Kanye West’s gospel opera Nebuchadnezzar: A Kanye West Opera is getting mixed reviews from even his most faithful fans. Some are calling it a genius performance with minimal props and worthwhile messaging. Others claim the whole thing was overwrought and overhyped. But one thing everyone can agree on? West was two hours late for his own show.
West’s tardiness is hardly surprising. The Grammy-award winning performer is plagued by chronic lateness both for his live performances and for scheduled album releases. When West announced his intention to run for president in 2024, his fans quipped that he’d probably submit the paperwork by 2028.
But what does it say about Kanye West that he’s constantly running late for everything? And more importantly, will his fans keep putting up with it?
West was more than two hours late for his opera performance
Now that West has fully embraced Christianity in both his personal and professional life, many aspects of his art are changing. Like with Nebuchadnezzar: A Kanye West Opera which was performed at the Hollywood Bowl on Nov. 24. The performance was supposed to begin at 4 p.m. but when West still hadn’t taken the stage by 6, many disappointed attendees started filing out. The event finally kicked off at 6:14 p.m.
It seems like a curious strategy for someone who is trying to hype his new image. But this was also being touted as a performance for West’s “most loyal” fans, meaning they’re used to his delays. Still, it doesn’t mean they’re happy about it.
His albums rarely get released on time
It’s a little ironic — or more likely, a little telling — that Kanye West’s second album was called “Late Registration.” It was almost like a premonition of things to come.
Most recently, West promised he’d only be making Christian themed music and started promoting his newest release, “Jesus is King.” But his ninth studio album was delayed multiple times with no explanation before finally being released on Oct. 25.
It was the same story with West’s previous album, “Yandhi,” which was slated to release on Black Friday 2018 before being delayed indefinitely.
Fans flipped when West was late for a wedding
Concerts and album releases are one thing — but when Kanye West and Kim Kardashian showed up late to Chance the Rapper’s wedding in March, people were absolutely outraged.
“Kim and Kanye are so trashy for arriving late to chance the rappers wedding trying to steal the show how tacky,” one Twitter user said. “As much as Chance looks up to Kanye & takes up for him… the man shows up late to his WEDDING!?” another agreed.
In general, being late shows a chronic lack of respect for that person. When West was late for the wedding, it was like saying he was more important than the bride and groom. And when he was late releasing his album, he was essentially proving that he can get away with anything and fans will love him anyway.
Maybe he’s right about that.