By now, many folks are aware of the hip-hop musician and rapper, Kanye West’s cringe worthy YouTube moment when he jumped up on the stage Sunday night at Radio City Music Hall during the MTV Video Music Awards and grabbed the microphone away from Taylor Swift and ranted that Beyoncé had been overlooked for the “Best Female Video” award.

Swift, 19, a country music sensation, had won the award for “You Belong With Me,” was just beginning to say, “I always wondered what it would be like to maybe win one of these someday, but never actually thought it would happen...”

Well, her moment in the sun did not happen as a result of the crass, bizarre behavior of Kanye – anything goes, cuz I’m self-absorbed and narcissistic – West.

Our hearts went out to Swift.  It was her first award and, well, West rained on her parade ‘real good.’  An obviously shaken Swift did not finish her acceptance remarks.

Fortunately, as tacky and classless as West was, the hero of the hour was the singer Beyoncé, who showed grace, poise and class; and invited Swift up on stage to say a few words, when Beyoncé was awarded “video of the year” for “Single Ladies.”

Several years ago, I had taken an interest in Kanye West’s career after the release of his “The College Dropout” record debut in 2004. Yeah, since I am also a college dropout, it was the title that first captured my attention. Of course, that was before his Sept. 2, 2005 outburst, “George Bush doesn't care about black people.” 

I’ve been quite successful in ignoring him ever since.

Oddly enough, if you will recall, that outburst came days after his “Late Registration” album had been released, which I had considered purchasing. 

Apparently the fact that I did not purchase it did not cause Mr. West any problems. And since it was rather artistically creative, perhaps, in the end, the joke was on me and it was my loss. Then, again, maybe not so much.

It has been said, that his “Tourette’s-like” outburst about President Bush helped the sale of his album; that he was “rewarded” for his behavior.

Now, isn’t that stupid. Bad behavior in a cause in which you believe does not make the behavior acceptable.

Yeah, Yeah, I’m well aware of the Ezra Pound discourse on talent — that we can appreciate someone’s talent even though the artist may hold a worldview or behave in a manner that is abhorrent. 

If you will recall, Pound, a poet, author, and leading intellectual in the “Modernist” art movement in the years before World War II, was also an American expatriate living in Italy, who took to the radio in Italy on behalf of Italian dictator Mussolini, to denounce the American involvement in WWII.

After the war, he was charged with treason in the United States. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and was subsequently sent to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Washington, DC, from 1946 to 1958.

Does the fact that Pound may have been insane or accused of treasonous behavior make him less talented? I guess not.

As far as West is concerned, lots of folks buy his records, but does that make him talented? His behavior is certainly bizarre; but does that make him less talented?

As far as me buying his records: ah, maybe not. It is my money and my time. I have no problem disagreeing with an artist and nonetheless, still enjoying his or her work.  I have a problem with supporting jerks. 

A little research will reveal that Mr. West seems to have a knack for “Gilles de la Tourette syndrome” outburst. 

According to a 2006 story, “EMA’s Shocker: Kanye Stage Invasion!,” on the MTV United Kingdom site; at an award ceremony in November 2006, West, the Best Hip Hop winner at the event, invaded the stage and lashed out at the awards ceremony after missing out on the Best Video award...  “Kanye West unleashed an amazing outburst after failing to take home the gong for 'Best Video' for his 'Touch The Sky' promo at the EMAs …

“Crashing the stage ... the hip hop star,” commandeered the microphone, and used a great number of words of which our Moms would disapprove. 

“His verbal tirade left audience members gasping but it didn't end there. … After the show the offended star continued to vent his spleen in the press conference.” 

You can’t make up this stuff.

Ya know folks, this could be serious.  Mr. West may have some sociopathic psychopathy involvement, such as antisocial - dissocial personality disorder or Coprolalia.

So, maybe we should feel sorry for him, because he is obviously not a well man — a victim, if you will?

Nah, the guy’s a troll. What say you?

Click HERE for an image of the actual moment West grabbed the microphone from a visibly startled Swift.

When he is not listening to Lawrence Welk, Kevin Dayhoff may reached at kevindayhoff@gmail.com or visit him at www.westminstermarylandonline.net

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