Kanye West is under fire today for claiming that he will soon be a bigger than cultural and civil rights
icon than Nelson Mandela.
In an interview with WGCI radio in Chicago, the rapper said that the death of the 95-year-old South African leader will finally allow people to focus more of their attention on West’s own accomplishments.
The rapper was in the studio to promote his new music video Bound 2, then his conversation turned to the day’s biggest news out of South Africa. West was asked who he thought on the world stage today could possibly replace Nelson Mandela in terms of leadership, and his unconventional answer left heads spinning.
“I am the next Nelson Mandela,” West responded. “I’m only 36 years old, and when I look at everything I’ve accomplished, it’s the only comparison that makes any sense. By the I’m 95, I’m going to be a bigger hero than he ever was.
“Nelson Mandela did a lot of good work, don’t get me wrong. But I think I’m on track to do something even bigger. I liberate minds with my music. That’s more important than liberating a few people from apartheid or whatever.
“Not to say Mandela wasn’t for real. I have mad respect. I just think we need to keep things in perspective here. Anyone can be replaced. And I think I’m well on my way towards being the next great black leader. I’m already worshiped around the world. And there’s more to come.”
