Introduction: Understanding Kanye’s Creative Process
In the world of hip-hop, ghostwriting has long been a controversial topic, often associated with artists who are seen as taking credit for work they didn’t create themselves. However, Kanye West’s approach to songwriting seems to blur the lines between traditional ghostwriting and collaborative creation. The way Kanye works—curating verses from a team of writers based on themes and vibes he sets—has sparked a question: Is this ghostwriting, or is there a better term for it?
In this analysis, I’ll explore Kanye’s writing process, consider the ethics of such a method, and propose a new framework for understanding this type of collaboration in the context of modern music production.
1. The Process: Collaboration vs. Ghostwriting
Traditional Ghostwriting
Ghostwriting in the music industry typically involves an external writer crafting a full song or verse for an artist, who then performs it without crediting the original writer. This is the passive, “hands-off” style of songwriting most people associate with ghostwriting. The rapper receives the song ready to perform, often without any significant input in the writing process itself. This is a common model for superstars who rely on a pool of writers to craft their lyrics.
Kanye’s Process: Active Curation
In contrast, Kanye’s method involves a highly collaborative approach where he provides direction and curates the lyrics from multiple writers. This is not the passive receiving of a completed verse, but an active involvement in shaping the final product. Kanye’s role is more akin to that of a curator or director, selecting the best lines from a variety of contributions based on his vision.
- Step 1: Kanye sets a direction, theme, or thesis for the song.
- Step 2: Multiple writers work to the beat and concept, crafting verses and hooks.
- Step 3: Kanye listens to the contributions and selects the best lines from each writer, frankensteining them together to form his final verse.
This is a dynamic form of collaboration, where the input is direct, but the final product is pieced together, giving the appearance of being mostly Kanye’s work, even though it’s derived from multiple sources.
2. Is This Ghostwriting?
The Case for “Ghostwriting”
At first glance, this process may seem like a version of ghostwriting because Kanye isn’t writing every word himself. However, there are key differences:
- Kanye’s direct involvement in guiding the writing process and his active curation of the final verse sets it apart from the passive model of traditional ghostwriting.
- The principle artist’s voice is still present throughout the process. Kanye doesn’t merely record someone else’s work; he shapes it, manipulates it, and makes it fit within his vision. This gives him more ownership over the final product.
The Case Against “Ghostwriting”
On the other hand, the involvement of multiple writers creates a blur in ownership and credit, leading some to argue that it still falls under the umbrella of ghostwriting. The question here becomes: At what point does creative involvement cease to be “authorship” and become “collaboration”?
The line is thin, but what Kanye does is closer to collaborative songwriting or curated writing rather than pure ghostwriting.
3. What Do We Call This Process?
Since the term “ghostwriting” seems inadequate for this level of involvement and collaboration, perhaps we need a new term to describe this process. Some suggestions include:
- Curated Writing
- Collaborative Curation
- Frankenstein Writing (though this sounds a bit too informal)
- Directed Writing
- Creative Curation
All of these terms reflect the balance of Kanye’s leadership in directing the vision and his selective process in choosing lines, while still emphasizing the collaborative effort of multiple writers.