Jeen-Yuhs. A startling first look at the Kanye journey.
Words: Kevin Lyster
As streaming companies continue their escalating battle to grab exclusive rights to the most interesting stories, Netflix securing the rights to exclusive footage of Kanye West’s last 20 years represents quite the coup. We were invited down to the London premiere screening of the first of three films, titled Act 1: Vision, released worldwide today.
The three-part docuseries is filmed by Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah, who were granted what seems to be relatively unlimited access across the past 20 years. The formula of ‘‘never before seen’ footage documentaries is well established, but this footage really does surprise in its honesty and rawness. And though the story of Kanye won’t be particularly new to those who follow the game, there is something remarkable about being brought along on the journey, with the film punctuated by some truly captivating moments.
Kanye’s recent controversies are well documented and often cast a shadow over Kanye the artist. So this is a timely time-travel back to the early 2000’s, where we see a young Kanye attempting to convince various parts of the music industry that he’s not just a fabled producer. Act 1 covers Kanye’s move from Chicago to New York, through to Kanye’s Chaining Day with Roc-A-Fella Records, at an August 2002 concert.
Kanye’s ascent to a hip-hop legend may seem inevitable now, but prior to signing with Roc-A-Fella Records and the release of College Dropout, it was far from that. We see multiple instances of Kanye not quite getting the recognition and understanding of his lyrical talents, or indeed the breakthrough he craves. One particular scene sees Kanye pitching up to Roc-A-Fella Records HQ unannounced playing All Falls Down, rapping to employees who shift between nodding along politely and flat out ignoring him. Another sees him pitching to legendary rapper Scarface for a guest slot on his album, with Scarface nodding along to the Jesus Walks beat but with a seeming reluctance to offer a verse to it. The docuseries is littered with moments that, with the benefit of knowledge and hindsight on the rise of Kanye, serve as stunning snapshots of the struggles all musicians tread on their career paths.
Netflix are releasing parts 2 and 3 over the next couple of weeks. And though it’s tempting to suggest that we know where this story goes, Act 1 serves as a reminder of the genius that exists within Kanye.