"e;Wake Up, Mr. West"e;

Black celebrities in America have always walked a precarious line between their perceived status as spokespersons for their race and their own individual success----and between being "e;not black enough"e; for the black community or "e;too black"e; to appeal to a broader audience. Few know this tightrope walk better than Kanye West, who transformed hip-hop, pop and gospel music, redefined fashion, married the world's biggest reality TV star and ran for president, all while becoming one of only a handful of black billionaires worldwide. Despite these accomplishments, his polarizing behavior, controversial alliances and bouts with mental illness have made him a caricature in the media and a disappointment among much of his fanbase. This book examines West's story and what it reveals about black celebrity and identity and the American dream.