Olympic champion Noah Lyles lauds the American rapper’s spiritual journey and music, emphasizing the rapper’s influence despite the controversies surrounding him.
American rapper Kanye West has always held a distinctive position in the cultural arena, known not only for his genre-defining music but also for his boundary-pushing public persona.
From his early days as a Chicago producer to his current status as a global icon, West’s career is characterized by various creative phases.
One of the most debated aspects of his artistic journey has been his evolving relationship with faith and religion, especially during his so-called Christian Era.
While some fans and critics have been split over this direction, Olympic champion Noah Lyles recently expressed support for the rapper’s spiritual exploration.
In a candid interview with Mixed Feelings, the Olympic 100m gold medalist Noah Lyles conveyed his admiration for Kanye West’s religiously infused music, particularly his track “Jesus Walks” from the debut album *College Dropout* (2004).
The song, known for its raw and unapologetic dive into faith, salvation, and modern-day spirituality, became one of West’s breakout hits.
“I connect to that very much because I’ve definitely been guided by God,” Lyles said.
Lyles also voiced frustration with the media’s treatment of the song, stating, “Anytime you talk about it, everybody gets turned off.”
Despite widespread criticism of Kanye West’s outspoken views on religion, his artistic evolution has consistently touched on spiritual themes.
Although many believe Kanye fully embraced gospel music with his ninth studio album, *Jesus Is King* (2019), true fans recognize that these elements were present in his earlier work.
Tracks like “Jesus Walks” laid the foundation for his full-blown Christian Era, where faith, redemption, and divine purpose became central to his lyrics and sound.
Lyles, like many others, draws inspiration from West’s boldness in merging faith with mainstream hip-hop, even if it has polarized audiences.
For the Olympic champion, West’s ability to challenge societal norms and push artistic boundaries is part of what makes him a provocative figure in the music industry.
Despite the backlash from some quarters, Lyles remains a supporter of Kanye’s willingness to express his truth, even when it’s uncomfortable for the public.
