Kanye West discussed his plans to run for president in 2024. West's controversial political views have received a lot of attention in recent years.
West spoke at Fast Company's Innovation Festival, where he was joined onstage by his Yeezy collaborator Steven Smith. The embattled performer delighted in sharing news about the next generation of his eponymous sneakers, which will be made from algae. He also announced plans to move his corporate headquarters to Cody, Wyoming. West and his family have been frequent visitors to the state, so he has seen firsthand the need for jobs in the area. He also talked about the environmental impact of dyeing fabrics, and the changes the company will make to mitigate those risks. However, not everyone took what he had to say seriously. As a matter of fact, the rapper had a rather humbling moment as he communicated his political aspirations.
"When I run for president in 2024-" West said, only to be interrupted by a smattering of laughter from audience members, according to CNN. “What y’all laughing at?" he continued. West already started the process of outlining his political platform by telling the crowd that if he were elected president, he would "create so many jobs." He told onlookers:
"I’m not going to run, I’m going to walk. What they’re saying is Kanye’s crazy - one and three African Americans are in jail and all the celebrities are in jail also because they can’t say nothing because they’re so scared."
Fans of the rapper might remember West stating his intention to make a political run in the 2020 election during the MTV Video Music Awards back in August 2015. While accepting his Video Vanguard Award, West went into a diatribe about a series of his thoughts, punctuating the statement by telling the audience that if they were wondering if he smoked something before addressing them, "the answer is 'Yes, I rolled up a little something. I knocked the edge off.'"
While a hip-hop performer in the White House might seem a bit farfetched to some, the highest office in the land has been held by an actor (Ronald Reagan) and a reality television star (Donald Trump). Adding to the speculation about his next act in politics is wife Kim Kardashian's recent work as a law student and prison reform activist.
To some, Kanye West running for President of the United States is a joke. However, for the 42-year-old rapper, 2024 is the year he plans to take over a new frontier. He's conquered the music charts, the fashion industry, and is even a regular fixture on his in-law's hit show Keeping Up With the Kardashians. He is also laying the foundation for his success by aligning himself with Donald Trump's conservative base, while continuing to appeal to his own fans. It may seem funny to think of President West, but then again, not a lot of people thought Trump would win the White House either... and he did. Does West have what it takes? Voters can decide in a few years when the rapper and Mogul officially throws his hat into the ring.