Kanye West is an outspoken guy. Sometimes it feels like nothing can stop him from getting his point across. We’re talking about a rapper who recorded a classic song with his jaw wired shut!
But it turns out that there is a kryptonite to Yeezy’s mouth: the media. In recent years, Kanye has refused red carpet and official interviews since his tense sit-down with Matt Lauer, where The Today Show host played footage of Ye's infamous VMA meltdown while Kanye was talking.
We always loved it when Kanye went off on a rant, but nowadays he's opting more and more for the silent treatment. And judging from his recent 106 & Park appearance alongside 2 Chainz—which was literally just that, an appearance—it’s starting to seem like he prefers to show up at places and say nothing at all. So we decided to take a quick look back at A (Brief) History of Kanye West’s Silent Moments...
Written by Insanul Ahmed (@Incilin) & Lauren Nostro (@LAURENcynthia)
Sway Asks Kanye About His “Disloyalty”
Sway Asks Kanye About His “Disloyalty”
Date: August 22, 2005
What happened? Back in 2005, Sway dropped a pretty heavy question on Kanye’s during their All Eyes On Kanye West special on MTV. Sway asked ‘Ye if he was being disloyal by sticking with Jay-Z instead of Dame Dash after the Roc-A-Fella break up (when Dash believed in Kanye from the very beginning and Jay-Z didn’t). Sway’s question silenced Kanye for a few seconds before he responded saying “Uh, yeah” and admitted that he might have in fact been disloyal.
Complex says: Yeah but in the long run sticking with Jay was definitely the smartest move for Yeezy. It’s called Watch The Throne, not Watch The IRS Repossess Your Assets.
Jay Leno Leaves Kanye Speechless
Jay Leno Leaves Kanye Speechless
Date: September 2009
What happened? A day after he stormed the stage at MTV’s 2009 VMAs, Kanye sat down with Jay Leno to deliver his third public apology to Taylor Swift after crashing her acceptance speech. Leno, who once met Donda West, threw Kanye a curveball, asking what his late mother would have said about his VMA outburst. That question led to 20 seconds of silence that felt more like 20 minutes.
Complex says: Kanye is now honoring his late mother with DONDA—a project where he hopes to unite all the best writers, thinkers, creators etc. in the world. Who knows? He might even invite some funny comedians. Guess that means Leno will never get invited. #TeamCoco
Runaway
Soundless Scene in "Runaway" Short
Date: October 4, 2010
What happened? In the 35-minute "Runaway" musical short, Kanye makes sure his bird can drink out of a teacup before the dinner party scene. During nearly 30 seconds of silence from Kanye, the Phoenix, embodied by Victoria’s Secret model Selita Ebanks, fumbles the teacup with her long fingernails as Kanye watches her across a table of candles. It’s kinda uncomfortable.
Complex says: He was just that serious about teaching his bird how to toast to the douchebags. At least now she can say, “Yeezy taught me!”
Silent Interview With New York Magazine
Kanye Gives A Nod To New York Magazine
Date: January 26, 2011
What happened? In January 2011, Kanye attended the private opening of George Condo’s Mental States (Condo was the artist who created the cover image for My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy) at the New Museum in New York. When a journalist from New York Magazine approached Kanye and asked him a few questions, Kanye responded with nods, fake sign language, and a handshake.
Complex says: Ugh. Why is there no video or photos of Kanye doing fake sign language? That's an instant classic meme just waiting to happen.
Kanye Occupies Wall Street...Quietly
Kanye Occupies Wall Street...Quietly
Date: October 10, 2011
What happened? Last October, protest regular Russell Simmons took Kanye on a quick stroll through Zuccotti Park during the Occupy Wall Street protests. Once they got there, Kanye tried to keep a low profile and let Simmons speak on his behalf.
Complex says: Yeezy kinda went all 1 percenter on us with his gold chain and Givenchy shirt, but at least he gave the OWS movement some style.
2 Chainz on 106 & Park
Kanye Lets 2 Chainz Do The Talking on 106 & Park
Date: April 9, 2012
What happened? During his appearance on 106 & Park, 2 Chainz surprised the crowd by bringing out Kanye. With his spot on G.O.O.D. Music’s "Mercy" track, 2 Chainz praised the work he’s been putting in with Kanye. Just having Kanye standing next to him was a good look for the Atlanta rapper, but then again, that's all Kanye did—stand there. He didn't say a thing.
Complex says: Aww, poor Terrence J. He was so hyped thinking he was going to get to interview Kanye—but alas, it wasn’t meant to be.
