"Yikes" by Kanye West, a track from his 2018 album "Ye," stands as a profound exploration of the artist's internal struggles and perceptions. This composition delves deeply into the intricacies of West's mind, addressing themes of drug use, mental health, fame, and the tumult of his personal experiences. The song offers a stark and unfiltered window into West's mental state, painting a vivid picture of the chaos and complexity of his thoughts and emotions.
The song commences with a tone of foreboding and apprehension: "Shit could get menacin’, frightenin’, find help / Sometimes I scare myself, myself." These opening lines are a direct confrontation of Kanye West's battles with mental health, specifically referencing his bipolar disorder, which he boldly labels as his "superpower" rather than a disability. This impactful statement has initiated critical conversations about mental health in the realm of hip-hop, underscoring West's distinctive approach to grappling with his mental health challenges.
Within "Yikes," West's lyrics also explore his encounters with drug use, particularly referencing substances such as 2C-B and DMT. These mentions provide insights into his utilization of drugs to modulate his state of mind, potentially serving as mechanisms to cope with his mental health struggles. The song conveys a palpable sense of paranoia and apprehension, reflective of his journey through fame and personal challenges.
The track additionally addresses Kanye West's controversial remarks and actions, including his notorious comments on slavery and his endorsement of Donald Trump. Phrases like "Russell Simmons wanna pray for me too / I'ma pray for him 'cause he got #MeToo'd / Thinkin' what if that happened to me too / Then I'm on E! News" exhibit his consciousness of his influential status and susceptibility to public scrutiny and controversy.
A theme of misogyny and the objectification of women is also present in the lyrics, with West boasting about his sexual exploits and employing derogatory language when referring to women. Nevertheless, the chorus’s recurring entreaty to "find help" may be construed as an appeal for West to seek support for his mental health and addiction problems, signaling a moment of self-realization amid the ostentation.
In essence, "Yikes" by Kanye West is a multi-layered portrayal of the artist's diverse identity, highlighting his internal conflicts, personal convictions, and experiences in the music industry. The song resonates as an authentic reflection of Kanye's arduous journey through fame, mental health challenges, and the scrutiny of the public eye, offering an unvarnished insight into his psyche.
