Summer 2016 and 1980’s Nostalgia

Stranger Things (Netflix, 2016)

The Netflix TV Show, Stranger Things set the precedent for the summer of all things nostalgia—reminding us that “throwback” and reminiscing of a pastime is an integral part of the human experience. Stranger Things excited older and newer generations of viewers by explicitly drawing from our favorite Sci-Fi movies, TV shows, and 80’s ephemera. 

On the same topic of nostalgia and it’s universal potential to reach both the old and new generations, Kanye West released his music video for Fade tonight at the 2016 VMA’s and “throwback” was written all over it. For those who have not watched Fade yet, the video features Teyana Taylor, nearly naked, dancing in a gym, sweaty and wet, to a strikingly familiar dance sequence from the 1983 film Flashdance.

Fade (Kanye West, 2016)

While still performing within a more modern context, Taylor channels Jennifer Beals in a deliberately candid fashion. All over the Internet, people and publications are talking about Fade, as a video paying homage to Flashdance but I wonder if West will recognize his blatant "rip off" as “high art” or nostalgia driven imagery inspired by an iconic film? West is not known for his humble nature.

Wake Up Mr. West: When Narcissism Turns Against You

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As we all know, Kanye West is really “on one” right now. Aside from throwing shade at Taylor Swift on his new track Famous, the rapper's egomania has reached new heights—comparing himself to God, Steve Jobs, and Stanley Kubrick to name a few. Last week, the comical hashtag, “#OutBoastKanye” was popularized on Twitter, after Kanye gloated about buying “furs and houses” for his family. At this point, not only has West’s braggart craze and pompous statements stolen the spotlight from The Life of Pablo's critical success, but his behavior has also negatively swayed the public’s opinion about the artist—making him an easy target for late night comedy and a routine subject for media discretion. Here, just take a look at his turbulent stream of consciousness:  

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On one hand, some people believe his controversial behavior is a well-masked gimmick, a publicity rouse or perhaps a deliberate marketing strategy, to gain traction for his newest album's release. However, while Kanye loves attention, I don't know if attracting this degree of negative scrutiny is being intentionally manufactured by any means. When further examining his limitless mode of extreme narcissism, it is important to recognize that arrogance is psychologically rooted in fear and insecurity not power or confidence.

Looking at some of his most outrageous moments like begging tech billionaires Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page for financial support or witnessing the aggressive rage of his backstage temper tantrum at SNL, West’s mental instability and impulsive nature seems very palpable, at least from an "outside" perspective. Even his long time collaborator Rhymefest tweeted that West "needs help, in the form of counseling. spiritual and mental". After listening to some of the darker tracks on The Life of Pablo (like FML or Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2) it almost feels like the artist is calling out for help, even if it's not intentional. If West continues down this erratic path without first healing some of his deeper wounds, he may risk undermining his achievements and future potential as one of our generation’s greatest artists. 

“Momma pass in Hollywood. If you ask, lost my soul. Driving fast, lost control.”

— Kanye West on Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 2