Granderson: Kanye West’s life and art are one. You don’t have to keep watching him. That’s the thing about Kanye. He’s so unique. He’s so different. There’s no blueprint for Kanye. He’s not a politician. He’s not a businessman. He’s a human being. What makes Kanye unique is that you can find his heart in every single picture. And you’re going to feel the message that he’s getting out in every single album or every single song. Whether it’s “All Day” or “All Night.” You’re going to come away with, like, a much deeper understanding of what that message is. I think that’s the biggest thing. He’s not a politician. He’s not a businessman. He’s a human being. I think his creativity and his artistry and his music is an extension of that in many ways.
Is there anything else he’s been involved with?
He has been involved with the Harlem Globes and the Lincoln Center. I think he’s made it so he never has to deal with the label or with executives. His artistry and his artistry is so deep and the things he’s inspired is so deep. If you go back to “Love on continuously” and “Famous,” he’s been going on forever. He doesn’t have to take a picture of it. His artistry is everywhere, so he really has no control.
So to say you love Kanye West with everything that you do, is that true? Is that how you’re starting your career?
I’m not starting my career with Kanye West, but I did have the honor and privilege to speak a little bit with him. I had to ask, how did you get on the set if you’re not even in the crew? I was like, “Man, this is such a great opportunity for you.” And he’s like, “I’m the boss. I’m the owner. I don’t want to be on the crew.” I was like, “But what if I was on the crew? I’m a part of the crew. People would have to listen ’em, right?” He said, “You’re not even a part of the