10/13/09
Text: Nik Mercer
Photographers: Nabil Elderkin
We all remember Kanye West's "Glow In the Dark" tour for a couple incidental reasons that we should vanquish from our collective memory: firstly, it was noted for being unphotographed (no attendant could bring a camera into any of the venues); secondly, it was reported upon largely for its over-the-top production (cue smoke machines and lasers!). Alas, the sheer ingenuity and innovation of Mr. West, a showman and entertainer unlike any other, went largely unnoticed.
Fortunately, Glow In the Dark's legacy will not go down in history as being a zealous attempt at injecting today's concert experience with steroids thanks to Glow In the Dark, a behind-the-scenes (and in-front-of-the-scenes) look at the jaw-dropping engagement. (West could certainly use a publicity bump right about now due to his Hennessey-infused slip-of-tongue at this year's VMA's. Remember―this is the man who has interned at the Gap in an effort to prep for his own line, started his own successful blog, and worked with many musicians outside of his hip-hop comfort zone. Oh, yeah―he was Jay-Z's producer (and is again with Blueprint 3) and the man behind three incredible solo albums of his own.) Glow In the Dark is his pretty remarkable entry to the publishing world. The show's premise itself (Kanye-as-earthling-landed-on-alien-planet) was pretty nutty to begin with; the book celebrates and remembers it in all its loony―and epically cinematic―glory.
When Glow In the Dark showed up in our mailbox, we were afraid that the brick of a book would be a compilation of photos from backstage and center stage, but were relieved to find that it's much more. Not only does Kanye have photographic evidence that all the big boys (Jigga, Rihanna, ?uestlove, Santigold) were in attendance and that the crowds were wild, but that the man remembered to go jogging and loves taking pictures of all the crazy food he eats (we're stuck on the octopus tentacles two-page spread right now). West made duly sure to cover not only the ruckus that was his tour, but also capture the environment that surrounded it and his state of mind (generally hyperactive engagement and curiosity).
We're still not sure what it is that makes Kanye run, but we're certain it's something much more godly than Hennessey, despite what the media is reporting these days. Be certain to pick this one up when it hits stores this month.
