Kanye West talks capitalism, communes, and staging his own funeral

Kanye West has been particularly vocal since the release of his latest album, Donda, back in August. Now, he’s back again with yet another interview, which sees him discuss everything from capitalism, to communes, to ego death with the Berlin-based artist Tino Sehgal.

Issued as a standalone booklet alongside the 40th anniversary issue of 032c, the conversation reportedly took place after West’s wild Berlin trip, which saw him walk around the city in a Michael Myers-esque mask (later seen on the Kanye clones that took over NYC).

On the visit to Berlin, the musician apparently developed an idea for an enigmatic performance piece titled The Funeral Rehearsal of Kanye West. Though precise details of the project are being kept under wraps, he explains the concept in the new interview (via High Snobiety). “(The Funeral Rehearsal of Kanye West) is the death of Kanye West,” he says. “It is the death of the ego that separates us – it’s the birth of humanity… Let me start by killing myself. The less you, the more room for God.”

Elsewhere, the conversation touches on similarly grandiose themes, including the idea that society needs to move beyond capitalism in order to survive. “We are under capitalist rule, and it’s killing us,” says Ye (who, lest we forget, officially became a billionaire last year). “It’s time to change that.”

In part, he suggests that “going egalitarian” with his Yeezy GAP collaboration is part of the answer. He also says that he’s “going to be homeless in a year” due to turning all of the homes he owns into churches.

“We’re making this orphanage, and it will be a place where anyone can go,” he adds. “It should be like an artist commune. Food should always be available. The opportunity to make art and be around friends should always be available.”

West previously began construction on prefabricated domes in Calabasas, which were intended to “break the barriers that separate classes” and house the homeless, back in 2019. He was subsequently ordered to tear them down due to alleged violations of building codes.

In November, West also spoke out in a much-hyped interview with the podcast Drink Champs, sharing his controversial take on #MeToo and cancel culture. “This is Nineteen Eighty-Four mind control we’re in,” he stated, in a half-baked George Orwell analogy. “And mob mentality.”

Elsewhere, the artist has continued to campaign for the freedom of Larry Hoover, squashing his long-running beef with Drake to organise and perform at the December #FreeLarryHoover benefit concert that called for the convicted gang leader’s release.