Netflix is giving us the old Kanye with its new documentary, Jeen-Yus: A Kanye Trilogy. The first chapter of the three-part docuseries premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, giving viewers insight into the rapper’s early days through video footage filmed over the course of 20 years. The documentary is directed by two of West’s collaborators, Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah, and features tons of star-studded cameos, including Beyoncé, Kobe Bryant, Pharrell Williams, Mase, and of course, Jay-Z. However, the best appearance comes from West’s late mother and number one cheerleader, Donda West.
Though West was involved in the making of the project, the 44-year-old rapper recently demanded that he get the final edit and approval of the doc before its Feb. 16 release on Netflix. “I’m going to say this kindly for the last time. I must get final edit and approval on this doc before it releases on Netflix,” he wrote on Instagram. “Open the edit room immediately so I can be in charge of my own image. Thank you in advance 😊.” It’s unclear if West’s request was granted.
Ahead, check out the biggest takeaways from part one of Jeen-Yus: A Kanye Trilogy.