Did Kanye West Borrow 'Monster' Video Concept From Philly Rock Group?

By Jason Newman Posted Jan 5th 2011 03:20PM

Last week, right before New Year's Eve, Kanye West gave the world its 2010 sendoff when an unfinished version of the video to his song 'Monster' leaked. In line with the titular theme, the video amounts to a short horror film complete with dangling female corpses and severed heads and arms.

But as The Village Voice noted, a series of similar images had already been used by Dr. Dog in 2008 for their song 'The Ark.' That video, directed by Adam Kurland, was featured on West's blog two years ago. The rapper posted stills from the video under the subject 'Beautiful.'

When reached for comment, Kurland was diplomatic. "I agree there are some obvious visual similarities," said the director in an e-mail to PopEater. "But these are two very distinctly different videos with different tones and messages. Perhaps Dr. Dog inspired moments in the video, but I could not say this conclusively either way."

"If Kanye or the director watched it and saw something in it and said, 'We want to do that,' then I'm flattered. Really," Kurland added. "I think that the video work that Kanye has produced for his albums has always been outstanding. He chooses to work with incredibly talented artists and never shies away from taking chances, and I don't think that this video is any different."

Jake Nava, the video director for 'Monster,' and members of Dr. Dog were unavailable for comment.

For Kurland, the issue appears to be put to bed, though he is wistful for one thing: "We made the Dr. Dog video for $12,000, and it was a labor of love to get that video made. Just imagine what we could have done with a Kanye West budget!"

Watch for yourself and decide. Warning: Explicit Content!

Tags: kanye west

Comments

(11)

Wednesday 05 January

By steel4cal

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Is this the idiot that tried to steal the limelight from Taylor Swift? You must excuse him for this latest indiscretion, he was drunk, or stupid, or drunk and stupid. His Mama must be very proud of him.

By jay

he wasn't trying to steal the limelight from the non singing Taylor, he was merely pointing out that Beyonce had a better year than Taylor. By the way, Taylor has let that situation go, maybe you should too.

By John G.

What a looser. A TOTAL LOOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By bob

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i think you meant to use the word "loser" learn to spell.

By Jane

I agree, he is a LOSER.

By bobbie sturm

I am absolutely positive that Kanye's mother was very proud of him, and still is, God rest her soul. As far as him stealing video ideas, give me a break! I have seen that head carrying thing in movies for years. Just back off of Kanye and let the man have a little peace for a while.

By Bill

The Jerky Boys must be having an audition.

By Robert

Why do you continue to write about cany wes? he is a DOUCHEBAG and nobody even knows who he is. he is a nonfactor. Just STOP.

By jms2161

The real question should be:
Is Kanye West a F-ing Moron? jms

By themeeker

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Further proof that the talentless West is a punkazz poser.

Wednesday 12 January

By Lalalyric

So did this guy steal scenes from Quentin Tarentino's Kill Bill Vol. 1? Because, I specifically remember seeing lucy liu holding a dead head. Seriously, people use ideas from each other, you just have to make it your own. Kanye made it his own, and I guess so did Dr. Dog. Seriously...get a life Dr. Dog.

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