Kanye West urges musicians to learn from Nigerian Afrobeats artists, Jewish investors, and tech leaders from China and India for business success.
Speaking in a recent interview with DJ Akademiks, West criticized American rappers for their lack of business knowledge and dependence on outsiders to manage their financial and legal affairs.
West did not hold back in his comments, calling out artists for failing to understand the complexities of contracts and industry deals.
“None of these rappers are as smart as me,” he claimed. “They don’t know how to handle their own business. They depend on lawyers and investors to do everything for them.”
Claims of Industry Dependence on Lawyers and Investors
He pointed out that many artists struggle with even the basics of financial management.
“It’s like they can’t even count. Jewish people and lawyers run their entire business. They handle the contracts, the setups—everything,” West said.
The rapper challenged his peers to operate independently.
“Try running a record label without a Jewish investor,” he said. “Go and build a TV network without them. Let’s see how that works.”
Praise for Nigerian Afrobeats and Tech Leaders
West went on to praise Nigerian Afrobeats artists for their success in the global music scene. He noted that these musicians have built strong business models without relying heavily on outsiders.
“Look at the Nigerians, the Chinese, the Jewish, or the Indian tech guys. They know how to take control of their own industries,” he said.
The Long-Standing Debate on Financial Literacy
His remarks reflect a long-running debate about financial literacy in the music industry. Many artists, especially in hip-hop, have historically struggled with exploitative contracts and poor money management. Labels and investors often take advantage of musicians who lack business knowledge, leaving them with little control over their careers.
West himself has had legal and financial disputes in the past. Over the years, he has spoken openly about contract issues with major record labels. In 2020, he went as far as posting pages of his own music contracts on social media to expose what he called unfair industry practices.
A Push for Financial Independence
His latest comments come at a time when more artists are advocating for ownership and financial independence. Streaming services and social media have given musicians more control over their careers, but many still rely on traditional industry structures to succeed.
Some critics argue that West’s statements oversimplify a complex issue. They point out that not every artist has the resources or connections to break free from industry norms. Others believe his remarks could be seen as divisive, especially given his history of controversial statements.
A Call to Take Charge
Despite the controversy, West’s core message remains clear: artists need to take charge of their business affairs. He believes musicians should study successful models from other industries and cultures.
“Until rappers start thinking like Nigerians, the Chinese, the Jewish, or the Indian tech guys, they’ll always be at a disadvantage,” he said.
His words may spark further discussion among artists and industry professionals. As the music business continues to evolve, financial literacy and ownership will likely remain key topics for debate.
