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February 5, 2025

"I Miss the Old Kanye" – Yeah, We Do Too

"I Miss the Old Kanye" – Yeah, We Do Too

For nearly two decades, Kanye West has been one of the most polarizing figures in music, fashion, and culture. From his soul-sampling genius on The College Dropout to his boundary-pushing experimentation on Yeezus, Kanye has continuously redefined what hip-hop and artistry can be. But somewhere along the way, things changed.

Now, many fans find themselves saying: “I miss the old Kanye.” And honestly? We do too.

The Kanye We Fell in Love With

Back in 2004, Kanye burst onto the scene as a breath of fresh air. With hits like Through the Wire, All Falls Down, and Jesus Walks, he gave us thoughtful, soulful, and deeply personal storytelling. He wasn’t just a rapper—he was a visionary.

His first three albumsThe College Dropout, Late Registration, and Graduation—solidified his place as an artist who could blend mainstream success with deep artistic integrity. He rapped about struggles, ambition, and social issues, all while keeping a level of charm and relatability that made him feel like one of us.

And then came 808s & Heartbreak (2008), an album that initially divided fans but later became one of the most influential records of the modern era. Kanye’s auto-tuned vulnerability laid the foundation for artists like Drake, Kid Cudi, and The Weeknd.

The Shift: Kanye vs. Kanye

As Kanye’s career evolved, so did his persona. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) was a masterpiece—perhaps his greatest work—but it also marked the beginning of a shift. His ego, once seen as playful confidence, began to overshadow the music.

By the time Yeezus dropped in 2013, Kanye had fully embraced his larger-than-life, self-proclaimed genius status. The music was still cutting-edge, but the humility and relatability that defined his early career started fading.

From infamous public rants to Twitter outbursts and controversial statements, Kanye became more than just an artist—he became a constant headline.

Controversy Over Art

Let’s be honest: Kanye has always been controversial. From storming the VMAs stage to calling himself “the greatest artist of all time”, he’s never been afraid to speak his mind. But in recent years, the headlines have been less about his artistic brilliance and more about his public persona, politics, and unpredictable behavior.

Can We Ever Get the Old Kanye Back?

The truth is, Kanye has always been evolving. That’s part of what made him great in the first place. But as fans, we can’t help but miss the version of Kanye that seemed hungry, focused, and inspired by the world around him—not just obsessed with himself.

We’re not asking for him to go backward or make another College Dropout, but we do wish for the balance between artistry and authenticity that made him special in the first place.

So, when someone says, “I miss the old Kanye,” they’re not just talking about the music—they’re talking about the feeling. The era when Kanye was still the underdog, still fighting to prove himself, still more about the message than the madness.

Yeah, we miss the old Kanye. Don’t you?

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