Kanye West's New Release, "Yikes", Begs The Question: "What Were We Thinking?"
It is no secret among A-Lister's that Kanye West has given us all something to think about over the past number of years. From his feud with T-Swift, to his marriage to Kim K., Kanye West ("Yeezy") has made us sit-up and pay attention. His latest release, "Yikes", has given this writer reason to pause, sit-up even more straight, and ask myself--"what was I thinking before about people diagnosed as having a bipolar condition?" Did I see it as a "super power", or something else?
What Exactly Is A Bipolar Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a bipolar disorder, also known as a manic depressive illness, "is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks." Four basic types of bipolar disorder have been recognized, and "all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels." These types are: 1) Bipolar I Disorder; 2) Bipolar II Disorder; 3) Cyclothymic Disorder (also called cyclothymia); and 4) Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders. Read more about Bipolar Disorders.
Kanye West
"Bipolar...That's My Super Power... ."
Kanye West's "Yikes" take a step into an area that has been generally taboo for most cultures--mental illness. What's most fascinating here, in this instance, Yeezy is using his disorder to channel his "Super Power" which is obviously seeing and translating the world through a lense that is unfettered by pretense and window dressing. "Yikes" is a wake up call to those coping with similar disorders, and to those who know someone that is coping. What opportunities for greater enhanced awareness and understanding are we missing by thinking about this disorder as something less than unique and potentially a significant opportunity to see the world through a different set of eyes? I now see that we have been missing a great deal.
Kanye West's "Yikes" Breaks Ground
"Yikes" has an off-the-chain beat and hypnotic trance-like feel that makes you want to listen again and again. Right out the box, we began spinning "Yikes" in high rotation right away. His lyrics tell the story of what life is like with and without the pharmaceutical drugs that he must take to manage his disorder. He takes artistic license at the end of the track to "scream out", likely because as a person with this condition, he has freedom to be himself, and demonstrate that self to his fans. Indeed, Kanye West is a genius. Well done Yeezy!
"Yikes" Lyrics On Video
Universal Music Group Yikes · Kanye West ye ℗ ℗ 2018 Getting Out Our Dreams II, LLC, distributed by Def Jam, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc., 1755 Broadway, New York, New York 10019.