Grammys: Kanye West Hails Arcade Fire, Justin Bieber, Mick Jagger, Disses Esperanza

Even though he wasn't at the 2011 Grammys, Kanye West used his considerable Twitter reach (2,394,931 followers, as of this writing) to express his opinion on the winners, thus adding to the overall controversy. It may seem like Kanye's being "contrary" for attention, but his tweets reveal where his music business interests lay.

On Arcade Fire:

kanyewest Kanye West
#ARCADEFIRE!
10 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

To which some on Twitter asked why he was backing Arcade Fire. Now, for Kanye to do that spells one thing: business deal. Searching around brings up this: "Kanye West, Arcade Fire to Headline "MY NEW ALBUM COMING THIS SUMMER. Yep: "Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire to Headline Coachella 2011." (Thanks, Celebfi.com)

So Kanye's rooting for Arcade Fire because their success helps put money in his pocket. That should bring an interesting new twist to this outcry of why Arcade Fire won the Grammys over Lady Gaga.

On Justin Bieber:

kanyewest Kanye West
#PROUDOFJUSTIN
9 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

If you're wondering..Yep. West is in business with Justin Bieber, too. Check this MTV blog post: "Justin Bieber Plans Collabos With Kanye West, Drake, Chris Brown."

Missing from the MTV post is that Drake, Kanye West, and Justin Bieber are all listed artists with Def Jam Records. Chris Brown was close to signing with Def Jam until a merger forced a reduction in staff and the loss of Tina Davis, who was to sign Brown. Instead, she left and became his manager, signing him with Jive Records when Brown was 16. While Brown remains with Jive, he still collaborates with Island Def Jam Artists.



On Mick Jagger:

kanyewest Kanye West
Mick Jagger is crazy fresh!!! #OGSWAG
12 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Kanye's right on here. Having attended several Rolling Stones concerts, it was just freaking amazing to see Mick rockin' it again. Jagger's energy was incredible; he stole the show. And if you're looking for a pick-me-up here he is again, courtesy of The Grammys and YouTube:



On Esperanza Spalding As "Best New Artist," who surprisingly beat out Drake, leading to another Twitter chorus of "who?"

kanyewest Kanye West
Damn... I can't find the words to explain how I feel about the best new artist award... Don't wanna say the wrong thing
12 hours ago Favorite Retweet Reply

Well, that's because Drake is signed with Def Jam Records, which also features Kanye West. So, again, as in the case of Arcade Fire, these Grammys wins are good for Kanye West's pocket book.  

Not bad.

It also brings another perspective to the race issue and The Grammys: more and more blacks like Usher, Kanye West, and P Diddy are as much behind the assent of new white artists, like Arcade Fire, as much as they're behind new black artists like Drake.

Increasingly in the 21st Century, when money, talent, creativity, and true entrepreneurial sprit get together, race goes out the window.  As it should be. A very cool development that's worth exploring in greater depth.  

Where's the legendary Davey D when I need him?

Stay tuned.