For my research paper I plan to examine Kanye West. Kanye West is a pop culture icon and has an overwhelming influence on everything ranging from fashion to music. Kanye has a record label, multiple multi platinum albums, a large endorsement deal with Louis Vuitton, a wildly successful blog, and a recently released Nike shoe (now selling for around $700 -$800). His first album debuted in 2004 and within 5 years he has attained an unimaginable level of success, fame, and influence.

In my paper I plan to give a brief history of Kanye’s sudden rise to fame. I will also examine the scope of his influence.  There are numerous questions I would like to raise such as how does a rapper, that claims the South Side of Chicago, become an icon for high fashion? How has Kanye been able to almost effortless penetrated the world of modern art and architecture? Why is Kanye such a trendsetter nationally and internationally? How does Kanye challenge tradition conceptions of masculinity in a socially accepted and celebrated manner? I believe that Kanye West is an interesting case study in the power of popular culture. Examining and understanding his influence and how he attained it will provide valuable insight in the effects and role of popular culture. I believe that much of Kanye’s power and influence comes from his ability to expose unique art forms (such as street art, sampling music, shoe design, architecture and high fashion) and turn them into commodities for the masses. However, I don’t believe that this is the only source of his power and influence. I plan to look at Kanye West using many of the theories and theorists we have studied such as Marxist Theory, Hegemony, Feminism, Stuart Hall, Althusser.

In terms of research I plan to use information from Kanye West’s website and blog http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/ .I will also use fan websites such as http://www.kanyelive.com/ . There are also a numerous news articles on Kanye. One  interesting article was done by Time Magzine entitled “Why You Can’t Ignore Kanye”. I also know a few hardcore Kanye fans that I plan to interview.

I would gladly welcome any feedback or suggestions.