Culture Cinema & Tv Show reviews

Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy

Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy | Show review

Jeen-Yuhs is a documentary about the life of Kanye West, chronicling his journey from his early career as a producer to his efforts to be taken seriously as a rapper in his own right, to the massively influential – and often controversial – media powerhouse he is now.

Whatever feelings one might have about the artist as a person today, it’s fascinating to see his rise to fame and witness the genesis of the current Kanye West persona in his early struggles to make a name for himself. It’s a side of the man that the wider public doesn’t see very often, and directors Coodie and Chike make excellent use of over 21 years’ worth of archival footage to create a portrait of West as a person and a creative that is as comprehensive as they can make it, representing his trademark confidence and swagger along with a real sense of vulnerability. 

The vulnerability at the heart of this documentary is most apparent in its focus on the celebrity’s relationship with his mother, Donda West. Donda is an essential part of West’s narrative, and by extension Jeen-Yuhs, which devotes much of its runtime to exploring her influence on him as a musician and as a human being. Donda’s passing in 2007 had a massive impact and her absence can be felt through the writing and direction of the production, but Jeen-Yuhs goes out of its way to celebrate her life, rather than indulging in the tragedy of her death.

Overall, Jeen-Yuhs is a thoroughly interesting look at a notorious man, which intelligently and stylishly explores the ways in which West and the industry he works in have changed over the years. There’s a real intimacy, speaking to the close relationship Coodie and Chike have with their subject, which results in a multi-faceted and engaging portrait that is consistently compelling, regardless of what its audience might think about Kanye West.

Umar Ali

Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy is released on Netflix on 16th February 2022.

Watch the trailer for Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy here:

More in Shows

Havoc

Mae Trumata

Until Dawn

Mae Trumata

The Friend

Christina Yang

“These are really crazy circumstances and we wanted to make sure that the audience felt bought in”: Michael Cimino and Ella Rubin on Until Dawn

Mae Trumata

Netflix sets global premiere date for crime drama Dept Q, starring Matthew Goode and written by Scott Frank

The editorial unit

I Know What You Did Last Summer returns to UK cinemas with original stars and new cast this July

The editorial unit

Swimming Home

Antonia Georgiou

Cannes Film Festival unveils dual poster honouring A Man and a Woman for 78th Edition

The editorial unit

“It was definitely next level”: Ben Affleck and cast on The Accountant 2

Christina Yang