By Rina Weaver
jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy is a three-part documentary that seeks to explore all of the elements that have shaped West into the man he is today, from a struggling producer to a serious rapper. Along with analyzing the highs and lows of West’s life and work, jeen-yuhs also looks at the life of co-director and co-producer Coodie Simmons, who first interviewed West in 1998 and has spent much of his life as West’s documentarian. Jeen-yuhs demonstrates not only West’s brilliance as a musician and more, but also the type of captivating and impressive figure that could persuade someone like Coodie to sacrifice his own goals to follow West as he accomplishes his own.
As the name implies, jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy is a three-part documentary that looks at Ye’s life. Act I, “VISION,” depicts West as a young producer trying to make a reputation for himself while also getting signed as a rapper. Act 2, “PURPOSE,” follows West after a car accident in which he broke his jaw threatened to derail his rap career, as well as the huge success that followed the release of his debut album, “The College Dropout.” The challenging goal of Act 3, “AWAKENING,” is to portray the next nearly twenty years of Ye’s life.
It can be difficult for a fan to justify a love for Kanye West over the last decade. However, Coodie and co-director/co-producer Chike Ozah go back to the beginning with “VISION” and “PURPOSE,” showing what so many West fans first saw in him to build so many lifelong admirers. It’s difficult not to appreciate West’s passion and determination in these first two acts, and it’s obvious to understand how West was a star just waiting for an opportunity. For many people, including myself, West’s early days reinforced his reputation as a genius, and it’s fantastic to revisit these times, which serve as a lovely reminder of West’s abilities without the controversies.