Nick Cave calls Kanye West’s views 'disappointing' but defends his music: ‘Art cannot be divorced from the artist'

The Australian musician argues that true art transcends personal controversies.

Nick Cave has reaffirmed his admiration for Kanye West’s artistry, even as the rapper continues to stir controversy with inflammatory statements and actions. The Australian musician addressed the issue in response to a fan letter on his Red Hand Files blog after revealing that he wanted West’s song “I Am a God” played at his funeral.

Since Cave made his initial comments, West has sparked further outrage by doubling down on antisemitic remarks, openly declaring himself a Nazi, and selling swastika-branded T-shirts. A fan confronted Cave directly, asking, “How the hell can you listen to the song without seeing the scum of a human being that Kanye has become?”

Cave acknowledged the controversy but made it clear that he does not condone West’s actions. “Numerous letters have come in expressing, in no uncertain terms, disapproval of my fondness for Kanye West’s music,” he wrote.

“A lot of time and energy has been spent explaining the evil of Nazism, the harm of antisemitism, why it is wrong to sell T-shirts emblazoned with swastikas, and why it is unacceptable to coerce one’s girlfriend into standing naked on the red carpet at the Grammys.” He added, “On that matter, it seems, we can all find some common ground. I agree.”

However, Cave argued that it is impossible to separate an artist from their work. “The idea of an artist being divorced from their art is absurd,” he explained. “However, the great gift of art is the potential for the artist to excavate their interior chaos and transform it into something sublime. This is what Kanye does. This is what I strive to do, and this is the enterprise undertaken by all genuine artists.”

Cave described West as “an exemplar par excellence” of this concept, emphasizing that despite his “brokenness,” the rapper’s music embodies the tension between “sin, transcendence, and genius.”

While he condemned West’s actions, Cave maintained his belief in seeking beauty in art. “As odious and disappointing as many of Kanye’s views are, and as sickening as antisemitism is – in its sadly always-present, ever-morphing forms – I endeavour to seek beauty wherever it presents itself.” He continued, “In doing so, I am reluctant to invalidate the best of us in an attempt to punish the worst. I don’t think we can afford that luxury.”

Cave has previously praised West as “our greatest artist,” applauding his fearless approach to music. However, he has also admitted that the rapper’s rhetoric makes it difficult to separate the art from the artist.

As West continues to face backlash—including being suspended from X (formerly Twitter), having his Yeezy store shut down by Shopify, and being dropped by his talent agency—many in the entertainment industry have distanced themselves from him. His Vultures collaborator, Ty Dolla $ign, has condemned hate speech, while Charlie Puth and David Schwimmer have called for further consequences.

Despite the controversy, West’s music remains a significant force in the industry. His 2013 album Yeezus—which includes “I Am a God”—debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.