A few weeks ago, Kanye West went on a tirade during one of his concerts, and his targets were many but included Grammys and the corporate nature of the music industry (even though this is the guy who is blind enough about his own role in the machine that he wore a $30,000 outfit to Occupy Wall Street). In addition, Kanye took aim at Justin Timberlake’s latest single, “Suit & Tie” by ranting, “I got love for Hov but I ain’t f–king with that ‘Suit & Tie’.” Then he went on to shout, “I hate business people. How much shampoo can you sell with your face on it and sh-t? Remind me again why we in this sh-t. Can you remind me again why we in this sh-t? Since when [is] making music about getting rich? Since when [is] making art about getting rich?… Remind me again why we in this sh-t. Remind me again why the Grammys couldn’t suck my d-ck.”
Kanye’s rant went largely unnoticed by the gossip world until Timberlake decided to use his performance time on this past weekend’s “SNL” episode to respond to Kanye. JT actually modified the lyrics “Suit & Tie” to suit his own purpose of dissing Kanye right back, and here is how he did it:
Justin Timberlake picked the perfect moment to slam Kanye West, who dissed his album’s lead single, “Suit & Tie,” during a February concert in London. During Timberlake’s live performance with Jay-Z on Saturday Night Live March 9, the singer changed the lyrics from “Aww, sh-t so sick, got a hit and picked up a habit” to “my hit’s so sick, got rappers acting dramatic.”
West, 35, trashed Timberlake’s track on stage at the Hammersmith Apollo. “I got love for Hov, but I ain’t f-cking with that ‘Suit & Tie,'” the outspoken rapper told the crowd during a three-minute rant about the commercialism of popular music.
The dis came as a surprise to fans, given that Kim Kardashian’s boyfriend frequently collaborates with Jay-Z. The hip-hop heavyweights even released a joint album, Watch the Throne, in August 2011. West was recently ranked No. 7 on MTV’s Hottest MCs list.
While West may not be a fan of “Suit & Tie,” former ‘N Sync member Lance Bass can’t get enough of Timberlake’s mid-tempo jam. “I think it’s something that no one expected him to do,” Bass told Us Weekly in January. “I think everyone was expecting him to do a crazy [dance track], but he went back to his roots and I like it. It’s very nice!”
[From Us Weekly]
I already included a video clip of JT’s performance of “Suit & Tie” on this morning’s “SNL” post, but here it is again. Since Kanye and Jay-Z are such close buddies, I wonder what Jay (as a performer in this video) thought of Justin’s modified lyrics.
You know, it would be one thing if he were merely criticizing the quality of “Suit & Tie,” which is a pretty atrocious song, but Kanye is merely (I think) criticizing what he perceives as the manufactured nature of the song. Never mind that Kanye has no problem with dating and knocking up Kim Kardashian, who is the ultimate commodity of reality television these days, but that’s beside the point I guess.
Photos courtesy of WENN
Yes and I hope kanye responds. Nothing makes me more happy then two douches feuding. We all win.
That was my first thought too–douchebag vs. douchebag.
I agree with you. Kanye’s reference to “suit & tie” was a metaphor to “business people.” Kanye then proceeded to talk about the music business. I think that totally went over people’s head. I like Justin’s music, however, I don’t like this song. When the song first came out, a lot of people did not like it.
Why some may take what Kanye said as a metaphor to the business world and not a strike at JT, I’m not buying it. Knowing what a douche Kanye is; he was definetely going after JT. If he wasn’t he would have not only said no disrespect to Hov but also no disrepect to you JT.
Kanye has been in this business long enough to know what JT is actually saying when he is singing suit and tie. JT is not talking about suit and ties in the work sense. He is talking about when a man gets dressed to the T to go out and have a good time, knowing he looks good and feeling confident about the way he looks. Hence the lyrics ” As long as I got my suit and time, I’ma leave it all on the floor tonight.”
Kanye West is just being his usual self which is an A-hole. He’s done it before. Note he wasn’t complaining about Grammys when he was winning the awards.
This whining about commercialism when him and Kim wear hideous outfits made of leather and buy $$$$ gold bracelets every second day. Does he ever take a good look in the mirror and choke on his own hypocritical BS? *shakes head
BINGO!
Yes, wasn’t this the man who draped Kim’s arms and hands in Cartier diamonds? Maybe he did that in an artistic, non-commercial way, though.
+1000
He’s more annoying and a bigger cry baby than Taylor Swift
This! Kanye IS a corporation and his baby mama is the pinnacle of selling out. Hell she doesn’t even have a product or talent to speak of but manages to sell herself anyway. Hypocrisy doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Totally agree. The moment he shacked up with a kardashian and appeared on their show he has no legs to stand on with regards to this.
+1
In addition, the whole Kardashian machine is nothing but vapid commercialism designed to sell to the lowest bidder.
Yea, KW sit DOWN
However, I’m no fan of timberlake – music or otherwise (ok, I do admit reluctantly that is he funny on SNL).
Exactly! How are you going to rage against the commercialism of music when he constantly raps about his cars, his money, his expensive clothes. He’s a fantastic ass.
Well Kanye was right, that song is completely mediocre but everyone is too busy kissing JT’s ass and telling him how great it is and blowing smoke up his ass.
Agreed 150%
I don’t find it any more mediocre than any of Kanye’s music in the last 5 years or more. Kanye thinks because he is in Paris he is making aaht a la James Franco. Pot calling the kettle black.
Did you listen to “My Dark Twisted Fantasy?” That album was really good and I think it might be Kanye’s masterpiece so far.
@apsutter – completely agree with you. That album was awesome. While he brings it upon himself, Kanye’s actions have completely overshadowed what a gifted song writer he is. Which is very sad, because that man has talent.
Also, I’m not sure why everyone hates JT’s new song so much. I actually kind of like it. It’s pretty catchy. As a person I think JT is just awful, but he’s a talented song writer like Kanye too.
Agreed littlestar. Kanye is going to be making some shit music if he doesnt get his head out of his ass. He’s so distracted by designer labels and clothing lines and KK he’s not thinking about his music. Bet when him and Kim break up he’ll go back in the studio and concentrate just like he did with “MDTF”” and make some good music.
Kanye has made some awesome music. He is very talented. But its hypocritcal of him to speak on this when he is in bed with the kardashians. The very epitome of commercialism in hollywood.
Yeah I was going to say, as much as I hate to admit it, Kanye is right about the song. Whenever I’m driving and it comes on the radio, it almost puts me to sleep.
Yeah I was going to say, as much as I hate to admit it, Kanye is right about the song. Whenever I’m driving and it comes on the radio, it almost puts me to sleep.
Whether or not “suit and tie” is a good song or not doesn’t really matter to me in this discussion. What matters is knowing that a grown man, Kanye, can’t comport himself with decency and graciousness. If he doesn’t like JT music, or JT himself, why publicize that? It comes off as jealousy to me. He could certainly take issue with the commercialization of music/art without naming names.
Suit and Tie has been stuck in my head for weeks. I don’t even like it that much, but it’s kinda hypnotic. lol.
The more I hear it the more I like it.
The performance on SNL was tight. Loved watching the back up dancers and the Tennessee Kids are a great band.
Exactly! I didn’t like the song when I first heard it, but after hearing again on SNL, I have had that song stuck in my head now for over a day. Hypnotic is a perfect way to describe it.
Justin Timberlake!
Dude, you’re dating Kim Kardashian.
Ha! That should be the answer to everything Kanye related.
ha, that’s what I thought. she’s the chick trying to put her face on everything.
I feel like he is trying to do the Robin Thicke thing. Nothing ever seems authentic with him and FYI the song sucks.
He even is styling himself like him!!! So annoying.
Budget pumpkin faced Robin Thicke is the perfect description of Timberdouche.
This!
I don’t get the hype over the song.
I would take Robin Thicke everyday over JT.
I really despise him! He is not that talented! At least Robin is talented. He respects the culture and the music. You can tell JT only uses black musicians to increase his ‘street cred’. So overrated. Black/urban producers made him. Along with stealing Usher’s dance moves lol. He is so douchy. The whole wedding homeless video solidified it for me. At least Kanye has actual talent. I still play his 1st two CDs they are that good.
All of the urban blogs covered Kanye’s rant. It’s funny to me he would say that when is alleged babymama is literally everything he is railing against. Ha. The hypocrisy! JT is so fake and gross though that I’d take Kanye over him any day!
Ditto. Only RT is classy. JT… Not so much.
It’s funny that you say that because when I first heard the song I thought it was Robin Thicke and that he was seriously off his game. Then I found out it was Timberlake and I was like “WTF??” It’s a catchy song but it doesn’t sound at all like him. I get that he’s trying to change it up and progress musically, but you don’t do that by stylizing yourself as a knock off Robin Thicke.
Kanye’s full of shit. Nothing is more manufactured than Kardashian. Way to be self aware.
Suit and Tie isn’t a very good song and both Kanye and Justin are so so performers with inflated egos. They both think they’re way better than what they actually are.
Bingo! Timberlake’s new song put me to sleep, but it’s not like Kanye West has done anything better. Both of them are morons.
‘Can you remind me again why we in this s__t?’ O RLY, Kanye?
Considering he’s in bed w/the Kartrashians, I’d say he’s the #1 OFFENDER of “this s__t!”
He really needs to take a long, hard look in the mirror and make a vow to never lie to himself. He’s such a fake poser. If I never saw him again, it’d be too soon.
“Suit & Tie” is like some Judy Garland 1940’s horse turd.
Seriously, talking about sell-outs and manufactured goods – hello, Kim. Kanye needs to stick his foot in his mouth.
…and hello Kanye! It’s not like he doesn’t play the comercial game like all the others…and it’s not that he isn’t showing around that it is indeed all about the money. These people live so far away from reality!
Plus one
the context of kanyes tantrum gives me the impression he’s means music business/management types, not timberlakes shitty song. But when the world revolves around you and yours, context means nothing. And remind me again how kanye is so hard core, being from the streets and all, clawing his way up with cunning and will. (Eye roll) whatever kanye, spend more time worrying about what trick you trip into, shut up, make music, and stop knocking up kardashians.
I really dont like the song. I kept hoping there was another (dirty) version to it :/
Weird. Hes in tight with jz and beyonce, and they are super corporate. Pepsi anyone?
Thank you. The first thing that came to mind is he is bff’s with the husband of the most manufactured star next to Britney Spears. Jay-Z himself is all business. I havent heard “art” from him in about a decade. So…. sit down Kanye. And soo many people have said it, but it needs to be said again. KIM KARDASHIAN. Fail.
kanye plays the game well but that does not mean he is commercial… he does his own thing and finds a way to make it successful. you can still like your friends and disagree with their work…
i mean, come on. the guy dissed GWB and Swifty within a decade as a black rapper in america and is still standing having a good time with his girl of choice (ugh). he’s doing it his way and its working for far…
@Bluecalling KIM KARDASHIAN
I agree with Kanye that the song sucks. I think he’s more pissed that his horrible “big brother” Jay Z is acting like bff’s with Justin now.
i love Justin’s SNL appearances…they are always super funny. i didn’t like the song when i first heard it on that commercial, but it is catchy. the vintage performance was dope. also liked how he didn’t sexualize the female dancers and just let the music shine through.
that being said…i don’t think i’ll look at tofu the same way ever again. 😆
He wasn’t on tirade or tantrum throwing, at least not this time around.. He was stating the obvious >smh
As for big brother Jay, a man has to do what he has to do…
As for the similarity with Robin Thicke… JT was in the industry before him
Because JT was in the industry before Robin, he has the right to completely swagger jack him?
Wtv, to me, he’s nowhere near Robin in terms of voice, style, and sexiness..which Robin oozes!
Actually, that’s incorrect. Robin Thicke had been in the business long before JT came on the scene w/N’Sync. He was a song writer for artists like Brandy, Mya, Christina Aguilera and a few others.
Imma let y’all finish but… Lance Bass is a class act. When do you ever hear a popstar complimented by those he left behind? Normally everyone in that world is so insecure and hard up for fame that they’re willing to throw their own mother under the bus.
But also Kanye has never really put any consideration into his relationship with Kim, right? The man is complaining about commercialism while his babymama shills her trash at Sears. Hypocrite.
“I hate business people. How much shampoo can you sell with your face on it..”
Ummmm… does this guy know who his girlfriend is? Sorry, can’t take you seriously as an “artiste” who doesn’t care about money when you are dating the biggest famewh-re I’ve ever seen in my life.
That Bud Light commercial is the WORSTTTTTT. My husband said it best on twitter recently- “Kinda want everyone involved in that “Suit & Tie” Bud Light commercial to get violent, bloody diarrhea. Then again, if they’re drinking Bud Light, there’s a good chance they will get violent, bloody diarrhea anyways.” Amen! Also, as annoying as Ye can be (cough cough, projection), he actually consistently puts out solid music (his last studio album was great, as was watch the throne even though I can’t stand hov anymore & the cruel summer collab last year has some really great tracks on it) and has surprisingly great taste in fashion. I hate that I like Kanye as much as I do….. Esp now that he knocked up a Kardashian… But for all his foot-in-mouth moments, I still love him.
And I actually always kind of liked JT as well– until the bud light ad. It’s getting played ALL THE TIME. he did a great job as host on SNL though. He’s likable. Not as fashionable and definitely pushing the advertising too hard on this album…. Ye never really has to go that far because he actually does help push his genre of music forward & releases albums that are actually pretty great.
I can not stand Kayne. talk about a little b itch
Ya know I think I loathe Kanye West more than I’ve ever disliked anyone in my whole entire life. I had never even heard his music the first time that he bitched and moaned about how he should have won an MTV award and then a year or two later he got up on the stage and insulted Swifty (yes, bey should have won but she didn’t). That was just over the top. He never stops opening his vile, narcissistic yap and digging himself deeper and deeper and deeper. And now he is with the person that I loathe almost as much as him.
They need to exit stage right – stat! Ugh!
Suit and Tie sucks. Kanye is right about that one.
Oh I commented on the wrong post!
He also dropped the “get out your seat Hov” since it sounded too much like “get out your seat ho!” LOL!!
Robin Thicke is so much better than Timberlake.
If Kanye had any talent, he could say something? But… Alas, he does not! So STFU & that goes for ur skanky baby momma too. P.S. I love JT, thought SNL was really funny!
Are you kidding me? Kanye most certainly has talent.
Kanye West is extremely talented. His arrogance just overshadows it.
i hate him soooooo much. what a hypocrite.
“I hate business people… Can you remind me again why we in this sh-t? Since when [is] making music about getting rich?”
Good question Douche Rapper, remind YOURSELF again! wtf? he is the MOST vain with all his $$$ off music. and dating/bearding with KK? HYPOCRITE!
so seriously kane, if you shaved yourself of all the real FUR coats (“Remind me why people wear that s***t, why you gotta wear that s*****t..”, buy 3 homes w/ KK, prancing around at paris fashion week….
if you’re ‘in it for the music man and not the $$$’ than take your paycheck and donate it to the needy.
I tried to listen to Timberlake the other day but had to turn it off….no true talent.
I don’t like the Suit and Tie single either but….. SORRY YE once you impregnate Kardashian trash,who are the biggest fame whores in history,you don’t have a right to put down anyone ever about anything.Atleast Justin wasn’t stupid enough to get involved with the evil K’s,you can’t say that.
The real reason Kanye is angry is because Jay and Bey have put him down since he got Kim pregnant.I know that Kim wanted to be best friends with Bey and Goop and be accepted as a real A- lister, but Bey put the brakes on that.No one with half a brain would want to be around those terrible women or be friends with Kim.Kanye knows his stock has went down since he hooked up with Kim and is trying to pretend he doesn’t care. He has no idea how much he has screwed up his career getting involved with this skank.His downfall is going to be fun to watch.
I still don’t like any of the songs he’s released, they’re boring. Both Justin and Kanye are sleazy douche bags, Justin just keeps it hidden, and people don’t realize how much he swagger jacked Robin and Usher. This will be fun.
Kanye always sounds like a complete idiot when he speaks. Makes perfect sense why him and KK are a couple… a true meeting of the mindless.
both are overrated petty bitches.
Douchetastic argument over a horrible song. Did I get this right? I don’t think I did.
Im gonna say it. I love JT. All the media rumors and garbage about him – not sure I believe it.
This song takes a few listens to develop a “pallet” for it, but it’s old school R&B vibe I like.
They both did.