Netflix’s “Jeen-yuhs” trilogy is a stunningly raw insider’s view of the early life and career of rap and fashion icon, Kanye West. As the second part continues the story, fans are enthralled by the accurate depiction of Kanye’s struggles for acceptance and validation and his ascension to rap royalty.
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In the first episode, we watched Kanye West’s journey to becoming a hit producer and signed artist, along with how documentarian Coodie Simmons became the man behind the camera. We saw how Kanye’s determination and persistence – along with guidance from his mother Donda – played a common role in his hustle.
The second installment of Kanye West’s Netflix docuseries “Jeen-Yuhs” started off with Ye feeling sidelined by Roc-A-Fella Records even after signing a record contract as an artist. And we witnessed his setbacks – just when he had finally proven his worth as a rapper during a studio session with Jay-Z and earned a place on the Paid in Full soundtrack, he was in a car accident that broke his jaw in three different places and grounded his rap ascension.
This tragic moment was also where we got to see Kanye’s persistence in his struggle for validation as a successful rapper. Just 6 weeks after his car wreck, Ye recorded the song “Through The Wire” while his jaw was wired shut. Ye played this song for Pharrell Williams, who was so inspired by his talent and resilience that he called Kanye “his favorite rapper” and encouraged him to stay hungry.
Coodie’s invisible presence behind the camera also gives us a rare glimpse into the making of Kanye’s inaugural album, The College Dropout. We see rapper Ludacris in the studio with Kanye recording “Breathe In” and how Luda co-signed Kanye as an artist and skillful producer.”
FUN FACT: Kanye West produced “Stand Up” for Ludacris.
Coodie’s camera also revealed the making of “Slow Jamz” featuring actor/comedian, Jamie Foxx. It was awe-inspiring to see Kanye impart his vision to Foxx and the flawless execution by Foxx in the form of a memorable song intro and a melodic chorus that revealed Foxx as a bonafide singer.
Ye told us the key to his success was his “the ability to learn.” To be able to always be adaptable, resilient, and unstoppable. When Rocafella refused to release his marketing budget, Ye paid $33k out of his own pocket to produce the “Through The Wire” music video. The song – galvanized by the video featuring photos of his swollen and broken jaw taken directly following his near-fatal car accident – would go on to be nominated for a 2005 Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance (but lost to Jay-Z’s “99 Problems).
Though Rocafella gave him the runaround for years, he still invested his time into his career. Kanye started making mixtapes and doing Def Poetry Jam to build his fanbase and get on Rocafella’s radar.
His hard work finally paid off in 2005, when The College Dropoff went on to receive ten Grammy nominations, winning three.