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Happy Throwback Thursday: A Lesson in Unconditional Love, by Kanye and Donda West

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Everyone has their own opinions about Kanye West- some say he is cocky, others think he is a genius. Some say he is the poet laureate  of a generation, others claim he is a conceited, arrogant, loose cannon that does not know when to hold his tongue. In recent years, some of Kanye’s antics have contributed to him cultivating a less favorable public persona. Because let’s get real, declaring, “I am a God […] Pass me the damn croissants!”, can make someone slightly more difficult to embrace. However, Kanye’s high opinion of himself and his imperviable self esteem is something to be admired. Unfortunately, there are so many people these days that are completely unaware of selves worth, thus allowing themselves to succumb to the toxic perils of low self esteem. I use the word toxic because living with a lack of self love consistently clouds judgment, causing all capacities of living to be inevitably plagued by negative consequences and setting oneself up for failure and self sabotage before even getting out of the gate.

Source: magpielibrarian.files.wordpress.com

Say what you will about Mr. West, but he is an artist dedicated to creating influence through self-expression, and whether you love him or hate him, it is clear he has zero intent of slowing down his momentum. He is living proof that, in addition to talent, confidence is the key to success.

Source: Globalgrind.com, Buzzfeed.com

But where does confidence really come from? Is this an inherited quality some are simply blessed with, or is this something that has to be taught? While I personally believe that confidence is a life skill that can be exercised and built upon over time as one matures, I also think the origin of one’s self-confidence starts in childhood, in the home environment. Kanye’s childhood wasn’t always perfect, but one consistent element in his life was the strong bond between he and his mother, Donda. An exemplary single mother, Donda selflessly provided young Kanye with the stability, support, and unconditional love every child needs, ultimately laying the strong foundation that allowed Kanye to preserve in the competitive, cutthroat music industry. While Kanye may have exceeded the expectations of haters and naysayers, Donda always believed her son was destined to become one of the most well respected artists in the 21st century. Check out this candid home video of mother and son, rapping to one of Kanye’s original tunes and discussing his music, early in his career.


Source: youtube.com, user: YEEZER

Seeing this softer side of Kanye is a refreshing reminder that Kanye is more well rounded than the cocky, music mogul public persona he presents to the public, he is a child that loves his mother. Sadly, Donda tragically passed away in 2007, and shortly after Donda’s passing, Kanye gave an emotional speech about how his mother inspired him, during a concert in Belgium:

“And there’s nothing that she loved more than to come to the shows and scream louder than any fan, because she was my first fan that was screaming before anybody else, and my first manager. If she was here, she would tell me to ‘get on that stage and kill it, dawg!’ That was her favorite word: dawg. She would tell me to go on this Glow in the Dark Tour and, ‘Take over the world and be number one like I taught you to be, baby.’ So I just wanna take this time out — I wanna dedicate this to my mother because the words, the lyrics to the song, it really connects to me and it really explains, and then it says exactly what she would want me to do — and that’s not stop believing.”

Source: mtv.com

Donda’s unconditional love and unyielding faith in her son is what fueled Kanye’s inner strength, and this awareness of his personal value is what really allowed Kanye to skyrocket to success. Kanye has inarguably revolutionized modern music, by continuously pushing the boundaries of creative consciousness, and Donda’s legacy thrives through Kanye’s confidence, personal hustle, and passion for his art.

Source: CNN.com

So to all my curly mamas, teach your kids to have just as much respect for themselves as they do for others. You are the compass of compassion and the catalyst of love for your children.

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And to all the curly kiddies- don’t forget thank your mama for this priceless gift.

Source: donnienicole.files.wordpress.com

Kanye West Performs Hey Mama, Live at the 2008 Grammys

Source: youtube.com, user: mikunmj100

Lyrics to “Hey Mama”, by Kanye West:

[Chorus]
(Hey Mama), I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I’m so proud of you
Let me tell you what I’m about to do, (Hey Mama)
I know I act a fool but, I promise you I’m goin back to school
I appreciate what you allowed for me
I just want you to be proud of me (Hey Mama)

[Verse 1]
I wanna tell the whole world about a friend of mine
This little light of mine and I’m finna let it shine
I’m finna take yall back to them better times
I’m finna talk about my mama if yall don’t mind
I was three years old, when you and I moved to the Chi
Late December, harsh winter gave me a cold
You fixed me up something that was good for my soul
Famous homemade chicken soup, can I have another bowl?
You work late nights just to keep on the lights
Mommy got me training wheels so I could keep on my bike
And you would give anything in this world
Michael Jackson leather and a glove, but didn’t give me a curl
And you never put no man over me
And I love you for that mommy cant you see?
Seven years old, caught you with tears in your eyes
Cuz a nigga cheatin, telling you lies, then I started to cry
As we knelt on the kitchen floor
I said mommy Imma love you till you don’t hurt no more
And when I’m older, you aint gotta work no more
And Imma get you that mansion that we couldn’t afford
See you’re, unbreakable, unmistakable
Highly capable, lady that’s makin loot
A livin legend too, just look at what heaven do
Send us an angel, and I thank you (Hey Mama)

[Chorus]

[Verse 2]
Forrest Gump mama said, life is like a box of chocolates
My mama told me go to school, get your doctorate
Somethin to fall back on, you could profit with
But still supported me when I did the opposite
Now I feel like it’s things I gotta get
Things I gotta do, just to prove to you
You was getting through, can the choir please
Give me a verse of “You, Are So Beautiful To Me”
Can’t you see, you’re like a book of poetry
Maya Angelou, Nicky Giovanni, turn one page and there’s my mommy
Come on mommy just dance wit me, let the whole world see your dancing feet
Now when I say Hey, yall say Mama, now everybody answer me (Hey Mama)

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
I guess it also depends tho, if my ends low
Second they get up you gon get that Benzo
Tint the windows, ride around the city and let ya friends know (Hey Mama)

[Verse 3]
Tell your job you gotta fake em out
Since you brought me in this world, let me take you out
To a restaurant, upper echelon
Imma get you a jag, whatever else you want
Just tell me what kind of S-Type Donda West like?
Tell me the perfect color so I make it just right
It don’t gotta be Mother’s Day, or your birthday
For me to just call and say (Hey Mama)

[Chorus (with variations)]

Source: Tumblr.com

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