Kanye West Says He's Running for President in 2024, Along With an Unlikely Competitor

Kanye West, the husband of Kim Kardashian West and a highly-successful rapper, has a knack for grabbing headlines whether that's from his outlandish behavior or his decision to wear a MAGA hat, a nod to support for President Donald Trump. Just recently, the musical artist considered changing his name to Christian Genius Billionaire Kanye West, citing a religious awakening that has been reflected in the newest music he's released, if that's any indication of the volatility he's capable of. So, given his seemingly impulsive behavior, many are wondering if he still plans on running for president in 2024 after be claimed he would several years ago. If so, he might have some unlikely competition.

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Kanye Announces Intent to Run for 2024 Presidential Election

West first announced that he would be running for president in 2024 during an interview he had with Vanity Fair. And for the rapper, he was being completely serious. "I didn’t approach that because I thought it would be fun… No, the exact opposite," he said. "I sit in clubs and I’m like, wow, I’ve got five years before I go and run for office and I’ve got a lot of research to do, I’ve got a lot of growing up to do."

The jury is still out on if West was able to do a 'lot of growing up' but the rapper did double down in an interview in November of 2019 stating, "When I run for president in 2024, we’re gonna definitely…" For West, though, no one in attendance took him seriously and laughter erupted throughout the room. He would go on to set the record straight for those who were doubting him, though.

West Double Downs on Statement to Run

After the laughter had subsided over Kanye's comments about running for president in 2024, he became very solemn and serious, asking the crowd, "No, what y’all laughing at? Again, the audience burst out in laughter, as if West was filming a standup special and was simply going along with one of his jokes.

But remaining serious, the rapper looked the audience dead in the face and stated, "When I run for president in 2024, we would’ve created so many jobs that I’m not gonna run I’m gonna walk." So, from the look for things, West is seriously going to run for president, come the 2024 election, at least as of now.

Akon Considering a 2024 Presidental Run Amid Philanthropy Efforts

If Kanye does, in fact, plan to run, which is very possible, he may have an unlikely competitor in fellow rapper, Akon, who has also said he is considering a run for the highest office in the country. This would likely be bad news for West as Akon has many of the experiences and qualities that seem to be absent from Kanye's resume.

Specifically, Akon, who doesn't do much rapping these days, has been heavily involved in multiple philanthropies over the years in Africa. He's even developed his own cryptocurrency, called the AKoin, which can be used in various countries throughout Africa as a stable currency in the midst of the ever-changing regimes and governmental entities. Some people have stated that Akon has done more for Africa in one year's time than charities have done in many years, altogether.

Akon's Experience with Philanthropy and Business Development

Akon also got a chance to speak with Vanity Fair, and appropriately, was asked about running for president in 2024, given his past experiences with philanthropy, building businesses, and ultimately, living the American Dream.

The Soul Survivor artist responded in a way that is sure to attract some voters, should he pursue the presidential election in 2024. "I think if you’re going to run for office, you are serving. And I think that’s a little bit different from a job," he said. "I’ve kind of experienced everything that a U.S citizen can experience – being an entrepreneur, understanding growth and building companies."

"I can also say the same thing from a business level and then from a political standpoint. I’ve been, literally, advising presidents from everywhere. I mean, like over 15, you know, countries in Africa – all throughout the world."