Kanye West has revealed his aversion to literature by comparing books to Brussels sprouts and declaring that he sees evolved forms of communication as crucial to his vision of a better future.
The revelation came on a new episode of the podcast Hello mind full, where the rapper joined Alo Yoga co-founder Danny Harris and host Alyson Wilson to “paint a sonic picture of what’s on his mind.” Harris spoke of a book he had read over 100 times that contained philosophies on self-confidence that he and West agreed on.
“[West] told me he hadn’t read this book,” said the entrepreneur, “but I told him every positive attribute [detailed in it], he embodies, of course. And that’s extraordinary, you know, to have that confidence — you know it’s extraordinary to be such a young kid and to go out and inspire and have that vision and make it happen.”
West responded to the sentiment by clarifying that not only had he skipped reading the book Harris mentioned, but “actually [hasn’t] read any Book.” He explained, “For me, reading is like eating Brussels sprouts, and talking is like Giorgio Baldi’s corn ravioli.” (Giorgio Baldi is an upscale Italian restaurant and celebrity hotspot in Santa Monica, California).
The rapper continued with an anecdote about Mike Howe, inventor of the Ripsaw fighting vehicle, saying, “When his mother writes him long paragraphs, he reads the first sentence and the last sentence. This man and his brother invented the fastest rail vehicle – they built it GI Joethey have government contracts, this guy is a thoroughbred engineer, works with all geniuses and for practical reasons – not headstrong, you know, practically – Technologies, and he only reads the first sentence and the last.
“What do you think was my answer? ‘The same thing.'”
Check out West’s episode of the Hello mind full Podcast below:
West went on to discuss an occasion when he and Harris seemed to go beyond the need for traditional conversational methods: “Danny really loves the Donda Doves logo, and he just looks at it and says, ‘This is it.’ And I exist in this “out of time and space, 2,000 years from now” situation where… We had that a moment before where he asked me about the fabrics and I didn’t even have to say a word — we literally just communicated with a nod, like a real Jedi.
“That was the one moment that showed where we’re going to be… Our children and our grandchildren will reach that level of proficiency. Because the Tower of Babylon, English, you know, the idea of having to speak correct English… You’re not going to respect what I say, even though you know what I’m saying, unless I speak correct English? Well, that’s like a version of [a situation where] Every time I talk I get stopped and have to take a breathalyser test by running my finger along a yellow line on my nose.
“I want to express myself. And I’ve seen kids express themselves and just want to cry, and someone will say, ‘Use your words.’ But what if they want to cry? Because we were given that form of expression.”
Earlier this week, West made waves when he opened his own private school — a Christian preparatory facility called Donda Academy — in Simi Valley, California. According to its website, the tuition-based school aims to “prepare students to become the next generation of leaders,” with students enrolled in programs where they are said to “learn fundamentals, grow in their faith, and experience two classes of enrichment.”
Two families who signed up for their children to attend Donda Academy have claimed they had to sign NDAs before being admitted. However, a consultant for Donda said Rolling Stone that each student’s parents only have to sign “an informal agreement.”
“Honestly, we don’t care if people know about the school,” said Tamar Andrews. “People who want to come to the school are looking for a good Christian school in the area and they know we’re there.” However, she noted that the school is not yet accredited.
