Reality TV star Kim Kardashian's husband and one of the most reputed hip-hop artists of present times will now be officially called Dr Kanye West. The 37-year-old rapper has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, one of the top art schools in America, at its annual commencement.
Ditching behind his trademark scowl, the rapper appeared in a customary gown and hood along with rarely seen broad grin at the ceremony. West also reportedly enthralled the audience with his speech, in which he poked fun at himself for being arrogant, giving outspoken opinions and storming off stage a couple of times.
"I felt my nerves a bit and I don't feel that feeling a lot," said the rapper in his speech, The Guardian reported. " The nerves of humility and modesty when being honoured, a humanisation, a reality, of being recognised, and all I thought as I sit here kinda shaking a little bit."
Recalling the flak he received after showcasing his collection in New York fashion week this year, West said sarcastically that "it would have been easier if I could have said that I had a degree at the Art Institute of Chicago." He also advised the students present to not to hesitate from expressing opinions in life.
Meanwhile, not everybody was happy with the college's decision to honour the rapper. According to Page Six, more than 1500 people signed the petition condemning the management's decision to honor West adding there were several other deserving hip-hop artists.
Lisa Wainwright, dean of faculty and vice president of academic administration, who also decides honorary degrees said to be clarified that she was impressed by West after reading one of his interview in which he categorically said that he would have loved to attend SAIC.
West went to Chicago State Uniersity to pursue a degree in English, where his mother Dr Donda West was chair of the department. However, he left the studies in between and never returned to complete his education.
Interestingly, West's first three albums were namely, "The College Dropout," "Late Registration" and "Graduation."