"But why not have Kanye on the cross, with a boner, fucking a bag of gay Eucharist? Why not have the cross played by Terry Schiavo, and Terry Schiavo's life support machines played by the ghost of Hurricane Katrina? Why not have Pope John Paul II jerking off to it all?"

This is your chef-d'oeuvre. Please, don't ever hold back.

Posted by: Tony Yayo's Midwife at January 24, 2006 7:40 PM

If he's REALLY trying to get attention, he should've posed as Mohammad instead of Jesus. But of course the latter is safer and less risky than the former, isn't it?

Posted by: LB at January 24, 2006 7:53 PM

My favorite cover line is definitely BILLY JOEL.

Like do we really have to submit Joel's good name to this kind of thing?

Posted by: Sean Fennessey at January 24, 2006 7:58 PM

Your are such a fucking moron. It just burns you up inside that there is a black man being portrayed as Jesus. You son of a bitch i hope you burn up and turn to ashes. Because that is what you are a mindless, ignorant, pointless bastard that obviously is stuck in a box somewhere and afraid to come out because all the black people will take over. You pitiful exuse for a human being. Get a fucking clue you prick!
Your just mad that you aren't on ANY cover of ANY magazine. And you never will be.

Posted by: Sunny at January 24, 2006 10:24 PM

I think this guy is disgusting and highly ignorant. Ever since he announced on national tv, that "President Bush hates white people", I just thought, "who the hell does this dumb ass guy think he is?" Just because he is a "so-called" celebrity, doesn't mean that he has the right to use that to his own advantage. he looked so dumb and ignorant on that telethon. Now he has completely out-did himself. I am repulsed and completely sad that a person who is a child of God, regardless of what faith he is, would be so disrespectful. He has NO right and i can't believe that people would continue buying his music or listening to it for that matter after this. I used to be a fan of his music, but stopped after the ignorant comment about Bush. Regardless of how he is as a President, why would someone say such a dumb-ass comment, especially being a celebrity. Who is his PR person, that's what I want to know...where did they go to school, or did they because it is obvious that he sure as hell didn't.

Posted by: Erica at January 24, 2006 10:26 PM

isn't this cover about 3 months late? Do we finally find out where Jesus walked to? And, when he got there, who ok'd the wardrobe switch? Cause' Kanye doesn't look very happy.

Posted by: Stingy at January 25, 2006 12:09 AM

Wow! I was curious to see what the Village Voice had to say about the Rolling Stone cover, and instead found myself saddened as I was forced to endure the complete lack of originality and sophomoric writing style of an idiot who seems to find using words like “dickless” and phrases like “hee fucking haw” and “with a boner, fucking a bag of gay Eucharist” to be clever in some way.

Nick, your writing is so base, so banal, so "I'm-so-clever-look-how-I-can-be-ironic-and-sarcastic" that it is pathetic (and I don't mean pathetic in the over-used American Idol/Simon Cowel descriptor used to label anyone who missed out on the talent gene).

Here’s a tip, Nick. It doesn’t take someone who is intelligent, or wise, or educated, or funny to write the crap that you do (at least in this “review” of Rolling Stone). It takes an individual who is so devoid of self-meaning that they find themselves needing to demonstrate to others how clever they can be, when their cleverness is just the sad, pathetic attempt of a chimpanzee trying to get the attention of the trainer who feeds it and tosses it a treat from time to time.

In short, Nick, your REALLY BAD writing is the equivalent of a monkey tossing its own shit at the bars of its cage hoping that someone notices.

After tossing all of your shit around, you should probably go wash your hands.

Posted by: Strider at January 25, 2006 12:42 AM

This is a good sign. Soon he will be resurrected, rise to heaven, and then we can forget about him. Amen.

Posted by: jl at January 25, 2006 3:28 AM

They went a little heavy on the face-tear-up, he looks like he got attacked by a wolverine. Now, he sneers, pensively, at the wolverine, wondering "WWKD?"

Posted by: JHova at January 25, 2006 3:36 AM

Crazy like a fox? Nah. Crazy like Michael Jackson.

Kanye's rhyme skills are on par with 50 Cent. Which is like saying he can sing like Jessica Simpson's chunky, lil sister.

Finally, maybe the old, white music criterati will start outting Kanye for the talentless jerk that he is, rather than praising his supposed skills just because Outkast didn't release a record this year.

Yeah, Dubya is a jerk. Thanks, for the PSA, Kanye. But so are you. A crown of thorns? Please. Like the Voice pinted out, you and RS are pitiful.

Posted by: Well done at January 25, 2006 4:59 AM

Shame on Kanye for this cover.

Posted by: at January 25, 2006 8:46 AM

Kanye you is looking so sexy

Posted by: jessica at January 25, 2006 9:38 AM

Am I the only one that can't follow Nick Sylvester's outrageous, disjointed writing style? It's crap, and it's crap every single time.

Posted by: Chris at January 25, 2006 10:40 AM

Funniest. Last paragraph. Ever.

Posted by: Justin at January 25, 2006 10:45 AM

This is the most ridiculous f$#%ckin cover for any periodical ever published in the United States or in the world for that matter. How could Rolling Stone magazine allow a comparison of Kanye "Mr. Racist" West to Jesus Christ? Let me quote some of his lyrics to show his racism from his song, All Falls Down... "Drug dealer buy Jordans, crackhead buy crack. And a white man get paid off of all of that". Being from Chicago, he only references neighborhoods and areas that only serve African-Americans as he mock and bashes the rest of Chicago. Chicago is a beautiful city built on commmunity and hard-work, not idiots like him that made it big by having a few catchy, controversial beats. America needs to wake up an smell the fricken' coffee because this is trash at its finest.

Posted by: Marcus at January 25, 2006 11:52 AM

Where's the Riff Raff interview w/ Sen. Brownback (R - Kansas)?

Posted by: Blackmail Is My Life at January 25, 2006 11:59 AM

What a disgrace! How has Kanye West suffered in any way like Jesus Christ?
Grow up you selfish moron and pathetic excuse for an entertainer!
Instead, get down on your knees and praise God for your blessings instead of mocking him.

Posted by: Jane at January 25, 2006 12:16 PM

You all are too serious. This is just a picture. I don't think Jesus is too worried about this picture because there are other things to put our focus on. Jesus is a symbolism of everybody.

Posted by: Tiba at January 25, 2006 12:17 PM

I don't have to say or think another word. Well done! I couldn't agree more with this wonderfully written piece of writting..HAHHAAHAHAHA!!!Nice!

Posted by: Jenn at January 25, 2006 12:18 PM

There are some ideas so offensive all they do is offend and insult. There are some people quite happy to inflict and multiply that harm, pretending it serves some worthwhile purpose.

Posted by: at January 25, 2006 12:35 PM

Hey I am the only civilized person on here and i will like to add to all the comments for one that girl who said tha bush hates black people and that is true and for two he does rap better than 50 cent know i take that back he raps way better than 50 cent and we do look at him as a black jesus. is it tru that he is running for prsident and he has my vote

Posted by: gutta at January 25, 2006 12:39 PM

Would Kanye or Rolling Stones have the balls to put a picture of someone mocking Mohammed? Apparently it's okay to make disgusting mockery of Christianity, but everything else we need to be respectful of, lest the Political Correctness cops come and get us. Kanye, you fucking asshole, if you think for one second that your "suffering" compares to that of Christ you are living in another universe. How dare you. And to the idiot above who thinks this has anything to do with Kanye being black is an imbecile (that means your stupid) and needs to get off your angry-black-man high horse and get a clue.

Posted by: Neil at January 25, 2006 12:42 PM

Would Kanye or Rolling Stones have the balls to put a picture of someone mocking Mohammed? Apparently it's okay to make disgusting mockery of Christianity, but everything else we need to be respectful of, lest the Political Correctness cops come and get us. Kanye, you fucking asshole, if you think for one second that your "suffering" compares to that of Christ you are living in another universe. How dare you. And to the idiot above who thinks this has anything to do with Kanye being black is an imbecile (that means your stupid) and needs to get off your angry-black-man high horse and get a clue.

Posted by: Neil at January 25, 2006 12:44 PM

First of all I don't have a problem with it because its the first picture of any man comming close to what Jesus realy looked like! Its about time that a black man was related to that image, America has tryed to brain wash everybody into thinking that a white man was born in Africa with bronze feet and wooly hair! Next other than the fact that it might be a bit bold its a metaphor for his success in relation to how many people didn't believe in Jesus either. Kanye is a dope artist who speaks his mind and is honest, he may be a bit sure of his self but good, more black men need to be. So anybody that has a problem with it are probably the same people that voted for bush and think he real does care about black people!

Posted by: Ashley Sirah at January 25, 2006 1:02 PM

And one last thing I'm sick of white people saying that Kanye is ignorant any black person that sticks up for himself or try's to bring a light to the fact that its 2006 and we still need a right to vote as a people when this whole country was built on our free labor. Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Huey P Newton, Assata Shakur, and millions other black people that were killed or lied on because they stook up for there race. So get over it how do you think black people feel when the passion of Christ is starring a white man and the man that carried his cross looked more ethnic than he did. So waaaa black people are actually standing up for themselves and putting themselves were they belong get over it. Until every president is black and every single thing your taught about your people is a lie and movies are made about Jesus being an oposite color than it clearly discribes him in THE BIBLE, then take one for the team and get over it!!!

Posted by: Sirah at January 25, 2006 1:11 PM

Kanye West is a moron.

Posted by: Marilyn at January 25, 2006 1:14 PM

I like it because it is ticking so many of the religious fundamentalists off. I guess they are angry that it isn't the lily White Jesus they all have pictures of in their houses in their all white enclaves.

Posted by: at January 25, 2006 1:38 PM

Why does everyone think it has to do with black people? It doesn't...get over it. Sorry...think what you want about what race Jesus really was...black, white, who knows really? But stop taking everything so personally.

Posted by: at January 25, 2006 3:10 PM

I am no fan of Kanye's music or hiphop for that matter but WHAT ON EARTH IS WRONG WITH JESUS BEING PORTRAYED BY A BLACK MAN?? I can bet that these morons bashing Kanye would find it "tasteful" if it were Brad Pitt as Jesus on that cover. I think you all should WAKE UP from your coma and get a life. Read the original description of Jesus then you'd agree (whether you like it or not) that this is a close match - leave his personality out of it cos he is just as human as all those other hollywood men that play Jesus. His comment on portrayal of black people in the media is absolutely true if you ever stopped to notice; the truth hurts, very much, especially when we try to pretend or wish it away. Unfortunately, the truth is here to STAY!!!

Posted by: Kane at January 25, 2006 4:09 PM

I agree that Nick Sylvester is a showboat-douche; and I agree that Kanye West is a woefully mediocre rapper and self-absorbed douche.

(Please excuse the possible mixed metaphor-age in the above.)

Posted by: So there! at January 25, 2006 4:50 PM

That's a beautiful cover... are you jealous or just insane? For God's sake there must be better writer's with something substantial to say... you're ranting like an idiot.

Posted by: Ruth Sherman at January 25, 2006 5:20 PM

I am a black man and I speak for hundreds of friends (most black) who have viewed this cover. Kanye West in NO way speaks for black people and this is NOT an argument for a "black Jesus". This is pure foolishness. He previously sounded like a retard with his "Bush hates black people" comment but has now sunk to new lows in this cover.

Black people. You need to wake up and stop the hypocrisy. On one hand you scream in anger at such blasphemy but then again hundreds of you will clap for him during the next music awards. God sees all of this.

Posted by: Mike at January 25, 2006 5:22 PM

Well,

Judging by all of the responses - looks like they got the effect they wanted. Make no mistake. I think ALL involved knew EXACTLY what they were doing.

Posted by: at January 25, 2006 5:29 PM

Kraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa lmao,
I totally agree with you sunny the main reason these people are making such a big deal about this, is simply because Kanye is a BLACK man if this cover was done by a white man trust me it would have been "cover of the year" White people need to stop being so damn racist, fact is they can't just come straight out and say it, instead they go around the bush. We have as much rights as white people, we have the rights to express ourselves as they do.Why don't these white people fight against the white men making movies portraying Jesus as a Homo? Cut the crap stop looking for what's not there and fight the serious issues.

Kanye = Strenght, Courage and Wisdom

Posted by: Angeleye at January 25, 2006 6:17 PM

The actual interview is up at rollingstone.com: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/9183008

Posted by: mrharryvirgil at January 25, 2006 7:57 PM

Made you look.Next time Mr.Big Dude will pose as
Moses no Alfred E. Newman no Bill Clinton no Batman no wait ...Yanni.

M&M's melt in your mouth not on your face.

Posted by: XEROX at January 25, 2006 8:24 PM

a) no one has said that kanye is making a statement about jesus' race by doing this-- he is comparing himself to jesus.
b) i don't really know, because i'm not christian, but i don't think white people actually care about the whole black jesus thing. at least, i have never heard a single word from a white saying that the idea of a black jesus is horrifying.
c) jesus wasn't from africa, or europe. he was from israel. he was a semite, meaning he looked like arabs do, basically. dark skin, curly hair, dark eyes, etc. so that's that.
d) the problem with the cover is not the idea of a black jesus, but rather that it implies kanye has been crucified for his "controversial" views, and that he is the "savior" of rap. the man still thinks that rapping about religion was really out there-- as if, say, goodie mob never existed. what a fucking fool.

Posted by: staxwell at January 25, 2006 8:50 PM

Shame on Kanye and more shame on that stupid magazine. The problem is not black or white, it is the problem of celebrity. If it were a no name white man, then it would have been a documentary about Jesus. If it had been a no name black man, it would have been a documentary about Jesus and how he is never portrayed as black in American society. We have heard that story before and it should not be a shock to anyone that Jesus could be a man of color. The only reference in the Bible regarding Jesus' looks only implies that he was not a handsome man by definition. This stunt is a celebrity using his power to create publicity for himself. Kanye also used his celebrity to endorse necklaces with pendants loaded with gems and diamonds in the shape of a cross. I do not remember Jesus turning profits, or looking for a crowd of followers to reaffirm his popularity or to support his luxurious lifestyle. Jesus spread the Word and healed the sick, he gave hope to those in desperation and saved the world. He reached out to those who were outcast and of other races. This stunt stirs the pot and hurts everyone. There are many who will not be saved, and who think religion is a joke or a business. This is not the way to promote Christianity. Promoting Christianty and spreading the Word is what Jesus was about and wants us to do. This achieves the opposite. This achieves people fighting and cussing each other out on a website. If you guys out there who support Kanye are waiting for him to kneel down like Jesus and wash all of your feet I would not hold my breath.

Posted by: Tara at January 25, 2006 9:08 PM

This magazine cover is not the equivalent of someone portraying Jesus in some film. A Jesus flick is about Jesus; the actor seeks to give an impression of what Jesus was like. This article is about Kanye West. He is not portraying Jesus; he is using the Jesus imagery to portray himself, to give a spin on what Kanye West is about. Race is not an issue.

For the record, the idea of Brad Pitt as Jesus even in film makes me want to barf.

There's nothing brave about bashing an icon in a community where bashing that icon is a sacrament. Let someone mock Mohammad in the American entertainment industry, and the handwringing over "why they hate us" will begin in microseconds. And as LB noted, that sort of audacity has risks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_van_Gogh_%28film_director%29

Posted by: Alan K. Henderson at January 25, 2006 9:57 PM

When in the hell did a crown of thorns mean Jesus Christ?
Back in the day when the romans crucified people they placed a crown of thorns on the heads of people whom they considered the worst offenders as a punishment before death. Thousands of people were persecuted and crucified by the Romans for their beliefs, in the same manner as Jesus christ.
The rolling stone cover is not depicting Kanye as Jesus Christ, Kanye on the cover with a crown of thorns is symbolism. Symbolism not of Christ but of the ridicule, persecution and crucifixion by the media and in many ways by the Hip-Hop community for veiws he has expressed and the things that he believes in.

Posted by: Trigger Poet at January 26, 2006 8:08 AM

I wrote a song in Response.Would like to sing it for you and your readers

Song: What�s His Name!
Lyrics: Written by Bill Franklin
Music by: Marvin Gaye and Jon Woods

Kanye Kanye- There�s far too many of them lying
Brother Brother, Brother, -In Iraq All the Soldiers Dying
Instead we complain that you�re On Rolling Stone Today
Kanye Kanye I hope this Changes the Debate
Race War is not the answer, When will we learn to love not hate
Kanye we have to fine a way-- to bring some lovin here today

Blue�s not your eyes, your skins not white, your hairs� not blond, Racism in Flight
Talk to me so we can see � What�s going on!
What�s going on-- What�s going on-- What�s going on

Interlude- What�s his Name-Jesus , What�s his Name-Jesus, What�s his Name-Jesus

Brother Brother, we know why they think your wrong,
Who are they to judge you, simply cause your skin color�s wrong?
We have to find a way �Racism in America- is not the way

Blue�s not your eyes, your skins not white, your hairs� not blond, Racism in Flight
Talk to me so we can see � What�s going on!
What�s going on-- What�s going on-- What�s going on

What�s his Name-Jesus , What�s his Name-Jesus, What�s his Name-Jesus

Michael Angelo � What did he know � He used his blue eyed blond haired cousin just to pose
For 500 years we prayed to her- we didn�t care -her image we all revered

What�s going on!
What�s going on-- What�s going on-- What�s going on

Interlude
Kanye KANYE �help me understand � I thought he was both God and Man
In the Middle East � There�s still no peace- dark hair and dark eyes are the standard G
What�s going on!
What�s going on-- What�s going on-- What�s going on

In Jerusalem there skin not fair- I thought that Jesus came from over there!
The slaves they prayed to Jesus too- his skin was not the same -but he freed them too!!

What�s going on!
What�s going on-- What�s going on-- What�s going on

Kanye Kanye you were not wrong, we are all made is his image- This is my song
So when I look in the mirror what do I see � I see Jesus Jesus: Kanye in you and me

What�s going on- What�s going on!
What�s going on-- What�s going on�what�s really going on

Don�t Kill the Messenger � Listen to the Message!!

Message- All attempts at portraits of Christ are imaginary.
The apostles might not have conveyed how Jesus looked because it was not important.
The only fact we have is that there was a significant change in his appearance after the resurrection. Is it not "possible that the witnesses of His Resurrection had been struck with the difference between Jesus as they had seen Him...and the glorified Body in which He appeared to them after His Resurrection? That there was a difference is clear. Even the loving gaze of Mary Magdalene did not instantly recognize Him. To the two disciples, on the way to Emmaus, He remained unknown till the breaking of bread. The Apostles, when He first appeared among them, were terrified, and thought that they saw a Spirit." Ibid., p. 68. The first Christians may well have focused their attention on the resurrected Christ, not on how Jesus looked before the resurrection.
This frees the artist to communicate something about the Christ his own way, for his own time and audience. We are free to respond to that communication in our own way. Some conceptions of Christ will not work for us, but some may. I look for a mix of attributes such as a penetrating eye, compassion, interest, and a desire to help. No single work of art may ever convey it all, but how could it? So, keep looking and experiencing. Perhaps one day the eyes of the painting will be more than just a painting.

By DAVID GIBSON
______________________
New York Times
Copyright 2004 The New York Times Company. Reprinted from The New York Times, Arts & Ideas, Saturday, February 21, 2004.

whatever arguments there may be about the verisimilitude of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ," one thing is certain: this Jesus is a Hollywood hunk who probably bears little resemblance to what the Jesus of history looked like.
The title role is played by Jim Caviezel, a dark-haired, blue-eyed star whose brooding good looks have been compared to those of Montgomery Clift. He doesn't exactly fit the archaeological evidence that the average man of Jesus' day was about 5 feet 3 inches tall and a bantamlike 110 pounds. Given the harsh conditions, especially for working stiffs like the members of Jesus' family, combined with Jesus' ascetic lifestyle, which included walking everywhere, scholars agree that he was most likely a rather sinewy peasant, as tough as a root and about as appealing.
___________________

A savior with many faces, essentially one for each culture that believes in him.
___________________
Not that portraying Jesus as a movie idol is anything new. Jeffrey Hunter in "King of Kings" (1961) is commonly referred to as "the Malibu Jesus," while Willem Dafoe's celluloid savior was a perfectly credible love match for the lusty Barbara Hershey as Mary Magdalene in "The Last Temptation of Christ" (1988). And Max von Sydow was a handsome � and distinctly Aryan � Jesus in "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965).

JESUS AS A BLACK MAN
McCray explores Jesus' race
By Jeremy Hillyard
Staff Writer
What was Jesus' race? The Rev. Walter A. McCray discussed the answer to this question in a lecture titled "Was Jesus Black?" on Sept. 22.

During the lecture, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs, McCray explored the idea of "counterfeit" identity and provided historical and Biblical evidence suggesting Jesus was of the African race.

He referred to the first chapter of Revelation, where John sees the Lord and describes him as having "eyes like the flame of fire, white like wool hair, and feet like bronze burned in the furnace."

"This is symbolic of the redness in the whites of the eyes, the matted and coarse hair and the dark skinned feet, respectively, of the African-American people," McCray said.

The northern kingdom of Israel was populated by people in the aforementioned picture of the Jewish captives, suggesting that Africans inhabited Israel during the time of Christ, McCray said.

In addition, he said that the lineage of the four Canaanite wives can be traced back to King Herod through biblical figures such as Essau, suggesting that they were descendants of the earliest habitants of Israel -- Africans.

He explained how, geographically, the land Jesus was born in was considered part of Africa in ancient times.

McCray also displayed an antique coin from the age of the Roman Emperor Justinian, which he said had the likeness of Justinian on one side and an African-appearing but still-recognizable depiction of Jesus on the other.

Historically speaking, McCray said that after the first portrait of Jesus was created, around the time of Michelangelo, Jesus' race started to be questioned.

McCray displayed historical artifacts that advocated the black presence during biblical times such as the graphic of Jewish captives from 660 B.C. from the Assyrian Empire.

The captives in the picture appeared to have matted hair, full lips and broad noses, attributes applied particularly to those of the African race, according to McCray.

Potential error in Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ," was also explored. Mary, the mother of Jesus, and John should have been depicted as black because their earliest ancestors, the Sumerians of Mesopotamia, were probably black, McCray said.

According to McCray, "The Passion" neglects black history.

A Baptist minister, McCray is the director of Black Light Fellowship, a multimedia company that specializes in publishing, educational seminars, missions and Christian ministry.

McCray wrote, "The Black Presence & The Passion," a biblical critique that explores the racial identity of Palestine people who appear in the "The Passion of the Christ," as well as Jesus' racial identi

Posted by: Bill at January 26, 2006 8:46 AM

Has anybody mentioned that Kanye West's music and all of rap in general sucks?

Posted by: at January 26, 2006 8:46 AM

it's a fantastic cover; he's movin' up & out

Posted by: charles sullivan at January 26, 2006 9:39 AM

News flash kids....most of us don't know who Kanye West is. Further more, we don't care. If Kanye and Rolling Stone want a shocking cover, then they should portray Kanye as an intelligent, talented African-American musician. Or would THAT be too shocking?!

Posted by: Betts at January 26, 2006 9:46 AM

Lay off Jesus. Lay off Kanye.
This is about publicity and selling magazines (Rolling Stone) and CDs (Kanye West). They are in this shit together.

Posted by: skinnylegs at January 26, 2006 9:55 AM

It's funny how this race card still plays such a big part of our society. Everyone is sooooo bent out of shape because Kayne wishes to express himself is this manner. And what - he looks beautiful!!!!

Kayne was on point re: Hurricane Katrina - if the shoe fit wear it - its not a surprise. "THIS IS THE YEAR OF BEING EXPOSED"
GOD IS IN CONTROL OF THIS... NOT BLACK NOR WHITE!

Posted by: LBOOGIE at January 26, 2006 10:15 AM

Just wanted to say... bush doesn't care about all non-rich people regardless of color...

I'm sure of it! The Rolling Stone magazine is owned by REPUBLICANS. Whenever they don't want us talking about the REAL issues, they bring up some BS like abortion, gay people or that jesus is losing the battle! GIVE ME A BREAK!

There is a war people!!! Tens of thousands dying!!! The real questions, "Who Would Jesus Bomb?" WWJB? Do Jesus a favor and ask the REAL questions!!!! ???WWJB???

Finally George Bush and the Republican owned MEDIA noise makers are disgusting!

Posted by: Kristi at January 26, 2006 12:09 PM

Just wanted to say... bush doesn't care about all non-rich people regardless of color...

I'm sure of it! The Rolling Stone magazine is owned by REPUBLICANS. Whenever they don't want us talking about the REAL issues, they bring up some BS like abortion, gay people or that jesus is losing the battle! GIVE ME A BREAK!

There is a war people!!! Tens of thousands dying!!! The real questions, "Who Would Jesus Bomb?" WWJB? Do Jesus a favor and ask the REAL questions!!!! WWJB?

Finally George Bush and the Republican owned MEDIA noise makers are disgusting!

Posted by: Kristi at January 26, 2006 12:12 PM

There's a larger problem admidst all the fuss, namely why the appearance of Jesus Christ even matters and why it tweaks the nerve of many to have him portrayed in a manner not conforming to some norm people have in mind?

Listen folks, us rational people realize you need a crutch to fill your otherwise empty lives, but your projected delusions would only serve to increase your emptiness. If you want true freedom, throw away your braindead beliefs -- abandon it all. Burn your books.

Most use religion as some sort of personal floatation device, as if to protect themselves from the fear of sinking. Take it from me, you don't fear drowning, you are fearful of fear itself.

There's no creating any kind of kumbaya utopia when everyone refuses to let go of their beliefs. Beliefs separate man, divide him, so if you're after some lofty goal as to usher in some heaven-on-earth scenario, look after your own business first and the rest will sort itself out. Once you understand -- I mean truly understand -- then you can pick the books up knowing full well that your worldview falls well outside the bounds of some ludicrously finite belief system.

Proton

Posted by: Proton at January 26, 2006 12:48 PM

It doesn't matter what color someone "thinks" Jesus was because no one knows. God knows. I don't think God cares what color is on the outside but he does care about what is in your heart. But for someone to portray Jesus should have a pure heart. Kanye's lyrics do not show God's glory but hatred and racism. He talks about Jesus walks and turns around and starts singing "She a gold digga." He affends me.

Another issue is Hurrican Katrina. Kanye voiced his opinion about George Bush not liking black people. His opinion is very disrespectful to our country as a whole. You don't see the President saying Kanye doesn't like white people. He says it himself. And why is Hurricane Katrina only about black people's suffering? They never show any other city but New Orleans on the news. What about the cities that got hit the hardest, like Pascagula, Ocean Springs, Gulf Port, and Biloxi Mississippi. I have family that live on the coast in Mississippi and they lost everything too but you never hear about the white families that lost everything. Why is that? If you look at pictures of New Orleans you can see the buildings. If you look at pictures of cities to the right of New Orleans you see nothing but distruction. It is tragic what happened during the hurrican but every race was effected not just one.

Everything doesn't have to be about racism but people make it that way. And its just a cycle that keeps on going around and around.

Posted by: at January 26, 2006 1:54 PM

Betts makes a great point. I would have no idea who this clown is if he was standing in front of me doing his stupid ass music. And I truly don't care either.

Posted by: at January 26, 2006 2:12 PM

Man, I'm tired of this guys shit. period.

Posted by: CaL at January 26, 2006 4:24 PM

Taking the post off-line doesn't change the results... you need to fire this half-wit and his editor and hire someone who can at the very least write a decent criticism. This whole bash Kanye game is ridiculous...

Posted by: Ruth Sherman at January 26, 2006 5:36 PM

I wonder what reaction would be provoked if Rolling Stone put Nick Sylvester's masturbatory prose on its cover... I want to see a Sylvester-penned headline in a fucking crown of thorns.

Posted by: Lee at January 27, 2006 12:27 AM

There is nonthing worse than growing up black thinking Jesus was white with blonde hair and blue eyes. What's worse than that institutional captialistic fallacy. Ignorance is bliss.

Posted by: Applebum at January 27, 2006 12:54 AM

Are you kidding me? IS YOUR COUNTRY STILL SO RACIST? Have you learned nothing after all this time? WHY can't you handle the notion of a black jesus anyway? I see- b/c -u r trying to keep your lies covered up? HOW MANY IMAGes HAVE I BEEN FORCE-FED SHOWING JESUS AS WHITE-WHEN THE WORLD KNOWS IT'S BULLSHIT!

Posted by: pie at January 27, 2006 8:29 AM

White people are so upset cos it's a black dude doing a Jesus on Rolling Stone. If it was a white man, we wouldn't be posting all these comments.

There's no difference btwn Kanye's cover and James Cavaziel playing Jesus on "The Passion", except of course, that he's white.

So let me take this opportunity to say fuck the Vatican (and everyone) against Kanye's cover. Kanye's trying to make some money, like everyone else, including the money machine that is the so-called "Christianity". Yes, the Vatican understands what I'm talking about.

So one more time, Fuck the Catholic Church and fuck you too for calling Kanye a racist.

Posted by: Tlamelo at January 27, 2006 11:38 AM

WTF its just a fucking cover. who cares, so what. get a life

Posted by: Rez at January 27, 2006 2:14 PM

He is the hottest so lay off my man!

Posted by: Shawna at January 27, 2006 7:39 PM

I'm actually concerned for Mr. West. I think he needs serious, professional help. It's so blatantly obvious that he's formulaic - trying, obnoxiously, to make waves. People who actually do stir legitimate controversy just don't try this hard. I feel Kanye suffers from a lack of individuality. Honestly.

Posted by: Izzy at January 28, 2006 11:14 AM

"If it was a white man, we wouldn't be posting all these comments."

If it were Brad Pitt or any other white guy using the Jesus imagery to portray himself (as I put it earlier) on the Rolling Stone cover, the same fuss would be made. People don't like it when sanctimonious jerks place themselves on a par with Jesus. The only difference is that black racists wouldn't have a nonexistent race issue to invent.

If Kanye tells people Bush doesn't care about blacks and doesn't offer a shred of evidence, then he is at the very least a political bigot.

Posted by: Alan K. Henderson at January 28, 2006 5:54 PM

As far as I'm concerned, it doesn't matter that Kanye is black. If he were to play Christ in the actual movie, the Passion of the Christ - that would be fine.

His equation of himself (cussing, womanizing, porn addict self) to Jesus is just an example of how dillusional this man has become and he needs institutionalization.

I'm all for the boycott of Rolling Stones, and Kanye CD's, appearances, etc. Hope the Grammy's are listening.

Posted by: Eric at January 28, 2006 6:06 PM

I like the cover, I don't get why so many people are so effing mad about this. I mean only a fraction of the american public actually buy the rolling stones. It's not such a big deal. And also about the George Bush doesn't like black people thing, if it wasn't true then why did they edit it out of the "live" broadcast? I'm not saying Bush doesn't like black people, but I thought he supported freedom of speech. I hate how YOU people call Kanye a bigot and racist, hello? what do you think you were doing? At least he's not scared of speaking his mind, unlike some naive christian wannabe's. Look I'm a catholic and I'm also a Kanye West fan. Hate me for that? fine, but didn't JESUS want us to love our brothers and sisters?

Posted by: chelsea at January 29, 2006 2:20 PM

I suspect that part of the problem is that some people see no big deal about a celebrity doing such a photo op, and assume that people arguing against the Rolling Stone cover think the same way. So people on Side A try to come up with an explanation for Side B's attitude that is based on Side A's basic assumptions and not side B's.

Side A seems to think that Kanye is merely playing a role as in some film. When Side B says otherwise - which I did in my previous comments, and which Eric did just recently - Side A won't accept that Side B believes what it says it believes, and makes up an excuse based on Side A's prejudices.

As for boycotting Rolling Stone, I don't buy the magazine anyway. Today's music industry sucks rocks.

Posted by: Alan K. Henderson at January 29, 2006 7:09 PM

I have no problem with Jesus being portrayed as a black man, or any other color in the rainbow...I do have a problem with the calibur of this man's character being compared to that of Jesus Christ. It's a disgrace and I will never listen to anything by Kanye ever again. So much for his attempt at using this cover to riot a controversy and sell more music...ha

Posted by: at January 30, 2006 1:02 AM

I almost got called on to do some design for the invites to Kanye's Grammy Party this weekend...
After seeing this cover, I am very glad the project fell through... I want nothing to do with contributing to his success and think he has grossly overstepped the boundaries in defining his own self importance.
Kanye was quoted as saying, "In America, they want you to accomplish these great feats, to pull off these David Copperfield-type stunts," he says. "You want me to be great, but you don't ever want me to say I'm great?" - Hey Kanye, THAT'S RIGHT! Great people are great because they offer something naturally without the need to be worshiped for it.
While I don't think anyone deserves to proclaim themselves a saint or prophet, Lennon at least had a devotion to the peace movement and years of success behind him when he made his infamous comment. My friend was working on Kanye cd covers only 2 years ago and without his pubicicsts and promoters propelling him to support their own careers, he'd still just be a College Dropout. All he seems to be able to do is yell at the public about how great he is... So, how great is he? What will future generations learn from him? That with enough hype you too can be an overdeveloped poster child for the loudmouth masses. You're a pop star - an icon that's outgoing enough to talk some smack out loud.
What would be groundbreaking is a celebrity that doesn't expect us to believe they are the next coming of the Messiah.

Posted by: saira at January 30, 2006 3:27 AM

Look, the bottom line is that Kanye West has committed blasphemy against God. I was already sick of his arrogance, and now he has really crossed the line. How dare he compare himself to the Lord and Savior? That is blatant disrespect. I am a seventeen year old African-American, and at my high school, there are a plethora of Kanye fans who don't agree with me. But if he were Muhammad, Buddha, or whatever--it's still wrong for him to do this. What's more, he has the audacity to call himself a Christian? God says "I will NOT be mocked". Come judgement day, Kanye will reap what he has sown. I'm not saying he's going to hell, but I'm sure Jesus is not pleased. I didn't appreciate Nas or Tupac trying to look like Christ in their music videos either. This is not a racial issue--it's a moral issue. Personally, his rapping skills are overrated anyway.(i.e., "Kanye's workout plan"; "Goldigger")

Posted by: danielle at January 30, 2006 1:58 PM

I think George W. Bush is the greatest president of my generation. And Kanye West sucks ass.

Posted by: at January 30, 2006 2:05 PM

i truly doubt that his sole purpose was to get attention.if that was the case in his interview
he would of simply said what the pop has said plenty of times God rest his soul."dont go to God forgiveness go to me..which is blasphmey bu the has been quted sayin such..i mean thats how how u really get attention..u know what kanye planned to do with this cover was show how racist america was..and it worked hear me out befor eu say ahh another activist look..as a white american u cant tell me..it didnt anger u seeing kanye portrayin Jesus..fuck yeah it angered u ..but why honestly
why did it anger u because u felt that he was blashpeming or because u felt that a black person shouldnt portrya christ..more the latter than the former i bet..when truth be told NO ONE is worthy enough to portray christ..not even the dude that did such a stellar job in the passion as WHITE as he is he isnt worthy enough ...but kanye was giving america a new view of chirst a view that is partial true partially false..true christ was of darker complextion..it says so in the bible his skin was as the color of brass his hari was as wool..far from the blonde hair blue eye christ ur told about all your life huh..but Chirst was NOt Black ie african american ..he was a Nazarene
Hebrew..pure Jewish not the German jew with anglsaxon features he was pure Jewish with middle eastern features and dark skin...
KING OF THE JEWS remeber that not king of Ireland
not King of england not king of AFRICA not king of Germany Not KIng of Mexico but KIng of the Jews

but why isnt christ portrayed as the bible depicts him? its simple if they did that the average american would look at the white person different as a regular human being andnot a direct representaion of how we as a people are supposed to look..being that God create man in his own image.. Kanye is a genius just think about it

number 2 i have nothing against white people im part white actually my grand dad was black my grand ma mixed irish and italian..
but we must admit theres racism in todays society
no one is mainly at fault all races have the ignorant not Just black..all races theres where kanye fucks up at he focuses in on the white racism only..which is hard to avoid becuase katrinas repsonse was quite sickening
but bush would of done that if it was mexicans
dominicans or pooor white people..because number one bush is REbuplican so He hates poor more so then he hates a certain race..its just so happen that most black people happen to be poor in america what a coincedence huh...

long story short in the end Kanye wins
and its all your fault...
and that catholic priest has his nerves callin
someone mentally disturbed..because it takes a mentally disturbedperson to molest a child
more so then to feel a certain way concerning religion what yall think

Posted by: Spoken at January 30, 2006 7:24 PM

The things that come out of Kanye's mouth make us all uncomfortable, but that doesn't mean they aren't true. As far as I'm concerned, it's a complete waste of time trying to understand the psyche of this brilliant but troubled artist. People who continually refer to themselves in the third person should all be rounded up and sent to one of the 170 new planets that have been discovered recently.

Posted by: Tree at January 31, 2006 1:34 PM

FIRST OFF, WHO CARES? HE'S NOT ''MOCKING'' ANYBODY. THAT WASNT HIS IDEA, IT WAS THE MAGAZINE PHOTO SHOOTER. BESIDES HE PROBALY IN SOMEWAY FEELS LIKE HE'S BEING CRUSIFIED CONSIDERING WHAT THE ''NORM'' IS IN THE RAP GAME TODAY. BUT THIS IS A CRACCER WEB SITE SO YOU GUYS PROBALY HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THAT. IF IT WAS BRAD PITT OR TOM CRUISE I GUARANTEE IT WOULD NOT BE AS MUCH CONTROVERSY. WHITE PEOPLE STILL GOT IT CONFUSED. THEY HATE TO SEE CHRISTIAN FIGURES REPRESENTED BY ANYTHING BESIDES WHITE. IT'S PRETTY PATHETIC CONSIDERING JESUS AND MOSES AND THE REST OF THOSE FICTIONAL BIBLE CHARACTERS LOOKS MORE LIKE KANYE WEST THAN THAN THE WHITE BREAD IMAGE YOU SEE IN CHURCHES ALL OVER AMERICA. IF YOU READ THE BIBLE THEY HAVE MANY HINTS THAT INDICATE THE COLOR TONE AND SO ON OF JESUS AND OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE BIBLE. DONT BE SO MAD WHITE PEOPLE. YOU GUYS STILL RUN THE WORLD (for now) I SUGGEST YOU ENJOY IT CUZ IN ABOUT 30 YEARS, WHITE WILL BE THE MINORITY IN AMERICA. THE COLOR WHITE IS THE ''WEAKEST'' COLOR AND IT WILL BE BROWN SOON!!! LOOK IT UP!!! IT'S TRUE!!! {^_^} TOODLES.

Posted by: ENDOGO at February 1, 2006 1:44 PM

FIRST OFF, WHO CARES? HE'S NOT ''MOCKING'' ANYBODY. THAT WASNT HIS IDEA, IT WAS THE MAGAZINE PHOTO SHOOTER. BESIDES HE PROBALY IN SOMEWAY FEELS LIKE HE'S BEING CRUSIFIED CONSIDERING WHAT THE ''NORM'' IS IN THE RAP GAME TODAY. BUT THIS IS A CRACCER WEB SITE SO YOU GUYS PROBALY HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THAT. IF IT WAS BRAD PITT OR TOM CRUISE I GUARANTEE IT WOULD NOT BE AS MUCH CONTROVERSY. WHITE PEOPLE STILL GOT IT CONFUSED. THEY HATE TO SEE CHRISTIAN FIGURES REPRESENTED BY ANYTHING BESIDES WHITE. IT'S PRETTY PATHETIC CONSIDERING JESUS AND MOSES AND THE REST OF THOSE FICTIONAL BIBLE CHARACTERS LOOKS MORE LIKE KANYE WEST THAN THAN THE WHITE BREAD IMAGE YOU SEE IN CHURCHES ALL OVER AMERICA. IF YOU READ THE BIBLE THEY HAVE MANY HINTS THAT INDICATE THE COLOR TONE AND SO ON OF JESUS AND OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE BIBLE. DONT BE SO MAD WHITE PEOPLE. YOU GUYS STILL RUN THE WORLD (for now) I SUGGEST YOU ENJOY IT CUZ IN ABOUT 30 YEARS, WHITE WILL BE THE MINORITY IN AMERICA. THE COLOR WHITE IS THE ''WEAKEST'' COLOR AND IT WILL BE BROWN SOON!!! LOOK IT UP!!! IT'S TRUE!!! {^_^} TOODLES.

Posted by: ENDOGO at February 1, 2006 1:52 PM

FIRST OFF, WHO CARES? HE'S NOT ''MOCKING'' ANYBODY. THAT WASNT HIS IDEA, IT WAS THE MAGAZINE PHOTO SHOOTER. BESIDES HE PROBALY IN SOMEWAY FEELS LIKE HE'S BEING CRUSIFIED CONSIDERING WHAT THE ''NORM'' IS IN THE RAP GAME TODAY. BUT THIS IS A CRACCER WEB SITE SO YOU GUYS PROBALY HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THAT. IF IT WAS BRAD PITT OR TOM CRUISE I GUARANTEE IT WOULD NOT BE AS MUCH CONTROVERSY. WHITE PEOPLE STILL GOT IT CONFUSED. THEY HATE TO SEE CHRISTIAN FIGURES REPRESENTED BY ANYTHING BESIDES WHITE. IT'S PRETTY PATHETIC CONSIDERING JESUS AND MOSES AND THE REST OF THOSE FICTIONAL BIBLE CHARACTERS LOOKS MORE LIKE KANYE WEST THAN THAN THE WHITE BREAD IMAGE YOU SEE IN CHURCHES ALL OVER AMERICA. IF YOU READ THE BIBLE THEY HAVE MANY HINTS THAT INDICATE THE COLOR TONE AND SO ON OF JESUS AND OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE BIBLE. DONT BE SO MAD WHITE PEOPLE. YOU GUYS STILL RUN THE WORLD (for now) I SUGGEST YOU ENJOY IT CUZ IN ABOUT 30 YEARS, WHITE WILL BE THE MINORITY IN AMERICA. THE COLOR WHITE IS THE ''WEAKEST'' COLOR AND IT WILL BE BROWN SOON!!! LOOK IT UP!!! IT'S TRUE!!! {^_^} TOODLES.

Posted by: ENDOGO at February 1, 2006 1:56 PM

FIRST OFF, WHO CARES? HE'S NOT ''MOCKING'' ANYBODY. THAT WASNT HIS IDEA, IT WAS THE MAGAZINE PHOTO SHOOTER. BESIDES HE PROBALY IN SOMEWAY FEELS LIKE HE'S BEING CRUSIFIED CONSIDERING WHAT THE ''NORM'' IS IN THE RAP GAME TODAY. BUT THIS IS A 'WHITE' WEB SITE SO YOU GUYS PROBALY HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THAT. IF IT WAS BRAD PITT OR TOM CRUISE I GUARANTEE IT WOULD NOT BE AS MUCH CONTROVERSY. WHITE PEOPLE STILL GOT IT CONFUSED. THEY HATE TO SEE CHRISTIAN FIGURES REPRESENTED BY ANYTHING BESIDES WHITE. IT'S PRETTY PATHETIC CONSIDERING JESUS AND MOSES AND THE REST OF THOSE FICTIONAL BIBLE CHARACTERS LOOKS MORE LIKE KANYE WEST THAN THAN THE WHITE BREAD IMAGE YOU SEE IN CHURCHES ALL OVER AMERICA. IF YOU READ THE BIBLE THEY HAVE MANY HINTS THAT INDICATE THE COLOR TONE AND SO ON OF JESUS AND OTHER CHARACTERS IN THE BIBLE. DONT BE SO MAD WHITE PEOPLE. YOU GUYS STILL RUN THE WORLD (for now) I SUGGEST YOU ENJOY IT CUZ IN ABOUT 30 YEARS, WHITE WILL BE THE MINORITY IN AMERICA. THE COLOR WHITE IS THE ''WEAKEST'' COLOR AND IT WILL BE BROWN SOON!!! LOOK IT UP!!! IT'S TRUE!!! {^_^} TOODLES.

Posted by: ENDOGO at February 1, 2006 2:01 PM

Topicality apparently not a strength of those who have chosen to comment here. Apart from a select few who do, in fact, actually refer to Sylvester´s article--and that in the most unflattering of terms; there´s a great deal more arguments here of the ad hominem sort than anything substantive--most people have gotten mired in questions of race, faith, etc.

Are such questions interesting? Manifestly; this article has inspired a great deal more comment than many others to have appeared on this blog, and other under circumstances, I might be moved to weigh in myself. What´s most significant about this cover, however, is the degree to which it is manipulative.

Barring some truly stunning advances in the study of history, the question of Jesus´ race is not likely one we´ll ever answer; and if it seems intuitively sensible to me that, yeah, he was probably semitic, most people´s stance vis-à-vis Jesus´ race ends up saying a lot more about them than it does about Jesus. Christ is an intriguing figure precisely because he encourages such a powerfully personal connection. Kanye West, whether or not you find his behavior objectionable--and in my opinion, the man´s kind of a cocky asshole--has as much right to associate himself with Jesus as the next man or woman.

That said, then, the greatest "sin" here isn´t the
appropriation of a sacred image. Precisely because they´re so well-known, the various episodes of Jesus´ life have become something of a trope; an author who wants to communicate that his protagonist is suffering unjustly, f´rinstance, hardly needs to suggest the Crufixion to activate the sympathy of his reader. No, what´s disappointing here is rather Rolling Stone´s obvious willingness to stir the pot, and the infantile manner they go about doing it. I direct you to Nick Sylvester´s most incisive point:

"Here the shock is so transparent, the board room meeting and aha! moment so needlessly vivid, so too the night they opened up the "Kanye Jesus" issue boxes and saw the cover and started laughing, hee fucking haw, about what they were about to do to the American public."

His paragraph abrout the gay Eucharist etc. is a little self-indulgent, but the man´s right. This cover feels focus-grouped in the worst sort of way. "Kanye as Jesus! Brilliant! His fans will lap it up"--I was more than a little bemused, I gotta admit, to read comments like "but Kanye is hot!"; wow--"and the people that get pissed, well, no publicity is bad publicity!"

If the quantity of comments here is any indication, they were right. The thought of a black Jesus, whether symbolic or historical reality, should no longer be either foreign to us nor especially scandalous. (I mean, wasn´t this done in the seventies, during the era of Blaxploitation pics? Somebody help me here.) Nevertheless, it retains the ability to shock--and meanwhile, a magazine that long ago lost its relevance, both as cultural commentator and resectable musical critic, is making money.

Posted by: miskatonic92 at February 1, 2006 8:08 PM

I think it was symbolism... gone badly though... without explanation... most people didnt get it... but Kanye was crusified by the media when he blurted out 'Bush don't like Black People' or something to that affect, but he has been crusified... the fact is not that Bush doesn't like "us", he doesn't care enough about the lower class people 'black or white' in America... and that is a fact. This symbolism of Kanye's was distasteful and poorly done... but he's said a lot of things in the media that ARE remotely true.

Posted by: T-Lo at February 2, 2006 7:57 PM

It's funny how people who responded to this magazine or to this picture saying it's symbolic, or that it's about time a black man is pictured as jesus, but noone has mentioned how this is blasphemy, and he is going to go to HELL for this. It's sad how secular music is changing this world, and making it more corrupt to where instead of telling him about himself, people are validating his actions!!! But in the end, he will answer to the Man Himself, and I'm sure his ego will then be worked out!

Posted by: carmen at February 5, 2006 4:13 PM

And another thing, Kanye was not crucified for his comment, just like any other person who considers themselves to be "celebrity" he was talked about, and given the business about his comment. Jesus died on the cross for other people regardless to their actions, deeds, heart, sins, and skin color. Kanye made that comment for himself, not for any race of people. He spoke without thinking...He should be ashamed of comparing the consequences of his actions to the crucifiction of Jesus.

Posted by: carmen at February 5, 2006 4:16 PM

rolling stone this is the best cover i have seen. the photogragher captured his true beauty and appeal. people are judging him for this cover. kayne has never said he wanted to be christ. this just shows his detemination to keep people talking and buying his latest cd. which on a scale from one to ten is a 15. to the photograoher and kanye. EXCELLENT COVER. this shows that the young man doesn't only make a song about christ. this shows me that christ is in his heart. that's the highest reguard anyone can give the man up above.
reesie
cleveland, oh

Posted by: reesie at February 6, 2006 1:03 AM

wakka wakka wakka

Posted by: at February 7, 2006 6:32 PM

Wake up, you mindless drones. Jesus was born and lived in places that were occupied entirely by dark-skinned humans. Jesus was not white, end of story. The cute little long-haired Aryan image you have of him is a product of racism, nothing more. Why on earth would you presume that a milky-white man would pop out of a nearly-exclusively Arab location? Idiots...RACISM is sacrilege.

Posted by: Jess at February 8, 2006 10:33 AM

Truthfully, I could care less about this cover. Is it blasphemy? Yeah, most definately. However, that's something Kanye's going to have to deal with himself. As a Christian do I find it offensive? Sort of. I mean I understand the symbolism they were going for. One of Kanye's biggest hits was Jesus Walks and he's been hounded for his comments, music, clothing, etc. I see it as one of the most obvious things they could have come up. The smartest thing? In my opinion no, but definately the most obvious. As for the whole white Jesus black Jesus thing, I think that should be a non issue now. Come on people it's 2006. Is there a good chance that Jesus would be classified as black if he was walking around today? Probably. By the same token you might consider him a terrorist. Either way, he is what he is and that would be Jesus.

Posted by: WiFi at February 10, 2006 5:39 PM

I am a supporter of free expression, questioning of society and religion, and, therefore, of Kanye West. He is a provocateur in the best sense. A Black man as Jesus -- deal with it. A Black calling out the useless corrupt president (who doesn't care about *anyone* but rich business cronies) -- deal with it. A Black man who is supremely self confident, while being nonviolent -- deal with that. He's braver and smarter and probably a lot more compassionate than those of you who are so bizzarely freaked out. He has you exposed. Kudos to Rolling Stone. And it's hard to believe I'm reading this on a thread in the Voice.

Posted by: JB at February 10, 2006 8:00 PM

I keep reading posts saying that people need to get over a "Black Jesus". Funny... I never read anyone protesting to the race Jesus was portrayed.

Just the fact that Kanye West is comparing himself to Jesus. Wasn't Jesus humble? Kanye certainly is not.

Worse, he's extremely ignorant and arrogant. You only have to look at his political comments to see this; he certainly classifies as one of Michelle Malkin's "UNHINGED", or Laura Ingraham's "ELITE".

It's even more pathetic when he throws fits because he didn't win as many awards as he wanted.

He's a grade-A fool.

Posted by: TG at February 12, 2006 10:58 PM

U KNOW WHAT I THINK BOUT THIS PAGE IS NOTHING...

ITS FUNNY U DUMB FUKKS ARE ALL BUTT HURT BOUT KANYE SYMBOLYZING THIS GOD THING BUT ITS NOT BAD TO PUT
"IN GOD WE TRUST" ON THE DOLLAR HOW IGNORANT DO U MOTHUFUUKKERS SOUND WHEN U SAY HIS DISRESPECTING GOD WHEN AMERIKKKA PUTS THE WORD G-O-D WORD ON THE FUKKEN DOLLAR... ITS A PICTURE DEAL WITH IT... CHRISTIANITY..LAST I HEARD U FUKKERS CANT USE THAT SYMBOL AS A STATUE OR EVEN FOR ANYTHING.. ELSE.. EVEN THE BIBLE SAYS IT.. BUT U FUKKERS CLAIM THIS LAND IS GODS LAND.. THIS LAND IS THE MEXICANS LAND THE INDIANS LAND THE AMERICA'S.. FUKK U MOTHUFUKKERS FOR BEING IGNORANT... AND YES BUSH DOES HATE BLACKS U WONT HEAR HIM SAY IT... Y CUZ THE PRESIDENT IS ALWAYS RIGHT AND NOT IGNORANT... HE FUKKEN DROP THE TOWERS THEH GOVERNMENT PLANNED THIS... ITS ALL FAKE.. U PEOPLE ARE TOO FUKKEN STUPID TO NOTICE IT... TO THE ONES THAT KNOW WHAT IM TALKIN BOUT... U KNOW WASSUP.. TO THE IGNORANT ZOMBIES THAT THINK AMERIKKKA IS PEACE ON EARTH.. AMERIKKKA WAS BUILT OUT OF KILLERS.... U MOTHUFUKKERS SHOULD DIE FOR EVERYTHING U DID... BIG UPS TO KANYE... MY PRAYERS GO TO THE PEOPLE OF THE KATRINA PROBLEM I JUST HOPE THEY GET THE HELP... AND FUKK BUSH.. SINCE HE CAME IN POWER THIS COUNTRY FUKKK UP.. BIG TIME..

HOW CAN KANYE BE IGNORANT... U SAW THAT ON TV IF U DIDNT SEE IT FUKK U.. DONT TALK.. COPS WERE POINTING GUNS AT INNOCENT PEOPLE TRYING TO GET SOMETHING TO EAT.. ALL THEY WANTED WAS NEW CLOTHES AND SOMETHING TO EAT.. THEY WERE TREATING THEM LIKE DOGS... NO HELP ... IT TOOK BUSH ALMOST A WEEK TO REALIZE THAT THEY FUKKKED UP.... NOW TELL ME HOW IGNORANT IS THAT... FUKK BUSH...

THE ADMINISTRATION IS FULL OF FAGGOTS THAT WANT SHIT FOR THEMSELVES AND DONT THINK BOUT THE PEOPLE AND U MOFOS ARE TALKIN BOUT THIS CRAP... U SOME DUMB KNUCKLEHEADS... BE OPEN MINDED OR DONT TALK.. CUZ ALL I SEE HERE IS ZOMBIES... WAKE UP PEOPLE... WAKE THE FUKK UP... THIS MELTING POT IS READY TO EXPLODE AND WHEN IT DOES... ILL SEE U AROUND...

FUKK THE GOVERNMENT... WAKE UP.. THERES BIGGER THINGS THAN THIS COVER TO WORRY BOUT...

P.S FUKK 50 CENT.. HE CANT EVEN RAP...

Posted by: SICKMINDED at February 18, 2006 3:27 AM

I could care less about Kanye's messianic complex, I just wanted to go on record as saying that "Tony Yayo's midwife" is the greatest alias in the history of the universe. That is all.

Posted by: Jo at February 20, 2006 12:19 AM

foul so fucking foul

Posted by: at February 21, 2006 7:51 PM

U ALL CAN BURN IN HELL I THINK THE COVER WAS GREAT IT REALLY DESCRIBED HIM AND HE LOOKED GREAT ITS JUST LIKE SOME ONE POSING AS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. ITS JUST A POICTURE I THINK PEOPLE REALLY TOOK IT TWO FAR JUST CHILL THE FUCK OUT I MEAN DAMN JUST A PICTURE OF A BLACK JESUS MAYBE THATS THE REAL PROBLEM A BLACK JESUS BUT IT DOSENT MATTER KANYE IS STILL ON TOP AND SO IS THE PICTURE HE ONLY DID IT FOR THE GRAMMYS ANDY WAY IT ISNT LIKE HE SAID I WANT TO TAKE A PIC LIKE JESUS AND PUT IT ON THE FRONT COVER ROLLING STONE PICKED IT AND PUT IT ONB THE FRONT SO BEFORE YOU TALK HAVE SOME BACK ROUND.

Posted by: nomble at February 22, 2006 9:33 PM

I would not piss on Kanye West if he was on fire but I will not have to worry about that because I will not be in hell to make that choice. As for Hollywood as a whole maybe one of you can piss on him while you are down there. You will all the time you need.

Posted by: southerngentleman at February 25, 2006 1:00 PM

Man I think it is awefully sad when all off this crap happens Proton I don't even know you but I'm going to pray for you because Christ is real he is no floatation device I don't believe because I am in fear of the world or any other reason other than Jesus died for me so that I can live Kanye can do what he will in the end it won't matter I am black and I used to be angry at the portrayal of Jesus but then I realized how he looks doesn't matter but how he lived does its not about color or anything in that sort its not let me get my things together then do what God wants me to do Jesus gave his life willingly for mine how can I deny him How can I be offered salvation happiness peace and eternal life and turn it down that void you have and can't fill with any worldly items it is the longing for a relationship with God do like I did find out for yourself don't base it on feelings let go of your inhibitions and find out what God is all about open yourself up and seek out the TRUTH.

Posted by: Truth at February 26, 2006 1:46 AM

What is all the hype about? Kayne or Kanye or whatever his name is, is definitely not worthy of first, a Rolling Stone cover and then to even be role playing a Jesus character. Hopefully he will go to hell for it. If anyone should have (another) Rolling Stone cover and wear a crown on his head it should be Prince, because his is the ONLY person in music today who deserves to wear such a thing. Educate yourselves people and do your selves favor, check out the New PRINCE ALBUM coming out entitled, 3121 out in stores in March.

Posted by: Fugit at February 26, 2006 2:28 AM