Quincy Jones on Kanye West: 'He's just a rapper'

At 77 years young, Quincy Jones is less shy than ever about giving his unbridled opinion...

Nov 23, 2010

Quincy Jones does not like being compared to Kanye West. In a recent Us magazine interview, a reporter dared to utter the words, “Kanye West is similar to you in that he’s the producer everybody wants to work with in the last decade…” The famed producer’s retort: “How, man? No way. Did he write for a symphony orchestra? Does he write for a jazz orchestra? Come on, man. He’s just a rapper. There’s no comparison.” Ouch.

“I’m not putting him down or making a judgment or anything, but we come from two different sides of the planet,” Jones continued. “I spent 28 years learning my first skill. I don’t rap. It’s not the same thing. A producer has to have some sort of skills that enable him to be a producer. It’s totally different to know what to do with 16 woodwinds you know from piccolos down to bass clarinet. It’s a whole different mindset. No comparison. None.”

With all due respect, I wonder how closely Jones has been listening if he really thinks Kanye West is “just a rapper.” West first became known for his remarkable talents as a producer. Opinions may vary on the quality of his lyrics, but it’s just not credible to deny that the man is an expert behind the studio boards. He actually does know what to do with 16 woodwinds, believe it or not!

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