The thing with the guy chopping the wood ties back to the idea that Jesus walks even with the worst of people and wants to save all of them ("to the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers..."). I remember seeing an interview where Kanye talks about it. The guy chopping the tree is the Klansman at the end of the video making a cross to burn, and in the vid a wind is sent to blow down the cross down a hill. The Klansman chases it and tries to carry it back up, setting himself on fire, but it starts raining, which both puts out the fire on the cross and saves the man's life. There's a flash of an image of an angel showing that this is a divine intervention; God rejects the hatred of the Klansman, hence why he blew down and put out the flaming cross, but he also wants to bring sinners to repentance, which is why he saves the Klansman.
Not to negate anything you said, but they say art is interpreted by the observer in their own way and thus takes takes on different meanings for each individual. For me, the chopping of a tree wasn’t literal but symbolic. A tree represents life and growth, so for me it represented an attempt to cut life short and the stoppage of progress and growth as human beings for foolish reasons or intent. Just my personal interpretation.
What makes this song so different is Kanye is talking about God in a time where it’s not ‘cool’ to and managed to make it a huge hit without it sounding preachy or forced. I believe his emotions surrounding his faith
Well is not that he really was about god. Is that he was forced to believe in god, he raps because he has too to make it but he’s not a model. Trying to survive.
The way your dad is opened to wanting to listen and learn what the feelings and thoughts that were behind the music you choose, shows a lot. I love how he actually FEELS the music, and how he can emotionally understand it. This idea is one of the most beautifully put together ideas on RU-vid to me. The rawness and realism of his reactions, for me draws me in every time. And when you, (Kai) KNOW a part is coming that will “hit” in a certain way, you always look at your father’s face to see his, usually surprised facial expressions…. I absolutely LOVE this!!!!
This comment kinda made my eyes tear up a little bit because every little thing you noticed is 100% true and it’s a beautiful thing to witness for both of them.
There is actually 3 different clips to this song.... this is the most recent one. The first was Kanye in a church spitting the lyrics as though giving a sermon. The second is in black & white and depicts Kanye walking through the neighborhood with Jesus walking a step behind him. This 3rd one was when he was given a budget after the success of the song.
I love your dads reactions and understanding even though he’s in the generation that normally wouldn’t give this music a chance. And I love how you explain and let him figure it out for himself. Great Channel!
Man... you two are wonderful. Y'alls relationship and conversations really make me think about my dad. I miss the dude a lot, he was my best friend. You looking to adopt a grown man into the family? I need some dad time.
Geto Boys - Mind Playing Tricks On Me. I think this would be a perfect song to listen to together and i would love to see your reactions ;) You have a really unique format there especially for those who did not experience such activities with their father. Keep it up! David from Germany.
I have noticed after watching several of these fantastic reviews that dad's whole body has gradually evolved into a cool swing and head nod 🕺🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is why Kanye West will always be my favorite artist. I love this man I love his work, people get tripped up on his discretion but she cannot deny his contribution to society in music and fashion and everything.
The guy cutting down the tree ( his soul imo) is using that to make the cross. Essentially creating his own cross to bare. Later we see him as the klansman, and he burns the cross (his hate) , his cross topples over and he tries to save it and his own hate engulfs him. Just my take.
I've been watching this for 4 days now.....bro I love the Jesus walks reaction I think your dad was just as amazed as I was when I heard this back in the days ....ima keep watching 👀 I love you guys
Love your videos so much! The respect between the two of you. 🙏😊 My 20yr old son and I have the same conversations about music, usually in the car. 😊 Kanye's music has been on my Playlist more than any other artist the last couple of years. As with your Dad, this whole new world of music opened up to me through my son sharing with me. Love this! ❤️
I don't care what anyone says or what anyone thinks of Kanye West, he is brilliant, and although I haven't necessarily agreed with the direction of some of his albums stylistically, NO ONE will ever take away how healing, inspirational, and brilliant The College Dropout was.
Keep it up guys! Love these videos and the dynamic between you two, it reminds me of me and my father. Also, you guys definitely bring light into my days. Best to you both!
It’s crazy because I was gonna suggest you show your dad some of the music videos from the 90s and 2000s because they really told a story back then. Maybe that could be something you do on your channel too. Loving the content ❤️
Not sure if this was mentioned yet but this song was co-written/created by another famous Chicago MC named Rhymefest. you can see/hear him on the song "Brand New" WITH Kanye.
Gotta play some Tribe Called Quest. Also, maybe some Jurassic 5. And you had a Smiths record up in a previous video. Need to play “How Soon is Now.” But your dad prob knows that one…
Kai, papa Kai is a treasure, your guys's relationship is a treasure. Cherish him dearly. Papa Kai you are raising an incredible young man. Peace and love to you guys always🙏🏼💜
I believe the man cutting the tree down is him making a cross. Which he wears a hood at the end. There’s multiple interpretations you can go with this i think. Racism being the main focal point obviously but the fact that the cross symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice and love. Something racism has no part in. That’s why it’s engulfs the man in flames. Obviously open to interpretation.
Great video! sorry if you have already, but have you both watched This Is America? I fell like that's a song that NEEDS the visuals to fully make sense and would be great to see Dad react to!
These videos are amazing, although I’m slightly envious of your Dad, I’d love to be able to listen to some of these iconic songs for the first time again.
Maybe you can show your dad the video from Kanye's album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'. It's listed under 'Runaway (full-length film)'. Definitly one of my favorite albums from him with a very good video. I enjoy watching your videos. Keep up the good work... Edit: Also a song that i think your dad appreciates is 'Nas ft. Damian Marley - Patience'
Can you guys do Stan by Eminem . Id love to see your dad's take on that song . Also definitely should listen to Graduation to its my favorite kanye album.
In my opinion the chopping of the tree represents how people can unknowingly participate in their own destruction, because they dont see the significance of the simple things around them, that embody life, such as trees/roots/nature. Everything in life has some degree of significance.
This is the first video of yours that I've watched the whole way through. You and your dad really seems to respect each other. It's amazing that you guys can do this. Amazing. ❤
I'm a new fan from South Africa. I love these reactions. The Dad is just awesome. May I suggest one or two songs that your Dad might like: 1. PdotO - Dear God 2. Shane Eagle - Julia 3. A-Reece - Dichotomy 4. A-Reece - Mark 15:35 5. PdotO - Soaked in Bleach
Would love to see you and your dad do Twista - Hope or P Diddy - Missing you. Also love the way you can hold your dad when he is moving through his emotions in some of the other vids. Big props and love to you both
You guys have to watch the Netflix documentary (obviously off camera) just to get a bit more insight and fill in the gaps, especially seeing as you and your dad seem to enjoy Kanye a lot. Good job as usual!
Hey pops....regardless of what you hear about Kanye from the media, or people who aren't hip to the culture, the man is an absolute musical genius. If you haven't noticed yet(Im only 2 mins in the video) almost all of his beats, has some sort of background vocals incorporated into it. That's his "m-o". GOAT! Glad you liked him!
I tried looking into it, but all I found was someone else's thoughts "A man is seen cutting down a tree now. I believe this to be a figurative reference to his cutting down of his own spiritual and learning growth." which I thought was an interesting take.
I know this is about you showing your dad your music but I would love to show you both some of the UK Rap and Hip-Hop scene and get your reaction I think it would be very interesting from an outsiders perspective
Interpretation of the wall of fire: 2:03 it looks like the fire approaches him as he says "God show me the way, because the devil's tryna break me down," and then recedes, and then the halo appears again. So I think that fire is just a presentation of the devil trying to break him down, but getting repelled / defeated. ... now someone explain the coke turning into doves.
I think 5:10 is the most emotional moment of this video. When the klansman burns the cross, then realizes he’s done wrong, then risks getting burned to pick it back up and carry it. This is a biblical reference to Galatians 1:8-9, stating, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” The main theme of this video is redemption. When u sin and are faced with conviction and great sorrow, all you can do is move forward and do better. The klansman “bared his cross” and carried the burden of his sin, hence him walking with it. Life is like a long road. As time changes, you evolve. God reminds us that sins purpose is to destroy, but if you can face it, turn away from it, heal from it and have faith in him, you’ll be healed.
It would be amazing if you did Kanyes album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but in the format of the Runaway short movie. So you can cover both the whole album and the music videos.
