Kanye’s “Power” and Timberlake/Fallon’s “History of Rap”

So it’s one of those sleepless nights.

Fortunately, insomnia has led me to this video: Kanye West killing it tonight on SNL, performing a live version of his rousing, forward-driving song, “Power,” in a white room surrounded by a couple dozen female dancers. Misogyny and West’s notorious inflated ego abound (a knowing misogyny and ego, I think).

Whatever your opinions on Kanye West, you’ve got to give it to the guy–he’s pushing the sound and vision of modern hip hop. I also admire the way he’s taken his original video for “Power”–a pompous, over-the-top visual feast–and reimagined it for a live performance:

Also, this viral video I missed from earlier in the week (hey, I’ve been busy). Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake put together an amazing 30-years of rap in this three-minute mashup.

Every important rap artist from The Sugarhill Gang, Missy Elliot, to Eminem and Beastie Boys. The duo, backed by The Roots, ended by leading the studio audience in a sing-along version of Jay-Z and Alicia Keyes’ infectious “Empire State of Mind.” Good stuff. Good, good stuff:

Filed under: music, pop culture, hip hop, history of rap, jimmy fallon, justin timberlake, kanye west, live, music, power, rap