Sophia Michaels
If we had to count on two hands how many times Kanye West said something a little off the wall, we’d run out of fingers pretty quickly. Remember when West tried to give David Letterman political advice, only to then admit he’d never voted a day in his life? Or maybe you’re still stung by the time he said he was 50% more influential than Pablo Picasso.
West recently offered advice to college students, we had to dive in and find out just what he had to say. After all, inspiring students on life, dreams, and career is a noble endeavor. There’s no way he’d say something ridiculous in such a setting – or would he?
A captive audience of students
West was invited to appear before 12,000 students during the ‘Strength to Stand Conference’ held in Pigeon Forge, TN. This event is an evangelical one, complete with Sunday services, choir performances, and inspirational speakers.
The event’s organizer, Scott Dawson, had a last-minute speaker opening, since the originally booked comedian, John Crist, had to bow out due to “moral failure.” Who did Dawson get to replace Crist? West. The 42-year-old, faith-driven celebrity icon, agreed to step in.
This is not Kanye West’s first time being a ‘conduit for God’
West has always been forthcoming about his faith. So, agreeing to speak at an evangelical event, isn’t so far fetched for him.
Back in 2006, he told Rolling Stone he felt compelled to speak out against homophobia because God commissioned him to do so. He told Fader in 2008 that he felt God had chosen him to be a “voice and connector” and likened himself to a vessel for the Almighty.
Some critics might argue West isn’t as holy as he claims to be.
Kanye West’s past with drug addiction
He may walk a golden path to the Lord now, but West has plenty of sins in his past. He spoke openly in 2018 about his past opioid addiction.
West’s addiction, which he claims to have been a result of too many prescriptions following a liposuction surgery he had, had him popping too many pills. He mentioned his not-so-saintly past, during his recent speaking engagement with college students.
Kanye West’s ridiculous advice for college students
Sharing a personal journey and life-related lessons are often considered inspirational. West stepped up to do just that and discuss his past tribulations, to a faith-based student audience.
It got a little ridiculous, though, as he announced to 12,000 college students that the devil almost had him. His core message to them is that Jesus saved his life and promoting his belief that Jesus had died for him.
The “Jesus Is King” rapper chimed in during the event choir performances. As the 135 gospel singers hit their notes, West offered sentiments like: “I stretch my hands to you/Father I stretch” and “Do you know the good news? Jesus can save a wretch like me.”
He also joined in for various other songs, including “Selah,” “Follow God,” and “Jesus Is King.”
Kanye West’s ongoing faith-based crusade
His message to this group isn’t isolated. West spent the day before at a 10-hour prayer rally in Arizona. There he shared his addiction stories with the attendees for the “Awaken 2020” event. He went on to advise the audience to “tell the devil; we’ll no longer be his slave.”
The question remains: Is he really looking to share the word of God, or is this part of a grander plan, to spotlight his Sunday Service launch? West’s Sunday Service is a social media-based religion, where Christianity, fashion, and music come together in a way only West can mash-up.
Religion can be a powerful motivation for many. Right or wrong, being born again can significantly change how someone lives and engages the world around him or her. As for West being a former slave to the devil, it’s hard to say if he’s authentic or a false prophet. We can say it might definitely be a little ridiculous.
Written by: CheatSheet
