KANYE’S MOM PASSES AWAY

By Nick Kaoma

Some extremely sad news has just come through across the Atlantic. Dr. Donda West, mother and manager to rap superstar Kanye West, passed away suddenly last night. Her death ironically comes at a time when Kanye is enjoying unprecedented success. His latest album, Graduation, went double-platinum (2 million copies sold) in its first month of release.

The cause of death has not been established, but she was reportedly in the Los Angeles area when she died. Early reports suggest Dr. West's death may have been the result of some form of surgical procedure. Those reports have not been confirmed.

She was 58 years old.

For us Kanye West fans, we’ve known Donda West though Ye’s music. He has often rapped about his mom, revealing how she played an integral part in his life and career. On the Late Registration album, Kanye even went as far as recording an entire song dedicated to his mother. Titled Hey Mama, Ye poured his hear out, rapping:

“I'm finna talk about my mama if y’all don't mind
I was three years old, when you and I moved to the Chi
Late December, harsh winter gave me a cold
You fixed me up something that was good for my soul
Famous homemade chicken soup, can I have another bowl?
You work late nights just to keep on the lights
Mommy got me training wheels so I could keep on my bike
And you would give anything in this world”

In 2006, West performed this song for his mother on the Oprah Winfrey Show, in a moment that would have made any mom weep with pride and joy.

Earlier this year, she released a book called Raising Kanye, which chronicled her journey of raising her son.

Our condolences go out to the West family. May she rest in peace.