“Jeen-Yuhs” on Netflix: a documentary on Kanye West not to be missed under any circumstances

More than 21 years of career scrutinized.

This is the crazy project of “Jeen-Yuhs” (to read “genius”, “genius” in English), the documentary trilogy devoted to the life and work of Kanye West, whose first episode “Vision” is put online this Wednesday, February 16 on Netflix.

Like “Never Show This to Anyone,” the doc about Orelsan's career filmed by her brother, Coodie Simmons' camera began capturing the American star long before she became the icon of today. today.

The two friends meet, in their twenties, in a Chicago steeped in hip-hop culture.

Coddie immediately sees Kanye West's potential… and takes his camera.

“I immediately felt his potential,” explains Clarence Simmons, Coddie's real name.

The first time I heard his music, I thought he might win a Grammy someday.

But I also saw a lot of people making fun of him, and I knew it would be a battle for him to earn the respect of people in the industry as a rapper.

As determined as Kanye West was to be in the limelight, the industry was looking for the new Jay-Z, the new DMX.

Sometimes it seemed like Kanye would be just another face in the crowd… But Kanye refused to accept that, ”he says in voiceover, as we see him in a surreal sequence like an anonymous fan shaking hands with Jay-Z in the middle of a crowd, early 2000s.

A marvel that will hysterize the many fans of the rapper

An observation is essential after the first episode of an hour and a half put online this Wednesday on the streaming platform, and which we were able to watch.

This film is a marvel that will hysterize the many fans of the rapper, followed by more than 12 million subscribers on Instagram.

Because it shows it like no one has ever seen it.

The classic chronological narration does not detract from the strength of the story.

"Every star's career starts with a vision," Coddie begins in voiceover.

His first images edited among the 320 hours collected (all unpublished), show the first steps, from Chicago to New York, of a beginner who wants some, trying to find his place without distorting his already multiple, complex personality.

Whether in the offices of the Roc-A-Fella Records label, the legendary record company founded by Jay-Z, where he tries to promote his music (his excellent classic "All Falls Down"), in the studio for the recording of "Jesus Walks", during his first interview at the wheel of an old car, the journalist loaded in the back... the film connects the nugget sequences.

But the most moving moment remains exchanges full of tenderness and love, in the heart of the night with his mother Donda (deceased in 2007, to whom he dedicated his last album).

“You do bits like Michael Jordan shoots free throws.

Anyone who loves something so much for so long can only succeed, ”she says in moving scenes to her son who will get a few years later… 22 Grammy Awards.

Far from its celebrity image, its ultra-publicized marriage and divorce with Kim Kardashian, its scandalous support for Donald Trump, its psychiatric problems and its freewheeling posts on social networks, this exceptional film sets out to tell the essentials of one of the most fascinating and productive artists of the 21st century.

A captivating intimate epic.

EDITOR'S RATING: 4.5/5

"Jeen-Yuhs: The Kanye West Trilogy",