Podunkian Music Club February 16

Kanye West--Champion



We suspect that somewhere in the city tonight, somebody is playing this song at a club or a house party.

So it seemed like a timely bit of occasion to feature Kanye West on the Music club tonight.

He's been one of the top earners of the Rap and Hip Hop world over the last few years, flirting with crossover success year after year since he first appeared on the scene in the early to mid part of this decade.

The Grammy Awards have frequently been a frustrating occassion for him with many a nomination but few of the majors to speak of. He's had his wins, but has yet to claim the top honours for Artist or Album of the year, last week he managed to secure four awards out of his eight nominations, including the Best Rap Album award for Graduation.

However, much like the last three years he was shut out for Album of the year. This time losing out to Herbie Hancock, who collected on a long overdue honour.

Outspoken and more than often controversial, he's been selected by Time as one of their 100 newsmakers and probably is best remembered for the short if slightly uncomfortable speech on the Hurricane Katrina relief broadcast in 2005.

From his debut album in 2004 he's shown a steady rise to the top of hip hop and rap and continues to gain fans from across the musical spectrum (well perhaps, country and classical folks have yet to catch on). His latest effort is called Graduation, spawing a number of hits including tonight's featured song.

While many may not particularly like his music, or his personna, West is still one of the few artists that isn't afraid to take a stand and provide a message in his music, giving the listener cause to think, digest and react to it. Which after all, is what music is supposed to do.

Artist--Kanye West
Recording--Graduation