LeVar Burton Takes Issue With Kanye West's Comment About Never Reading A Book

BY Erika Marie 3.3K Views
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LeVar Burton
The "Reading Rainbow" icon brought up the mogul's English professor mother, Donda West, and his new school, Donda Academy.

A recent comment made by Kanye West may have brought chuckles among his fanbase, but it rubbed LeVar Burton the wrong way. Burton is an actor who has dedicated his entire career to educating the youth and creating innovative ways to make learning a fun activity. For 23 years, Burton was the host of PBS Kids' famed Reading Rainbow show, so it was unsurprising that he dropped off a take about Kanye West's recent comments.

During an interview, West remarked, "I actually haven't read any books." He then likened reading to "eating Brussels sprouts."

Vince Bucci / Stringer / Getty Images

Burton addressed the comparison on Twitter and brought up the Rap mogul's family tree.

"[Eyeballs emoji] Hmmm… I’m going have to take Mr. West at his word. I hope however, that he shares a different message with the children enrolled in the school he’s founded named after his mother, who was an professor of English. I’m fairly certain she read a book or two. #bydhttmwfi."

He was, of course, referring to the late Donda West, who has been Kanye's motivation. The author and professor earned her doctorate, and for over three decades, she was the chair of Chicago State University's English department. Burton also mentions Donda Academy, the new exclusive, clandestine school Kanye has been promoting.

We're not sure if Ye will answer Burton's reaction, but you can see it below. 



About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.