Kanye West has made a name for himself not only as a rapper, but also as a fashion designer and controversial social figure. But he was apparently trying to become a television actor and producer in the early 2000s, as the pilot for a show he tried pitching to HBO recently leaked online.
Ye was inspired to make a show based on Larry David’s sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm, which was produced by HBO. The Seinfeld creator plays a fictional version of himself in the show, which follows his adventures as a retired television writer and producer in Los Angeles.
Kanye wanted his show to follow a similar format, where cameras would follow him through a scripted version of his life. He was even able to get Curb Your Enthusiasm’s director Larry Charles on board for the project.
Ultimately, the show wasn’t picked up by HBO. But recently, the pilot leaked online, giving the public a glimpse into what could’ve been. The first episode follows Kanye as he visits a fan on what he believes is a visit arranged through the Make-A-Wish foundation, though he later discovers the child isn’t sick.
Kanye Dislikes Reality Television Because He Fears It Hurts His Reputation
While Kanye’s show sounds a lot like reality television, it wouldn’t have been since the series was intended to be scripted, just like Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Ye’s desire to create a show about his life where he’s in control of the narrative is in line with his disdain towards reality television, where he doesn’t have as much control over his image.
In 2013, sources said Kanye was refusing to appear on Keeping Up with the Kardashians, as he was worried it was negatively impacting his reputation. At the time, Kim Kardashian was pregnant with their first child, daughter North, which was a huge storyline in the show.
“Kanye has made it perfectly clear to Kim that he doesn’t want to appear at all on Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” a source told Radar Online.
“He has made several brief appearances on the Kardashian reality shows, but wants nothing to do with future filming,” they continued. “Kanye’s team believes it’s bad for his image and brand to appear on a reality show because it makes him look cheap.”
Assuming the source’s information is truthful, it’s likely Kanye wouldn’t appear on a show, scripted or otherwise, unless he has full control over it.
Kanye Is Apparently Making A Documentary, But Financial Problems Could Stop It
Bizarre Episode From Kanye West’s Cancelled HBO TV Show Leaks Online
Kanye may have no plans to return to TV, but he is reportedly making a documentary to give fans an in-depth look into his life in recent years. In March, it was reported that the low budget production is being entirely filmed on an iPhone.
Million Dollaz Worth of Game co-host Wallo267 recalled a meeting he recently had with Ye, and said the rapper wanted to film their conversation on his phone for his documentary. “I was with Ye months ago,” he explained. “This mothaf*cka had a white bull, right? Me and this bull talkin’. This white bull got an iPhone that’s all day… He documenting everything. This gon’ be the documentary, the iPhone.”
“When I’m talkin’ to Ye, Ye’s like, ‘Do you mind if I record this?’ Nah, he could record,” he went on. “He like this all day, he don’t say nothing.”
However, Kanye is reportedly experiencing financial problems after losing his billionaire status as well as a variety of collaborations, including his Yeezy deal with Adidas. He’s also facing a number of high-profile lawsuits, which could explain why his documentary appears to have a small budget (and could be a hindrance to production in the future).
