Kanye West Urges American Rappers to Learn from Nigerian Artistes
Renowned rapper and music mogul Kanye West has called on his fellow American artists to take a cue from Nigerian Afrobeats stars, as well as business leaders from the Jewish, Chinese, and Indian communities.
In a recent interview with DJ Akademiks, West criticized the lack of business acumen among many American rappers, arguing that they often rely on outsiders – particularly lawyers and investors – to manage their financial and legal affairs.
“None of these [rappers] are as smart as me,” West stated. “Artists are dumb, bro. They can’t even count. Jewish people and lawyers run their whole business – the contracts, the setups, everything.”
He challenged American rappers to establish record labels and media companies without external investors, suggesting that the industry remains dependent on financial and legal expertise from outside the hip-hop community.
“Go and set up your whole TV network, make it run without a Jewish investor – let me see how that works,” he continued.
West praised Nigerian artists for their ability to build sustainable careers and manage their businesses effectively, comparing them to tech entrepreneurs from China and India who have leveraged innovation and financial strategy to dominate global industries.
“Until people can really get their stuff together like the Nigerians, the Chinese, the Jewish, or the Indian tech guys, everything I’m saying counts,” he added.
West’s remarks highlight ongoing conversations about financial literacy and self-sufficiency in the American music industry, especially within hip-hop, where artists often struggle with contract negotiations and long-term wealth management.
