In an interview with The New York Times, Kanye West has discussed his infamous comments about slavery.
Earlier this year in May, Kanye dropped by the TMZ studios to talk about his relationship with United States President Donald Trump as well as a number of other subjects. At the time of the interview, Kanye had just posted multiple tweets praising the controversial figure for their shared “dragon energy”.
Kanye had said, “When you hear about slavery for 400 years—for 400 years?! That sounds like a choice. Like, you was there for 400 years and it’s all of y’all? It’s like we’re mentally in prison.”
The comments were received negatively, to say the least. Furious fans and members of the public criticised Kanye on Twitter as did numerous figures in the entertainment industry.
Now, in the interview with the Times, Kanye explained:
“I said the idea of sitting in something for 400 years sounds — sounds — like a choice to me, I never said it’s a choice. I never said slavery itself — like being shackled in chains — was a choice.
“That’s why I went from slave to 400 years to mental prison to this and that. If you look at the clip you see the way my mind works.”
Asked how he would rephrase his answer if given the chance, Kanye said:
“I wouldn’t frame a one-liner or a headline. What I would say is actually it’s literally like I feel like I’m in court having to justify a robbery that I didn’t actually commit, where I’m having to somehow reframe something that I never said. I feel stupid to have to say out loud that I know that being put on the boat was — but also I’m not backing down, bro. What I will do is I’ll take responsibility for the fact that I allowed my voice to be used back to back in ways that were not protective of it when my voice means too much.”
The interview, which took place in Jackson, Wyoming earlier this month also explored Kanye’s return to Twitter, his new music, and his comments on Trump. Of the latter, close friend and fellow singer-songwriter, John Legend had asked Kanye to “reconsider aligning yourself with Trump” because Kanye’s too powerful and influential to endorse the leader and his policies.
Kanye still admires Trump but doesn’t agree with all of his policies.
You can read the full interview, HERE.
