Hip-hop superstar Kanye West spoke at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design on yesterday (Nov. 17) and gave the students some encouraging words regarding creativity. West made it clear that, despite his polarizing nature, he believes that creatives hold the power to change the world.
“I really do believe that the world can be saved through design and everything needs to actually be architected,” West said. “This is the reason why even some of the first DONDA employees were architects that started designing T-shirts instead of buildings.”
West claims that he wants to inspire others with his brazenness and his refusal to be limited by other’s expectations of him.
“If I sit down and talk to Oprah for two hours, the conversation is about realization, self-realization and actually seeing your creativity happen in front of you,” Kanye stated. “So the reason why I turn up so much in interviews is because I’ve tasted what it means to create and be able to impact and affect in a positive way and I know that there’s more creativity to happen. I know that there’s traditionalists that hold back the good thoughts; there’s people in offices that stop the creative people, and are intimidated by actual good ideas.”
The rapper, who has pursued other interests ranging from fashion design to technology, also made clear his distaste for politics and politicians; reiterating that he is focused on those who think outside the box.
“I believe that utopia is actually possible, but we’re led by the least noble, the least dignified, the least tasteful, the dumbest, and the most political,” West said. “So in no way am I a politician. I’m usually at my best politically incorrect and very direct. I really appreciate you guys’ willingness to learn and hone your craft, and not be lazy about creation and I’m very inspired to be in this space.”
