'I connect to that very much'- Noah Lyles defends Kanye West's Christian music phase

'I connect to that very much'- Noah Lyles defends Kanye West's Christian music phase

Festus Chuma 13:49 - 12.09.2024

Olympic champion Noah Lyles praises the American rapper's spiritual journey and music highlighting the rapper's impact despite controversy.

American rapper Kanye West has always had a unique place in the cultural landscape known not just for his genre-defining music but for his boundary-pushing public persona.

From his early days as a Chicago producer to his current status as a global icon, West’s career is marked by distinct creative phases.

His evolving relationship with faith and religion has been one of the most debated aspects of his artistic journey especially during his so-called Christian Era.

But while some fans and critics have been divided over this direction, Olympic champion Noah Lyles recently spoke out in support of the rapper’s spiritual exploration.

In a candid interview with Mixed Feelings, the Olympics 100m gold medalist Noah Lyles shared his admiration for Kanye West's religiously infused music, specifically his track Jesus Walks from the debut album College Dropout (2004).

The song, which became one of West’s breakout hits, is known for its raw and unapologetic dive into themes of faith, salvation, and the struggles of modern-day spirituality.

“I connect to that very much because I've definitely been guided by God,” said Lyles.

Lyles also expressed frustration with how the media has treated the song, saying, “Anytime you talk about it, everybody gets turned off.”

Kanye West has faced widespread criticism for his outspoken views on religion, but his artistic evolution has never been far from spiritual themes.

While many believe it was only with his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019), that Kanye fully embraced gospel music, true fans know that these elements have been present since his earlier work.

Tracks like Jesus Walks laid the groundwork for what would become his full-blown Christian Era, where faith, redemption, and divine purpose dominated his lyrics and soundscapes.

Lyles, like many others, found inspiration in West’s boldness to blend faith with mainstream hip-hop, even if it polarized audiences.

For the Olympic champion, West’s ability to challenge societal norms and push artistic boundaries is part of what makes him a truly provocative figure in the music world.

Despite the backlash from some corners Lyles remains a fan of Kanye's willingness to speak his truth even when it’s uncomfortable for the public to digest.

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