Atlanta Officially proclaims July 22nd as Kanye West Day

Kanye West has not only proven to be a music guru, but also a major societal influence. The City of Atlanta, Georgia has officially proclaimed July 22 as Kanye West Day following his performance at his album release party.

West hosted a grand listening party at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta to launch his 10th studio album. After the listening event for his newest album, Donda, including one intended as a tribute to his late mom, Kanye West was presented with two generous gifts.

According to TMZ, the City of Atlanta presented the rapper a plaque backstage after his performance, announcing that July 22 will not only mark the anniversary of his listening extravaganza but will also be a day to celebrate the recently-declared Kanye West Day.

Aside from getting his own day, Kevin James, the president of Morris Brown College, gave West the Dr. Donda West Meritorious Service award, which honors his late mother, who served as Chair of the English Department and taught at the HBCU for nearly twenty years.

West allegedly got emotional as he received the presents in front of his family and friends, which is understandable considering the relationship he had with his mother before she passed away. 

During the listening event at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, the 44-year-old rapper dramatically fell to his knees while playing the track “Love Unconditionally,” which is about “losing” his family. Dressed in head-to-toe red with a balaclava over his face, Kanye repeated the phrase, “I’m losing my family,” several times as the track played on and his estranged wife, Kim Kardashian West was there to witness it all.

The listening event also included one major surprise at the very end, a collaboration with Jay-Z, after a long time beef.