Damage Control….A PR’s Perspective on the Kanye Factor

Is “shut the f*ck up” the right answer? With all of the hoopla surrounding Kanye’s Today Show interview and the alleged departure of his media trainer, I thought it best to get a PR perspective.

I checked in w/ DMV’s Candice Nicole of Candice Nicole Public Relations (CNPR) to hear her thoughts. CNPR specializes in Publicity, Marketing, Media Relations, Events, Client Relations, Branding, Writing, etc. Although she doesn’t suggest the STFU method, she had a few other thoughts….

Candice w/ Deangelo Redman & Rob of Day 26

The Jasmine Brand: You’ve been in the PR industry for quite some time. What fascinates you the most about doing PR in the entertainment industry?

Candice Nicole PR:  I have fully been in the entertainment side since 2007 but I have seen a lot since then. What fascinates me is the “not knowing” what will happen with the talent in this industry. One day they are loved and the next they are hated. It really is an extreme to say the least. In addition, I like the life, even though it may have it’s ups and downs I enjoy being in the mix, in the circle and knowing what exactly goes on behind the scenes.

The Jasmine Brand:  From a PR/Brand Control perspective, what are your thoughts on Ye’s interview (during & his twitter comments after)?

Candice Nicole PR:  From a PR standpoint I commend him for wanting to go onto The Today Show and wanting to discusss Bush, as he was going through similar things and being called a “racist” as he had caled Bush 5 years ago. With his Twittercomments, yes he may not have said such specifics BUT we have to remember that he is human and he has feelings. Kanye was simply venting his thoughts on what he thought had happened to him. We have to also keep in mind that when he is honest, his fans enjoy that, I enjoy that as well. Yes, he is an artist, an internationally known artist but he is a PERSON first.

The Jasmine Brand:  Is there a misconception about representing high-profile or somewhat well-know folks in the industry?

Candice Nicole PR:  I think the misconception would be that they are hard to get a long with, that they may have all of these demands but not all are the same. Each person is different and you treat each client accordingly.

The Jasmine Brand:  Obviously, a client, a well-known one at that, is ultimately going to conduct themselves however they choose. With that said, how would you (or have you) handled a similar situation?

Candice Nicole PR:  Well I have never had a client as high profiled as Kanye but if I handle the damage control, I would make a statement to the public reminding them (as stated above) that Kanye West is a HUMAN and he has feelings and we all have said things that we wish we could take back, OR maybe spent more time thinking about what we woukd have said and made a different statement on the matter.  However, as a Publicist you can train your client daily on what to say/what not to say to the media but at the end of the day they are their own person and they will be the one who have to deal with the backlash of not taking your advice. As the publicist you have to know and accept that and when/or if the client does that, be there for them, do more training, issue a statement and move on. I would like to add always doing some community service makes it smooth over a bit easier :)