Dr. Donda West. A Tribute.
By Tahira Lindsay
It’s a sad day for Hip Hop. Kanye West’s mother, Dr. Donda West, has passed away. According to reports, Dr. West died late Saturday night, November 10, in Los Angeles, California from surgical complications. Only hours before her death, Dr. West was released from the hospital after a seemingly successful cosmetic surgery in which she received a tummy tuck and breast reduction procedure. During hours of recuperation at her home, it is reported that she stopped breathing and had to be rushed back to the hospital where she soon died after paramedics were unsuccessful in resuscitating her.
Dr. Donda West was more than a successful writer, entrepreneur, and educator. After the rise of her son’s rapping career, Dr. West retired as the chair of the English Department at Chicago State University to manage Kanye´s exploding rap career. Along with Kanye, Dr. West founded the Kanye West Foundation in an effort to combat the severe drop out rate in high schools across America. Undeniably, Dr. West served as one of Kanye´s most important advisors, but overall she served as the muse to many of Kanye´s greatest hits. In one of Kanye´s most intimate songs, “Hey Momma”, released on Kanye’s second album Late Registration (2005), Kanye boldly professes his love for his mother”
I wanna tell the whole world about a friend of mine
This little light of mine and I’m finna let it shine
I’m finna take yall back to them better times
I’m finna talk about my mama if yall don’t mind
Dr. Donda West will surely be missed. As a woman who was able to balance the realm of Hip Hop and academia, Dr. West’s greatest accomplishment will always be the love and understanding she had as Kanye’s mother. Our hearts go out the West family and friends during this difficult time.
May the hip hop beat live on.