HelloAngel
ONE love, blood, life
Kanye West not your typical opening act
BY NIZ PROSKOCIL
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Before U2 takes the stage tonight at the sold-out Qwest Center Omaha, the spotlight will belong to rap star Kanye West.
The chart-topping rapper/producer - who was tapped by the Irish rock group to open four concerts on its "Vertigo" tour - was nominated last week for eight Grammy Awards, including album of the year and song of the year for "Gold Digger."
West, 28, is no stranger to the Grammys. He took home three awards for his 2004 smash debut, "The College Dropout," which spawned the hit single "Jesus Walks."
His sophomore album, "Late Registration," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and has sold more than two million copies since its Aug. 30 release.
Earlier that month, West, an Atlanta native now based in Chicago, graced the cover of Time magazine, which hailed him as "the smartest man in pop music."
The outspoken hip-hop mogul, however, has made headlines for more than his music.
He drew criticism after his "George Bush doesn't care about black people" comment made during a televised Hurricane Katrina benefit concert in September.
In addition to opening a string of dates for U2, West is on his own headlining "Touch the Sky" tour.
In a review of West's Dec. 9 concert in Portland, Ore., a music critic for the Oregonian newspaper wrote: "Granted, he's a rapper more than a singer, but even at that, he didn't distinguish himself through a commanding sound or a rhythmic inventiveness."
Despite the detractors, West has plenty of fans, including math teacher Jeff Epting of Omaha.
Epting, 24, said he's drawn to West's music because it goes beyond the typical subject matter found in much of today's rap.
"A lot of the material is deep," Epting said. "It covers the complexities of man, the more reflective, intuitive side. Kanye has successfully brought the true essence of hip-hop into mainstream culture."
Party with rapper in Omaha
Want to party with Kanye West?
The rap star will host a "Good Music Party" at Nico, 11201 Davenport St.
The 21-and-older event, which costs $20 and includes a disc jockey, takes place today from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Deanne Janicek, events coordinator at Nico, said West is expected to arrive at the club between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
"It's always exciting to have one of the top leading artists visit you," she said.
The nightclub has hosted similar events with actress Gabrielle Union, actor Morris Chestnut and pop star Britney Spears. Information: 614-2582 or www.omahadays.com.
Copyright ©2005 Omaha World-Herald®.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1464&u_sid=2082656
BY NIZ PROSKOCIL
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER
Before U2 takes the stage tonight at the sold-out Qwest Center Omaha, the spotlight will belong to rap star Kanye West.
The chart-topping rapper/producer - who was tapped by the Irish rock group to open four concerts on its "Vertigo" tour - was nominated last week for eight Grammy Awards, including album of the year and song of the year for "Gold Digger."
West, 28, is no stranger to the Grammys. He took home three awards for his 2004 smash debut, "The College Dropout," which spawned the hit single "Jesus Walks."
His sophomore album, "Late Registration," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and has sold more than two million copies since its Aug. 30 release.
Earlier that month, West, an Atlanta native now based in Chicago, graced the cover of Time magazine, which hailed him as "the smartest man in pop music."
The outspoken hip-hop mogul, however, has made headlines for more than his music.
He drew criticism after his "George Bush doesn't care about black people" comment made during a televised Hurricane Katrina benefit concert in September.
In addition to opening a string of dates for U2, West is on his own headlining "Touch the Sky" tour.
In a review of West's Dec. 9 concert in Portland, Ore., a music critic for the Oregonian newspaper wrote: "Granted, he's a rapper more than a singer, but even at that, he didn't distinguish himself through a commanding sound or a rhythmic inventiveness."
Despite the detractors, West has plenty of fans, including math teacher Jeff Epting of Omaha.
Epting, 24, said he's drawn to West's music because it goes beyond the typical subject matter found in much of today's rap.
"A lot of the material is deep," Epting said. "It covers the complexities of man, the more reflective, intuitive side. Kanye has successfully brought the true essence of hip-hop into mainstream culture."
Party with rapper in Omaha
Want to party with Kanye West?
The rap star will host a "Good Music Party" at Nico, 11201 Davenport St.
The 21-and-older event, which costs $20 and includes a disc jockey, takes place today from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Deanne Janicek, events coordinator at Nico, said West is expected to arrive at the club between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
"It's always exciting to have one of the top leading artists visit you," she said.
The nightclub has hosted similar events with actress Gabrielle Union, actor Morris Chestnut and pop star Britney Spears. Information: 614-2582 or www.omahadays.com.
Copyright ©2005 Omaha World-Herald®.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1464&u_sid=2082656
