"Wake up, Mr. West" : Kanye West and the double consciousness of Black celebrity /

Publication Type:

Book

Source:

McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers,, Jefferson, North Carolina, United States, p.viii, 276 pages ; (2022)

Call Number:

ML420.W452

Mots-clés:

(OCoLC)fst01089960, (OCoLC)fst01742988, African American celebrities, African American celebrities., Biographies., Biography., bisacsh, Célébrités noires américaines, fast, MUSIC / Genres & Styles / Rap & Hip Hop., Rap musicians, Rap musicians., SOCIAL SCIENCE / Ethnic Studies / American / African American & Black Studies., United States

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.Black celebrities in America have always walked a precarious line between their perceived status as spokespersons for their race and their own individual success--, and between being "not black enough" for the black community or "too black" to appeal to a broader audience. Few know this tightrope walk better than Kanye West, who transformed hip-hop, pop and gospel music, redefined fashion, married the world's biggest reality TV star and ran for president, all while becoming one of only a handful of black billionaires worldwide. Despite these accomplishments, his polarizing behavior, controversial alliances and bouts with mental illness have made him a caricature in the media and a disappointment among much of his fanbase. This book examines West's story and what it reveals about black celebrity and identity and the American dream.--