Donda West, the inspiration and mother of Kanye West died Sunday, Nov. 11 in a Los Angles hospital at the age of 58.
West was former head of the English department at Chicago State University. Her 31 year dedication to academia ended in 2004 when her son’s career reached stellar heights. Once retired, she continued to find ways to impact the youth.
As CEO and founder of Super Good, she helped keep kids from dropping out of school.
Her biggest role, however, came in rearing her own son. In her recent book, “Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hip Star” which hit stores in early May, she described the West’s close knit family. This connection is believed to be passed down through generations.
“Some would say it was blasphemous the way Grandmother Williams worshiped her husband, the way my dad worshiped me, and the way I worship Kanye. But I just call it plain-old heartfelt, couldn’t-help-it-if-you-tried-to love.”Kanye had just landed in London when he heard news of his mother’s death. He immediately flew back to California to be with her. Years earlier Kanye discussed his relationship with his mother in an MTV True Life Story interview. “I talk to my mother everyday. She’s my biggest supporter,” said West.
The rapper attributes much of his success and internal drive to his mother. “Hey Mama” a track from his second album, “Late Registration,” speaks about his maternal bond. “See you’re, unbreakable, unmistakable, highly capable, lady that’s making loot. A living legend too, just look at what heaven do. Send us an angel, and I thank you.”
Dr. West wasn’t just a mother to Kanye, “she was everyone’s mother” said underground hip-hop star Rhymefest. The hip-hop community is no stranger to prominent mother figures most notably Afeni Shakur (mother of Tupac Shakur) and Voletta Wallace (mother of the Notorious B.I.G.).
Though the cause of death has yet to be officially determined but according to CNN.com, Dr. West died after a “cosmetic procedure.” Family, friends and fans are still in continued morning.
- Alexandria Harper