American rapper, entrepreneur, and music producer, Kanye West, has called on his fellow rappers to take inspiration from Nigerian Afrobeats artists, Jewish investors, Chinese entrepreneurs, and Indian tech experts to enhance their business acumen.
In a recent interview with media personality DJ Akademiks, Kanye West expressed his frustration with the lack of financial and legal literacy among American rappers. He argued that many artists fail to understand the business side of the music industry and often rely on external parties to manage their contracts and financial dealings.
Kanye’s Critique of the Music Industry
West, known for his candid and often controversial remarks, criticized the dependency of rappers on legal and business professionals, particularly Jewish investors and lawyers. He suggested that without external financial and legal support, many artists would struggle to manage their careers effectively.
He stated, “None of these nggas [rappers] are as smart as me. I can’t say for at the least, the tech dudes. That’s some other sht. But artists are dumb, bro. It’s like, they can’t even fcking count, bro. Jewish people and lawyers run their whole sht [businesses] like the contracts, the setups, etc.”
West challenged the rap industry to establish independent record labels and media networks without relying on Jewish investors, emphasizing that doing so would demonstrate true financial and operational control.
“Okay, go and ask them to run a whole record label without a Jewish person, I will take back what I had to say. Go and set up your whole TV network, make it run, no Jewish investor—let me see how that works.”
Praise for Nigerian Afrobeats Artists and Global Business Leaders
In his commentary, West acknowledged the progress and business strategies of Nigerian Afrobeats artists, suggesting that they have successfully built a thriving industry with strong global influence. He pointed to their ability to maintain independence while securing international recognition.
He also credited Chinese and Indian entrepreneurs, particularly in the tech industry, for their innovation and financial strategies. He emphasized that these groups have mastered financial and business management skills that many American rappers have yet to develop.
“Until motherfckers can really get their stuff together like the Nigerians, the Chinese, the Jewish, or like the tech Indian or some sht, everything I’m saying counts.”
The Growing Influence of Afrobeats and Business Lessons for Rappers
West’s comments align with the recent global rise of Afrobeats, a genre that has produced international stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. These artists have built profitable brands, signed major global deals, and maintained strong business acumen while retaining control over their creative work. Unlike many American rappers who often fall into exploitative contracts, Afrobeats artists have strategically aligned themselves with global music executives while still controlling their brands and artistic freedom.
The success of Nigerian musicians in securing endorsement deals, launching independent record labels, and expanding their influence into global markets showcases a business model that American rappers could learn from.
The Role of Financial Literacy in the Music Industry
West’s argument touches on a broader issue in the entertainment industry: financial literacy among artists. Many musicians, particularly in the hip-hop scene, sign record deals without fully understanding the terms, leading to disputes over ownership, royalties, and creative control.
In contrast, industries dominated by Jewish, Chinese, and Indian entrepreneurs emphasize long-term investment, ownership, and financial independence. Tech innovators from India and China have created some of the world’s most valuable companies, while Jewish investors have built lasting legacies in various industries, including music and entertainment.
For American rappers to gain true financial independence, they must prioritize financial education, legal knowledge, and business strategy. Building independent labels, investing in diversified income streams, and securing ownership over intellectual property are key steps toward long-term success.
Kanye West’s Business Acumen
West himself has demonstrated an ability to navigate the business world beyond music. His ventures, including Yeezy, have generated billions of dollars, proving that artists can transition into successful entrepreneurs when they prioritize business knowledge.
Despite facing backlash for some of his outspoken statements, West remains one of the few musicians who have successfully built a self-sustaining business empire. His message serves as a wake-up call for artists to take control of their financial futures and learn from industries that have mastered business success.
Conclusion
Kanye West’s remarks may be controversial, but they highlight a critical issue in the music industry: the need for financial and business education among artists. By learning from Nigerian Afrobeats musicians, Jewish investors, and tech entrepreneurs from China and India, rappers can build sustainable careers and avoid common financial pitfalls.
Whether or not the rap industry will take his advice remains to be seen, but his call for self-sufficiency and business awareness is a conversation that cannot be ignored. If artists embrace financial literacy and strategic business moves, they could change the industry’s landscape for generations to come.
