Kanye West shifted the conversation when he was asked about the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Instead of addressing the issue, he set it aside, stating that the violence in Chicago weighed more heavily on him.
In a clip shared on X, filmed at what appeared to be an airport, Kanye was asked, “Your thoughts on the Palestine news?” The rapper, clearly not liking the question, responded firmly, saying, “I don’t have enough information on that. I’m straight-up from the South Side of Chicago, born and raised in Atlanta. I don’t have enough information.“
Although Kanye noted he has “love for everybody,” he urged the interviewer not to pull him into conversations about foreign policy when there are problems in his hometown. “I got 14 kids dying every week in my city (Chicago), so talk to me about that,” he fiercely declared. He made it clear that he wasn’t concerned with what was happening elsewhere and had no comment beyond the issues affecting his own city.
Kanye West Garnered Widespread Applause For Remarks
As expected, the clip went viral, and netizens had the most to say. One user noted that Kanye was spilling wise words: “The smartest thing he’s said in a while. People have too much fake outrage about these foreign issues, but don’t even bother looking at the issues right in their face.”
Another added, “He’s saying fix your backyard before debating the world.” Someone else tried to explain further, saying that more attention needs to be paid to problems at home. A commenter highlighted what they saw as his criticism of double standards: “Everyone wants a celebrity to comment on every global issue, but nobody wants to talk about the 14 kids dying every week in Chicago. Why is one tragedy worth more likes than the other? He’s pointing out the hypocrisy.”
This comment read, “Reporter tried to open a foreign policy tab – he closed it. Before we solve the world, let’s fix the block.” Another person summarized his stance, writing, “He’s basically saying people care more about distant conflicts than the violence happening at home.”
Someone else wrote, “I never understood what making a celebrity say ‘Free Palestine’ would do,” while this netizen added, “You know what, he’s right? Americans should take care of their own country or city first, before minding other people’s business.”
More praise followed for the reminder he delivered, with one comment reading, “The media wants his take on a conflict 6,000 miles away. He reminds them of the war down the street.” One user stated bluntly, “Kanye said what a lot of people think but won’t say out loud: ‘Why are we marching overseas when kids are dying on our own streets every week?’ Brutal but real.”
Another reiterated his argument: “Ye isn’t letting anyone pull him into the geopolitical blender. He’s keeping the focus on the 14 kids a week in his own city. Hard to argue with that priority.” A final commenter praised his candor: “He’s being honest with no pretense about his feelings towards the situation… That’s a very good one.”
Although Kanye West’s remarks haven’t always been well-received, his comment about Chicago kids seems to resonate this time.
