Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Superstar

I was fascinated with Kanye long before this book came out or his mother passed, but this book made me love him that much more. It gives you a look into his world before all the money and fame. It portrays a young, hungry kid who's wanted nothing more in his life. Easy read, finished in 3 days!

This book is definitely well written and worth the purchase for not only parents, or even those of us who are fans of Mr. Kanye West, but also for all who would one day like to become a parent, as well as for anyone who is surrounded constantly by the appearence of the existence of persistent social and economic resistance (even on a daily basis). "Raising Kanye" is about love, motherhood, proper parenting, education, romantic relationships, family, music, traveling, politics, and so much more. I personally have learned much from the parenting and life lessons of God through Ms. Donda West; and even though I've never met my spiritual mother Ms. Donda West, or my spiritual brother Mr. Kanye West, I did learn that we attended the same church in Chicago, Christ Universal Temple; (realizing that) the world is indeed a small place in comparison and relation with the eternal being of God being One Love (as well as the betterment of the better of tomorrow and its' beautifully boundless beyond). Breathe... ... and a little longer. Now, believe... knowing that your mother's love is faithfully unfolding for you forever, however, in God's grace... STRONGER!

I think that this is a very good book. Ms. Donda West was inspiring to a mother raising a son in this period in history. She was practical, encouraging and frank. I feel that Donda's parenting techniques adds a dose of reality in today's society. She recognized the differences, yet affirmed her basic beliefs and standards for life. Congratulations Donda West, you pressure developed a jewel.

Donda West, English college professor, and unlikely mother of rap superstar Kanye West had some interesting points to make about parenting. She says she made sure that she raised Kanye to be respectful but also to be truthful -- hence his famous rant that George Bush doesn't care about black people. On the other hand, when Kanye fell asleep at the wheel in a car accident, the insurance company broker advised him to say he had been trying to avoid another car in order to get paid out. He refused to do that either. Growing up, she pretty much gave Kanye anything he wanted, in return for doing his chores and whatever else was expected. (I was surprised when she gave him $1,000 to buy recording equipment at age 13!) My biggest problem was that she had changed her opinion of the N-word and found it acceptable speech because words shouldn't have that much weight. Could that have ANYTHING at all to do with the fact that her son uses it alot in his music and she is involved in managing him? Hmmm. All in all, a fast entertainng read.