Roc-A-Fella Co-Founder: The Kanye I Know Has a Great Heart
*By Conor White*
Kanye West has shocked people before, but his recent outbursts, including a bizarre TMZ interview in which he said slavery was a choice, have left even his closest friends wondering if he's O.K.
"A lot of it, yes, it is disturbing," said Kareem Burke, the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, adding: "I don't know what the intent is, which is crazy for me because I know his heart, and I know he has a great heart, so I'm hopeful things will change and Kanye will be the old Kanye."
Burke takes credit for giving West his start in music more than 15 years ago, when the rapper first signed to Roc-A-Fella. "I personally launched his career," Burke said in an interview with Cheddar at the Collision Conference in New Orleans.
He is now launching a media empire, including two movies which recently had their premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival: "O.G." and "It's A Hard Truth Ain't It". Jeffrey Wright won Best Actor at Tribeca for his performance in "O.G."
Both films deal with prison life in the United States, something Burke knows about. Before he was a media entrepreneur, he served five years for marijuana trafficking. Burke said he hopes the films help raise awareness of the problems with the country's prison system.
"Hopefully if these stories keep getting out, we're hoping that the dialogue starts, and hopefully change follows that," Burke said.
For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/roc-a-fella-co-founder-misses-the-old-kanye).
The fatal stabbing of a Catholic priest inside the church rectory where he lived has rocked the eastern Nebraska community of Fort Calhoun, a one-stoplight town where people tend not to worry if they forget to lock their doors at night.
Tuesday night is the sixth night of Hanukkah and to celebrate the occasion. Chef and TV personality Melanie Shurka joined Cheddar News to prepare latkes, a Hanukkah staple, along with other favorites.
Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" has reached No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart the past four years in a row and it's reasonable to assume 2023 will be no different.
A person of interest has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Detroit synagogue leader whose death after the start of the Israel-Hamas war prompted speculation the slaying could have been the result of antisemitism.
With the holiday season here, many families and friends are looking for enjoyable events to experience together. Vincent Ortega, associate director of Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland, a must-see all-musical show for all ages with some stunts, top performances, and dazzling costumes. Plus, the circus provides a performance for Cheddar News viewers in studio!
