“When you’re the absolute best, you get hated on the most.” - Kanye West.

There is no question that Kanye West is probably the most vain, self-absorbed individual on the face of the earth (aside from Donald Trump). From his Grammy stopping moment with Taylor Swift, to the belief that he’s a God, Mr. West has provided the world with a plethora of egotistic behavior. Though he is often WAY out of line, I've actually come to believe that Kanye’s ego isn’t just an offensive weapon, but rather his best feature and greatest tool as a Black body living in a White world. I recently stumbled upon a Buzzfeed article that addressed the idea that Kanye is a great model of aggressive “Black self-love.” Sure, he’s got a mouth and is most likely about to offend someone or talk about himself when he opens it, but I agree that Yeezy is an unexpected example of a successful Black individual enjoying the fruits of his labor and subliminally inspiring the Black community through his lyrical genius and other endeavors. With that said, I present to you several Kanye West quotes that I think sum up the concept of Black self-love and personally inspire me to reach my full potential not only as an African American individual, but as a human being. There’s nothing wrong with loving yourself like “Ye loves Ye” sometimes. Check ‘em out.

“My greatest pain in life is that I will never be able to see myself perform live.”

As an athlete, I can 100% attest to this. Though you’re physically and mentally involved in the present moment during a game or athletic competition, you can never actually see yourself performing in that present moment. Sure you have film to watch later, but there’s something powerful about witnessing yourself in your element, in a present moment. It allows you to not only appreciate yourself and your abilities, but it keeps you centered in an indescribable way that I would imagine can be quite powerful to you and other viewers. It’s important to do this as African Americans (at least witness each other in these present moments) as those outside of your posse are often critical and negative of your accomplishments and skills. Remember, you’re hella bomb and have a lot to offer the world.

“One of my biggest Achilles heels has been my ego. And if I, Kanye West, can remove my ego, I think there’s hope for everyone.'”

First of all, let’s appreciate Kanye for making this statement… I’m sure it was more than difficult for him to admit to having any weaknesses. Anyway, this quote is very important in my eyes. It’s okay to have an ego, but it’s when that ego gets out of hand that all hell breaks loose and you start making enemies. For the powerful, successful, and inspirational individuals who walk among us like Gods to admit they too possess weaknesses and Achilles heels is endearing in a weird way. It’s nice to know that you can be powerful and be be vulnerable too, as there is true bravery in ignoring your ego though it may demand being acknowledged. Like he said, if Kanye “I am a God” West can do it, so can you. Find your balance of excellence and humility.

“I think what Kanye West is going to mean is something similar to what Steve Jobs means. I am undoubtedly, you know, Steve of internet, downtown, fashion, culture. Period. By a long jump. I honestly feel that because Steve has passed, you know, it’s like when Biggie passed and Jay Z was allowed to become Jay Z.”

This quote is especially relevant to brown bodies (and all other bodies of course), as it’s extremely important to recognize and affirm our talents. If you think you’re the next Picasso or the next Bill Gates, own that belief and run with it. We pave ways for one another through our accomplishments, community support, and our visions of greatness. It’s necessary to have personal success, but it’s just as necessary to create a pathway for even greater missions for our successors as well. The continuation of Black excellence is key; pass it on.

"One of the problems with being a bubbling source of creativity - it's like I'm bubbling in a laboratory, and if you don't put a cap on it, at one point it will, like, break the glass. If I can hone that… then I have, like, nuclear power, like a superhero, like Cyclops when he puts his glasses on."

In short, never, ever let anyone put a cap on your creativity. Your creativity is the one thing no one can control. It’s yours and yours only. Celebrate your dope ideas.

"I will go down as the voice of this generation, of this decade. I will be the loudest voice."

In other words, if you have a voice, SHOUT. For too long Black and Brown bodies have been silenced by others outside of our communities, but with the help of the Black Lives Matter movement and others, our voices are finally being heard. Don’t allow others to take away your voice; trust that you have something important to say and say it.

Cheers to Black Excellence and Yeezy's ego.