Kanye and Macbeth

Although Macbeth, a Shakespearean tragedy, and “Power,” a hip-hop song by Kanye West, may at first glance appear disparate, they parallel in their message of cautioning against unchecked megalomania. 

Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth explores the corruptive nature of power through its namesake protagonist, Macbeth. Although Macbeth is initially a lionhearted nobleman faithful to the Scottish king, the supernatural prophecy of his ascent to the throne catalyzes his descent into power-crazed madness. Macbeth resorts to ruthless means to attain and maintain his authority, trailing destruction and bloodshed in his wake.

In hip-hop song “Power,” Kanye West lyricizes the burden of power, with lyrics expressing both its grandeur and its danger:

Reality is catchin' up with me

Takin' my inner child, I'm fighting for it, custody

With these responsibilities that they entrusted me

As I look down at my diamond encrusted piece

Thinkin', no one man should have all that power

The clock's tickin', I just count the hours

Stop trippin', I'm trippin' off the power

'Til then, fuck that, the world's ours

The “Power” music video is a single-shot ‘tableau’ depicting West as godly and illuminated whilst surrounded by occult symbolism, such as images of the Egyptian god Horus, ionic pillars, and angelic figures. However, the most notable symbol is a suspended sword piercing through a crown hanging above West. The sword-and-crown alludes to the Greek myth of the sword of Damocles, an anecdote that aims to warn listeners of peril those in power are constantly faced with.

West’s “Power” and Macbeth are comparable in each respective work’s portrayal of power as a warning against megalomania. Aside from the fact that Kanye West is the Macbeth of choice in Macdef, the two compositions are similar in that they depict power as desirable yet consuming, but also not without its destructive side-effects. Macbeth acts as a sweeping allegory, preaching the damages that can be caused by ambition through the rise and fall of Macbeth. “Power” takes a more straightforward route in its candid wording, simultaneously praising and criticizing the use and abuse of power. The accompanying music video of “Power” delights in employing symbols and allusions to convey the same message.