Kanye West has used provocative behavior and controversial statements to gain significant media attention and brand himself as outspoken. This attention initially helped promote his music career but now often overshadows his musical work. The media represents Kanye in a negative light as rude and arrogant to give audiences someone to dislike, though this fuels interest in him. Kanye harnesses this attention through his clothing brand and by portraying himself as very self-absorbed and a musical "genius", ensuring he remains the center of focus.