In his new album, Kanye West has ignited controversy with lyrics suggesting he made Taylor Swift "famous." Despite West's assertion that Swift approved the lyrics, a spokesperson for Swift contradicts, stating she "declined and cautioned him about releasing a song with such a strong misogynistic message." Swift herself has yet to address the situation.
West's belief that he played a pivotal role in Swift's fame stems from the infamous 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident where he interrupted her acceptance speech. While this event brought Swift to the attention of many, it's crucial to recognize her achievements before that moment, even before her 20th birthday.
Before the VMA incident:
Grammy Nomination: In 2008, at the age of 18, Swift was nominated for Best New Artist at The Grammy Awards, competing with artists like Amy Winehouse and Paramore.
Arena Headlining: Swift had already headlined arenas across the country. Less than 24 hours before the VMA incident, she performed a sold-out concert at Bridgestone Arena.
Country Music Record: Swift achieved a significant milestone in country music when "Our Song" topped the charts in 2007, making her the youngest person to write and sing a No. 1 country hit at the age of 18.
Critical Acclaim: By 2008, media outlets like The New York Times and Rolling Stone recognized Swift as one of pop's finest songwriters, with predictions of crossover success.
Album Sales: Swift's self-titled 2006 debut had sold over 3 million copies by the time of the VMA incident, matching sales for West's 2004 debut, "The College Dropout." Her second album, "Fearless," surpassed 5.5 million in the U.S.
These achievements underscore Swift's independent success before the VMA incident, challenging West's claim of solely shaping her fame.
