Kanye 'Ye' West Interview | Lex Fridman Podcast #332

Introduction and Engineering Vision00:00:00

Ye begins by emphasizing his focus on engineering and building. He expresses admiration for engineers and criticizes schools for teaching subjective information like history, arguing that only engineering should be taught. He and Lex debate the value of history, with Ye asserting that history is written by victors and that we should focus on the present. Ye reveals he is working on two tech companies and seeks Lex's perspective. He outlines his philosophy: 'You are a human being with engineering challenges and opportunities in front of you.' He discusses greatness, influence, and the importance of impact on collective intelligence.

Personal Reflections and Family00:09:00

Ye talks about his family, including his ex-wife Kim Kardashian, whom he calls his favorite person. He shares a metaphor from Super Mario Bros., comparing himself to Mario trying to rescue the princess. He discusses his parents and their influence, including finding his father's Playboy magazine at age five. He talks about his desire to be loved and how that drives his ambition. Ye also mentions his admiration for Ridley Scott and George Lucas, and his vision for new living cells and water cities, emphasizing happiness and family as the promised land.

Controversial Views on History, Race, and Media00:23:00

Ye expresses his controversial views on Jewish people in media and entertainment, claiming Jewish control over Black artists and the media. Lex pushes back, calling such statements dog whistles that fuel hate. Ye defends his statements as facts and labels the music industry as treacherous. They discuss Ye's tweet about 'death con 3' on Jewish people, and Ye explains the pain and frustration that led to it. He compares his situation to that of a repeatedly abused woman who says she hates men. Lex urges Ye to call out individuals rather than groups, and Ye agrees to specify individuals in the future. The conversation also touches on abortion, Black genocide, and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Music Industry, Fashion, and Personal Struggles00:42:00

Ye discusses his experiences in the music industry, including being taken advantage of in contracts. He proposes a transparent comparison of top talent contracts to re-engineer the industry. He talks about his fashion journey, including the Yeezy brand and his collaborations with Adidas and Balenciaga. He shares the story of Bernard Arnault offering and then reneging on a deal, and how his inner circle was broken up. He also discusses his hospitalization for exhaustion, being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and his decision to stop taking medication. He emphasizes that he is not playing victim but fighting a spiritual battle.

Engineering, Design, and Future Plans01:13:00

Ye talks about his relationship with Demna of Balenciaga and their shared vision for engineered products. He discusses his design philosophy, including the zipper hoodie and biodegradable clothing. He mentions his 2024 presidential aspirations and his desire to give people a platform to share their pain. He emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding each other, even when it's painful. He also touches on the censorship of professors and the need to hear all voices. The conversation ends with Lex and Ye discussing humor, love, and the importance of trust in personal and professional relationships.