Wake Up Mr. West

<p> Black celebrities in America have always walked a precarious line between their perceived status as spokespersons for their race and their own individual success­­--and between being not black enough for the black community or too black to appeal to a broader audience.</p><p> Few know this tightrope walk better than Kanye West who transformed hip-hop pop and gospel music redefined fashion married the world's biggest reality TV star and ran for president all while becoming one of only a handful of black billionaires worldwide.</p><p> Despite these accomplishments his polarizing behavior controversial alliances and bouts with mental illness have made him a caricature in the media and a disappointment among much of his fanbase. This book examines West's story and what it reveals about black celebrity and identity and the American dream.</p>