Rapper Kanye West's Mother Dies

LOS ANGELES — Donda West, mother of Kanye West and former chairwoman of Chicago State University's English department, has died, a spokesman for the rapper said. She was 58.

Donda West died Saturday night in Los Angeles, said the spokesman, who asked for anonymity because not all family members had been notified.

"The family respectfully asks for privacy during this time of grief," the spokesman said.

A cause of death has not been released.

Donda West was known for the strong bond she shared with her son, by whose side she was often seen at parties and award shows.

Kanye West, 30, often spoke of his close relationship with his mother, who raised him alone after her husband left when Kanye was 3.

She was the inspiration for the song, "Hey Mama," on Kanye West's 2005 album "Late Registration," in which he sings: "Hey Mama, I wanna scream so loud for you, cuz I'm so proud of you ... I appreciate what you allowed for me. I just want you to be proud of me."

Donda West frequently defended her son against critics who accused him of penning misogynistic lyrics and other purported transgressions.

"I support my baby," she said in a Chicago Sun-Times interview. "He is telling how he feels and he is speaking the truth as he sees it."

In May, she published the book "Raising Kanye: Life Lessons from the Mother of a Hip-Hop Star," in which she paid homage to her famous son.

http://www.accessatlanta.com/entertainment/content/shared-gen/ap/Recordings/Obit_Donda_West.html

Although, Kanye is the most annoying celebs on the planet, he is such a mama's boy:cry:

Condolences to Kanye and his family.

RIP Mrs. West. :-(

:(

and beautiful

I like his music.. don't know his personal life but his music is great


lost

I'm so sorry Kanye

and I had no idea Kanye was 30, I thought he was in his early 20's. May she rest in peace. I don't really understand why people don't like Kanye...Just on the basis of "George Bush doesn't care about black people" he should be given a medal of honor.

that she died after having plastic surgery.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/Music/11/12/obit.west/?iref=mpstoryview

I know it can happen but it's just something you don't think about. How sad.

edit: Wow, she was quite an accomplished woman:

West retired from her post as professor and chair of the English Department at Chicago State University in 2004 to become her son's manager, according to the Kanye West Foundation Web site.

Poor Kanye. :(

:banghead:

Hi! Please PM me.

I can't PM you.

I need to talk to you.

:hi:




Sorry for the hijack- :blush:

I like Kanye's music.

Hopefully, the MSM will respect their privacy.

Rest in Peace, Mrs. West.