Kanye West spoke to a group of Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design students yesterday (November 17). During his speech to the students, West spoke about his admiration for their work and his beliefs regarding design.

“I really do believe that the world can be saved through design and everything needs to actually be architected,” West said. “And this is the reason why even some of the first DONDA employees were architects that started designing T-shirts instead of buildings.” 

Kanye West Explains Why He “Turns Up” In Interviews

West also spoke to the students about aspiring despite detractors and having creativity actualized. 

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

“If I sit down and talk to Oprah for two hours, the conversation is about realization, self-realization and actually seeing your creativity happen in front of you,” West said. “So the reason why I turn up so much in interviews is because I’ve tasted what it means to create and be able to impact, and affect in a positive way and I know that there’s more creativity to happen. And I know that there’s traditionalists that hold back the good thoughts and there’s people in offices that stop the creative people, and are intimidated by actual good ideas.” 

Kanye West Says He Is Not A Politician

During his speech to the students, West also criticized people in leadership and denied being a politician.

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

“I believe that utopia is actually possible, but we’re led by the least noble, the least dignified, the least tasteful, the dumbest, and the most political,” West said. “So in no way am I a politician. I’m usually at my best politically incorrect and very direct. I really appreciate you guys’ willingness to learn and hone your craft, and not be lazy about creation and I’m very inspired to be in this space.” 

DONDA Creative Director Virgil Abloh hinted that this was part of a DONDA “design lecture series” in his caption for an Instagram post about the speaking engagement. 

Kanye West’s fiancee Kim Kardashian also posted an Instagram update regarding the event. The post can be viewed below. 

A video of the speech can be found below, via hiphopnmore’s YouTube account.

West reportedly purchased tickets to his “Yeezus Tour” for students he spoke with. That evening, West also spoke about his creativity at the concert. 

HipHopDX | Rap & Hip Hop News | Ad Placeholder
AD

AD LOADING...

AD

“What do you have to do to prove that you’re creative?” West said. “Do you have to scream it at the top of your mothafuckin’ lungs?”

West then spoke about his frustration with artistic restrictions placed upon him. 

RELATED:Kanye West Speaks At Harvard’s Graduate School Of Design [Video]