Can’t Tell Me Nothin’: Is Kanye West’s Rant Against Brands Hypocritical? [PHOTOS]

“I had a dream I could buy my way to heaven. When I awoke I spent that on a necklace.” -Kanye West (“Can’t Tell Me Nothin'”)

Worth a reported $90 million,  Ye has shunned what so many in his position attribute to their self worth. “I wanted something better, something fresher,” he freestyled during a recent performance stop in Amsterdam. “It wasn’t because of the pressure it’s just that I wanted something better or fresher. A lot of people buy brands because of the pressure, and without the brands they make you feel lesser. Every bus stop there’s a message, ‘Get like this.’ Pretty, black and white photo. Get like this.”

And then there’s the Kim Kardashian factor.

A man clearly venting his frustrations with being famous, is committed to the biggest reality star on the planet. In the past he’s chosen virtual unknowns, all of whom were  made into stars just  by linking arms with him. In the case of Kardashian, she’s certainly sustained her popularity because of West—and their unborn child—but she was doing perfectly fine on her own. How she  achieved fame doesn’t necessarily dictate her moral compass, nor her ability to relate to a boyfriend falling in and out of love with the spotlight, but the union does make for a juxtaposition of realities. Were it not for the help of companies connecting with the 32-year-old, and her family, her career would be much different today. Advertising sales on Keeping Up With the Kardashian, and the many accompanying spin-offs have bankrolled her brand, which makes it odd that West would rant about an issue that has now become a big part of his life.

But perhaps that’s the root of his frustration.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

“I’m Kan, the Louis Vuitton Don, bought my mom a purse, now she’s Louis Vuitton Mom.” -Kanye West (“Last Call'”)

Having partnered with big name companies in the past, and helping put brands on the map just by a mention of their name (or an appearance at their events) his anti-brand mini-speeches are steeped in irony. At a moment where the things he once rapped about having are now the very things he stands against, one can’t help but wonder if he’s being a hypocrite, or has finally become self-aware and recognizes the position he plays in the game of entertainment. But at what point does he have to take responsibility for how he’s helped to hydrate the bloodthirsty brand monsters of which he speaks?

See more images of Mr. West and some of his favorite brands below.

With Marc Jacobs debuting his Louis Vuitton sneakers during Paris Fashion week in 2010.

Going over sketches with LV designer Fabrizio Vitti.

The infamous Givenchy leather skirt from the Watch the Throne tour.

Ye in his Gucci Shaman moccasins and a Gucci scarf in the 2007 video for “Can’t Tell Me Notin”

Kanye West (and his YSL) at Paris Fashion Week in 2009.

At the Elle Saab fashion show, alongside actress Mischa Barton in 2009.

Performing at the 2010 MTV Awards in a red suit and Louis Vuitton sneakers.

Debuting his own line in Paris.