Comedian and former Tonight Show host Jay Leno sat down with Kanye West for an unscheduled interview to get his side on what happened at the VMAs on Sunday night (view full interview transcript below the cut).
I would like to say this. Kanye is a genuine human being. He has been a big supporter of Concrete Loop, so even though I may not agree with the incident, I still support him. Do you Kanye. You apologized, so can we move on?
Just in case you missed it, here is the “Run This Town” performance he did with fellow rapper/entrepreneur Jay-Z and singer Rihanna. Peep the performance below.
FULL TRANSCRIPT OF KANYE/LENO INTERVIEW
JAY LENO: Have a seat, my friend. First of all, let me say thank you for honoring this commitment. A lot of times, people — things happen. They kind of back out at the last minute, or they have a publicist or someone call and say, “Oh, I’m sorry, my client’s not available.” So thank you for coming and doing this, in light of all the things that have been going on.
Tell me about your day. Have you had a tough day today?
(Laughter.)KANYE WEST: Yeah, it’s been extremely difficult. I just — just dealing with the fact that I hurt someone or took anything away, you know, from a talented artist or from anyone, because I only wanted to help people. My entire life, I’ve only wanted to give and do something that I felt was right. And I immediately knew in the situation that it was wrong, and it wasn’t a spectacle or just — you know, it’s actually someone’s emotions, you know, that I stepped on. And it was very — it was just — it was rude, period. And, you know, I’d like to be able to apologize to her in person. And I wanted to –
JAY LENO: So when did you know you were wrong? Was it afterwards? as you were doing it? When did it strike you, “Uh-oh”?
KANYE WEST: As soon as I gave the mic back to her and she didn’t keep going.
(Laughter.)JAY LENO: Let me ask you something. I was fortunate enough to meet your mom and talk with your mom a number of years ago. What do you think she would have said about this? Would she be disappointed in this?Would she give you a lecture?
KANYE WEST: Yeah. You know, obviously, you know, I deal with hurt. And, you know, so many celebrities, they never take the time off. I’ve never taken the time off to really — you know, just music after music and tour after tour. I’m just ashamed that my hurt caused someone else’s hurt. My dream of what awards shows are supposed to be, ’cause — and I don’t try to justify it because I was just in the wrong. That’s period. But I need to, after this, take some time off and just analyze how I’m going to make it through the rest of this life, how I’m going to improve. Because I am a celebrity, and that’s something I have to deal with. And if there’s anything I could do to help Taylor in the future or help anyone, I’d like — you know, I want to live this thing. It’s hard sometimes, so –
JAY LENO: Thanks for coming here, and thanks for doing that.
[ SOURCE: MISS INFO ]
i felt like his apologize was sincere. Kanye is a very humble person in my book. He may do somee wacky shit but overall he has the heart of a ten year old boy
everytime he talks i see the child in him….<3333
….rhianna is mad fly–she has attacked the world of fashion like a tsunami…….
Kanye is gonna have to work out his issues or he is going to destroy himself……the Bible says pride goes before a fall…
-Smith
I was surprised that Jay brought up his mom, but I think that’s what Kanye needed to hear. The best gift that he could ever give his mom is to just….act right. To get it together. I didn’t think what he said on his blog was sincere, but after a night (and a return to sobriety), I think he meant it this time.
“NEVER FIX YOUR LIPS LIKE COLLAGEN, THEN SAY SUMTIN WHERE U END UP APOLOGIN”
KANYE WEST CANT TELL ME NOTHING!
I TOTALLY SUPPORT WHAT KANYE SAID & THE PLATFORM IN WHICH HE SAID.
HE SPOKE THE TRUTH. THAT’S KANYE. I BELIEVE THE ONLY REASON WHY HE IS APOLOGIZING BECAUSE HE IS HURT NOT FROM WHAT HE SAID B/C HE STOOD BY HIS WORDS BUT B/C OF THE WHOLE ORDEAL. IF YOU SEE ALL OF THE PICS OF HIM & AMBER THAT NIGHT THEIR DISGUSTING – HIM GRABBING HER BUT, WALKING W/ THE 64OZ OF HENNY. I MEAN COME ON THIS IS NOT YE. HE DUMPED HIS CLASSY FIANCE FOR THIS TRASHY CHICK. SO LENO HIT HOME WHEN HE SAID WHAT WOULD MOM SAY.
I LOVE YE & WILL SUPPORT HIM BUT THE FOCUS, THE REAL ISSUES ARE HEALTHCARE, THE ECONOMY & FREAKING UNEMPLOYMENT.
SIDE NOTE: TAYLOR SWIFT THIS LILY WHITE SO CALLED VICTIM WASNT GRACIOUS ENOUGH TO EVEN THANK BEYONCE. SHE CAME OFF ARROGANT – NOW LETS TRY THIS AGAIN – W/ MIC IN HAND! YES SHE KNEW SHE WAS GOING ON THAT STAGE 2 FINISH HER SPEECH. SHE SAID SO.
@BEYONCEWORLD.COM HAS THE QUOTE
BLACKS NEED 2 STOP CARRYING THIS GIRL FLAG AS IF SHE DID SOMETHING FOR THE COMMUNITY THEY LIVE IN
TEAM YE!!!
Its time to move on
Taylor Swift is 19 years old with millions of dollars. She’s fine.
genuine nothing; kanye needs to grow up and go away..should stayed behind the scenes in the first place;
he’s embarrassing
he gives a bad name to black people in entertainment, specifically black men..
i hate it.. good music or not.
I really believe the death of his mother has sent this guy on a whirlwind of destruction…sounds deep but thast is how I feel..there is nobody around to keep him in check or say to him fix the hell up…I remember watching his cribs and when his mum was in the scene he humbled himself and you knew the power and influence this woman had on him…I hope he gets beter as what he did was the most crass, unprofessional thing an artist can do to a fellow artist…
It was sincere. MOVE on. That is all…and yeah he does need to chill out for a little bit and get it together…because obviously he is still dealing w/ losing his mother.
To me this is not what Kanye is like at all so I have always thought there are many things that caused this whole incident to happen. I think his apology was sincere. I just think the alcohol got too much that evening and he let loose….I really strongly feel that since Kanye lost his mum he has found it very difficult and it’s affected him in many ways. (I just saw what UK Nubian said and I agree with what they said) His mother had a big influence on him and he has not been able to get over it, seeing as her death was sudden as well. I am glad that Jay Leno asked him about what his mother would have thought because just look at how choked up Kanye got. Not only that, I really don’t feel that this Amber Rose chick is doing him much good in the longterm either….I just hope things work out well for him in the future. Still backin Kanye all the way! And B, and Taylor Swift. Let’s all get along people
URGH. us blacks need to respect others before we can start respecting ourselves!!
Most of yall are jst scared the media is gonna try and rip down Kanye and another one of our ‘brothers’. Some BS!!! I think respect needs to be earnt over time….and Kanye…….. im still waiting!!
Tut!
This blog is so biased! I suppose if he wasnt a big supporter of CL you he ‘wouldnt be ok in your book’??? SMDH!
bla bla bla bla fukk Rihanna she’s talentless bitch$ and fukk Jay ugly azz
Kanye my nikka!
Taylor Swift is in the Illuminati.
lol at rihanna acting as if she is REALLY siNGING AND KILLIN IT….SHE DOES LOOK FIERCE THO so cant hate on tht
I think it’s important to note that since this incident, Kanye is reported as being racist. There are so many racist comments on youtube and twitter. It’s depressing?
Somebody needs to address that!
I Love jay-z and Rihanna. I hope they moving forward in their relationship now!!
Jay please divorce from beyonce. So fed up from that fake chick!
Kayne is just another example of a tired star the black community stands behind no matter what. SMH
i forgive him for what he did to Taylor but what he said in that French magazine rubbed me the wrong way… he’s just a little too much for me. he needs to humble himself and stop being so damn arrogant and cocky.
Ummm, in my eyes the whole thing was planned, staged and crafted from the very beginning ANYWAY….Just goes to show u that in that faction, yes I said faction of the industry (jay,bey, ye, riri) theres somthing deeper going on. Kanye was asked to that. we are all used to kanye doing/making an outburst like that before…who better for the job. I used to love BK but we all know she CANT act. When Kanye was makin his out burst beyone didnt even look shocked! if anything she looked amused, she was smiling as she outwardly mimed “no kanye” WATEVER. and Finally Taylor came out in not only a red dress. BUT A PERFECTLY MATCHING SHADE OF RED! so not only did beyonce know she was going to win the award, but she knew she would give away her acceptance speech.. SAY NO MORE!
That was upsetting. This was blown out of proportion. Was this really necessary? Dang.
I hope none of the people slating Kanye were telling the rest of us to forgive Christopher ‘choke them until they almost lose consciousness’ Brown.
I hope this humiliation has taught Kanye a vital lesson. Because you have a mic in your hands you have to be respectful and responsible. You are not a dictator. You are not invincible. You sang “Jesus Walks” try to be loving like him.
And who the hell is Taylor Swift again? I live in the Antilles and I’ve never heard about her. Now when you have ppl singing and dancing all over the world to every song you put out, that’s when you’re talented ! You go Kanye ! Bey deserved the award, you could have dealt with it differently but in all I’m behind ya !
Oh and another thing, why did Eminem win those awards again ? All he does is gain fans and their money by making fun and insulting other artists. Can’t stomach that dude, MTV supports their own ppl, so let’s embrace and do the same to ours and not beat’em down.
Dude…needs therapy!!! His mother would turn in her grave seeing him with Amber Rose. You ever see these people so smart until they are dumb!! He’s a Prime Example of one. He kisses his friends asses as if he does not has his on talents and he is a remarkable talent. Him, Beyonce and Jay-Z need to take a hiatus because I am sick of them. God forgive me.
Angel you cant imagine how lame you sound…. so because he support your blog, you support his act ???
I hope the white media will tear him down….It wasnt only a rude act , it showed how much Kanye West feels self-entitled ….his head has got so big that his shoulders cant bear it nomore….He has lost a mojor fan base…Hopfully they wont invite him anymore to any award …he deserve it
If he is where he is today it is thank people like me who use to support him but he just doesnt care…he thinks he is the messiah sent to save pop culture…TERRIBLE
Please! It’s not like he killed her! His act was immature. Beyoncé gave Taylor her moment. Kanye apologize so let’s move on. There’s so many things in the world more serious than that.
Team Ye All Day!
When Rihanna make money, Jay Z makes money, ultimately the Cater/Knowles family makes money… so it is stupid to put Beyonce against Rihanna. Beyonce has her style and it’s great, so does Rihanna. The media is saturated with white performers, so the more blacks we have there, the better… trying to rip them apart with comments that are not constructive, but hateful only makes the struggle harder… THINK TWICE.
Damn! Rihanna REALLY cannot sing. She also REALLY REALLY cannot dance. She stands there jerking awkwardly like an epileptic robot. Why isn’t anybody addressing this issue? Whenever I see her “performing” I actually feel embarrassed for her and it is hard to watch. I am also not a fan of her increasingly bizarre get-ups. She is a pretty girl with a nice figure but her clothes are usually AWFUL. Ciara consistently looks hotter than Rihanna. I am trying to think of any individual in the music industry right now who is LESS talented than Rihanna. I actually can’t come up with anybody….
i still love Kanye and i think Sway put it best
Kanye is an artist and us artists tend to be
extremely passionate and even a little egocentric
at times when it comes to our craft – i dont understand
Kanyes actions BUT i do understand being misunderstood.
TEAM KANYE!!!
Rihanna’s voice has a strong foreign sound to it, because she is from the Caribbean… she sounds great, but it is not for everyone… like how I don’t like opera, not because it’s bad, it’s different and not for me. Bottom line, she sells many records and has a large fan base. Rihanna is not a dancer just like Mary J. Blige is not a dancer, but Rih does have great stage presence, can’t help but watch. In regards to her style, she is constantly on the top best dress list, so I guess it is more about your taste. Oh well.
i dnt really tend to be a stan for ppl
but @ #16 Kanye is FAR from a
“tired star” – lets not let his actions
take away from his genius
like OMG taylor swift will be arite
yea he was wrong but damn he clearly
had henny in his system! he was wrong
about the way he went about expressing
his opinion but damn he ain hurt nobody
so stop trying to play him out like a effn devil SMH!!
The whole thing was planned. Beyonce and Taylor were the only people in the arena with red on . Everyone else had on Black or white and silver. WHy? Beyonce was passing some sort of sick torch to Taylor. Kanye was asked and possibly paid to do his outburst. Works for everyone… press for all 3, Taylor gets a whole new level of career, and Beyonce looks like some sort of Fairy godmother, granting this lily white princess (sarcasm) her wish. F*ckery!
nigga has yall in the palm of his hand
I can’t believe some of you are still missing the point! Kanye is allowed to have his own opinioins just like we all are as well but the fact that he went ON STAGE, TOOK THE MIC from Taylor, AND THEN basically said Beyonce should have won is so rude and inappropriate – and if you guys can’t see that then there is something seriously wrong. Who cares if you guys thought Beyonce should have won – any award Beyonce is up for most of you think she should win but HELLO Beyonce is not the only hard working singer out there. Just because you guys don’t listen to Taylor Swift or like her doesn’t mean she doesn’t work hard as well. She has accomplished A LOT and she’s only 19! I like Taylor swift but shoot if someone I didn’t like won I would still think the same thing. You just can’t do what he did and I still can’t believe you guys are “praising” Kanye for doing so.
Also, about Beyonce’s reaction – she had the same expression as I did! She was shocked – and as much as I think Beyonce is fake, I don’t see anything fake about that reaction. She was surprised he actually did that and in no way do I think this was rehearsed and that Kanye would take all the heat for something like this. And for this to involve Taylor Swift .. it’s a weird “trio.”
—
But about the video – I found it a little funny when Kanye said he knew he was in the wrong when he gave the mic back to Taylor and she didn’t say anything. I was a little surprised that Jay brought up his mama, he’s clearly still takin’ it really hard and I felt bad for him. I think his apology was very sincere and we should all move on now.
#31 NAT,
That’s ridiculous because why would Kanye want to look like even more of a bad guy? Taylor and Beyonce may come out looking good but who would volunteer to play the roll of the mean guy when it could possibly mean losing many fans? We all know Kanye is outspoken so I don’t see anything fake about him doing that – I was surprised but at the same time not so surprised because come on – it’s Kanye.
Lol, I’m SURE Beyonce and Taylor were NOT the only ones wearing red – and if it WAS fake then wouldn’t they try not to wear the same colour because then it would look like they actually tried to look similar? Pfft!
Anything ‘out of the ordinary’ for any of you automatically means it’s fake, scripted, etc – ughh!
@15
Shut your dumb ass up, you sound like an immature little girl. You don’t ever curse somebody marriage because your stan for a chick who doesn’t even care for you. You should choose your words wisely and don’t get married, someone may most likely steal your husband.
RIHANNA CAN REALLY NOT SING!!!!! Any of her stans who has watched teh video cant deny it!I just watch the video, first she looks ridiculous in her oufit, only a bunch of little ghetto kids will say otherwise. second, SHE CANT SING OR MOVE …..And I find it terrible that people think that black music is about talent nowadays because it has become the most corrupted and fake stuff ever…tehy make “Star ” like they would make a mcdonald menu: light skin, big bum, good stylist and producer, andhere you have you puppet
Taylor Swift may be white , but at least she writes and produces her songs and can perform…Check her out on youtube
RIHANNA CAN REALLY NOT SING!!!!! Any of her stans who has watched teh video cant deny it!I just watch the video, first she looks ridiculous in her oufit, only a bunch of little ghetto kids will say otherwise. second, SHE CANT SING OR MOVE …..And I find it terrible that people think that black music is about talent nowadays because it has become the most corrupted and fake stuff ever…they make “Stars ” like they would make a mcdonald menu: light skin, big bum, good stylists and producers, and here YOU HAVE YOUR PUPPET !!
Taylor Swift may be white , but at least she writes and produces her songs and can perform…Check her out on youtube
The whole thing with Kanye interupting Taylor Swift was staged and pre-planned,by the MTV producers of the VMA show and Ye, after the show,reporters interveiwed the MTV producers about it,and they were`nt even angry or upset,in fact,they said their goal is to make the VMA AWARDS show the best in the industry and in order to separate themselves from other award shows,they want to stir up outrageous controversy on purpose because its good for their ratings.Kanye interupting Taylor Swift is as fake as Kelly Rowland`s breasts.
He should seek therapy.
If you don’t like what Angel ( the creator of this site) has to say.. Please keep moving. Don’t disprespect her page.. Your acting like kanye!! LOL
I’m a Ye fan… He’s human, he makes mistake. He apoligized. Get over it.
THere are other serious problems going on in the world.. this is not that important
If you don’t like what Angel ( the creator of this site) has to say.. Please keep moving. Don’t disprespect her page.. Your acting like kanye!! LOL
I’m a Ye fan… He’s human, he makes mistake. He apoligized. Get over it.
THere are other serious problems going on in the world.. this is not that important
This performance was the joint. Seriously, nothing compares to a LIVE performance, even Rihanna’s vocals shined. Jay Z’s vocal delivery was FIRE and Kayne’s Energy was on point.
Good Performance.
footnote: I agree with bossip Kanye is an emotional wreck, the kid is mad reaching out for attention and help. Someone needs to stop making him a cash cow and let the man greive. KANYE IS GOING TO SNAP.
Let’s hope he does not end up like Michael Jackson. Our community needs to reach out to dude and he needs to get help
Donda West would have been greatly disappointed with Kanye. He needs to do 3 things 1. Get rid of that woman. 2. Get some therapy. 3.Take notes from Shaun Carter. I hope to see him next year take six months to a year off. Get intimate with God let him mold Kanye.
I LOVE LOVE Kanye and all his antics but he stepped way over the line at the VMA’s. He apologized and all is forgiven with me. But Kanye has been acking an ass even before his mother died so I will chalk it up to – too much Henny on the red carpet.
The performance is hot and his VERSE KILLS everytime.
This is what happens when mothers baby their sons. This grown man can’t think straight without mommy. Ladies, your male child is not your man! Teach them independence now or we’ll all be sorry. I see it everyday. We are raising a nation of pussies.
Kanye’s union with amber rose amounts to self destruction. Her main objective is fame. If she really cared she would not have tolerated his behavior at VMA’s. Where is the support when you need it? But, it’s not her probelm, right?
EVERYONE has done something or somethings in life that they were ashamed of, or regretted or wish they could of taken back. Things happen, and it’s a part of life. You make mistakes, you learn, you grow. Period.
Kanye has apologized 3 times, let’s move on! All these people all over the tv & blogs saying Kanye is this & that need to look at themselves. People act as if they are angels and never did anything wrong in their lives.
Kanye has admitted he was wrong, he has admitted he’s still hurting over his mother’s death, he has said he was sorry, so just let it go! People have done worse! There are more important things going on in this world than another one of Kanye’s outburts…sheesh!
Bob Marley said it best when he said: “Before you judge me, make sure your hands are clean.” Couldn’t of said it better myself. Alot of people talkin ish about Kanye need to check themselves real quick.
Peace.
And thank you Angela for not dropping Kanye, and still supporting him
am i p***y for crying at this video? by 2:15 a tear fell.
kanye always acts out for attention, he does not think before he speaks. This time the 31 year old man disrespected a 19 year old girl.. Do you think if pink would’ve won he would have acted the same way….. The limelight is a drug for alot of entertainers, it is very addictive and unstoppable. Do I think he should be forgiven (YES).. Kanye needs to take some time off to reflect on his life, enjoy the blessing that has been giving to him, and take time to deal with his demons.
Why are people talking about Beyonce’,she did what was right,he was wrong for what happen she was a child. When Beyonce’ gave up her speech for her she made me respect her more.
Ok so because Taylor had on a red dress this was stage that was the same dress she performed in…if Kanye’s outburst was staged by anyone it was Hennesy…quick question have any of the people that say Beyonce should have one have you guys seen Taylor Swift’s video cause I said the same thing before watching Taylor’s video on youtube….
– Yes ,Rih looked Hot, and sonunded awesome,,,
and KANYA WHAT is up , I felt -like his apologize was sincere , but then i see , a —–Big GAME . Something’s not –RIGHT,,, JAYZ TEAM AND PPL LOOK’S LIKE THE CLOWN’S in all this .
He was very sincere to me and I see Rihanna still is the same way, instead of walking around trying to out do Amber Rose and Lady GaGa she should have been doing them work outs Beyonce does for her vocals.. Even standing still she was off, her performance at the Benefit where she was out of breath for just saying some words was pitiful!
Kanye what you said was true but you did it in a very wrong manner, and he knows how MTV is anyway so what was the big deal!
Ya`ll negroes have been played and tricked,like Malcom X said,you have been bamboozled,MTV and Kanye cooked up the whole scheme and made the fake interruption of Taylor appear genuine and real,how long people,how long will black people allow themselves to be tricked ,used and bamboozled by white folk ,Kanye allowed himself to be used in this fake scheme by the white MTV producers,why did`nt the producers ask and use Eminem to pull of this fake scheme,because Eminem is smart enough to realize that he would be used by MTV to bring them high ratings and negative reaction from the public would hurt his record sales.
I approve of his apology. He has a long way to go to deal with his issues but this is the first step right here: admitting that you were wrong. I like how he said he didn’t even want to try and justify what he did. Awww honey, your mom would’ve been so proud.
I am sorry but I can never stop hating on Rihanna! Where did she get that body and who do I have to bribe to get one???? Ugh
this is exactly why people like kanye continue to do the things they do because as soon as they apologize or if there a supporter of your blog you forgive them this wont be kanye last outburst or the last stunt an black man or women will pull since we are all so forgiving of them once again and thank you kanye for setting black people back a few more years
Ok let’s get this right. Kayne West has to make a national apology to gain his respect back but no has seen or heard from Joe Wilson after he called our PRESIDENT a liar on national tv. WOW this is really white america. Do you people not see what is happening. The president can’t get respect but Taylor Swift can. SMDH
aww kanye, i feel sorry for him, these people take every opportunity to put down a black man. i agree what he did was not right, but dang he aint killed nobody!
and taylor swift- so u couldnt even thank beyonce??? shame!
I love Kanye. People can say what they want to say about him, but he only said what so many people in the audience were thinking and afraid to say. Jay Leno didn’t have to bring up his mother because she didn’t get on the stage and say it. It was atually a low blow to Ye beause Leno didn’t even say rest her soul when making his comment. I think he was just as mad as any other white person, and that was his way of getting back at Ye. Hell, you could tell he was offended by the question, he didn’t even answer that mess. TEAM YE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!