite what the smart people in the room say, that’s more valuable than everything. Screw these people and what they say what you can and can’t do. They don’t know.”

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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