How to Meet Kanye West

Connecting with Kanye through the Internet

Follow Kanye on Twitter and Instagram. Kanye West has public accounts on Twitter and Instagram, and following these can be a good way to learn more about his interests and where he might show up. You can also follow hashtags or topics on social media to track posts that tag Kanye, which can be helpful for getting real-time updates on his locations from fans that spot him in public.

Post a few witty but respectful comments to his social media. Occasionally, fans do get to meet celebrities after developing a relationship online through social media. Post a funny or sincere response to something he’s shared, but only if you can say something unique. A simple “I love this song!” or “great picture!” isn’t going to stand out. Be careful not to try this too often or too many times, as it can make you stand out in a bad way -- as a stalker or an overly pushy fan.

Follow people close to Kanye on social media. Public figures such as Kanye’s wife, Kim Kardashian, may post information about him on their social media accounts. This can be a good way to get additional information about where Kanye might be.

Check online for paparazzi photos to find out where he might be. Paparazzi photographers often take pictures of celebrities in their private lives -- at the grocery store, taking their kids to a movie, and so on. Because these pictures are taken so frequently and often when the celebrity is not at a public event, this might give you a heads up if Kanye happens to be close by. Celebrity news sources such as People and TMZ frequently post paparazzi photos on their websites. These photos are often posted almost immediately after being taken, which makes it easier to use them as hints to Kanye’s location.

Finding Kanye in Public Places

Visit Kanye’s favorite spots frequently. Kanye lives in Hidden Hills, CA, and most likely spends a lot of time in Los Angeles as well. If you live in LA or are able to travel there, visit any places that he mentions on social media or is photographed at often.

Go to one of Kanye’s concerts. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll get a chance to meet him in person, you may at least get a brief chance to interact with him after the concert. If possible, find out beforehand where and when Kanye will be entering and exiting the building and try to get close to those areas. You can also look for contests and promotions that offer backstage access as his concerts. In 2014, a concert package was auctioned off that gave the buyer a guaranteed opportunity to meet Kanye West. Keep an eye out on Kanye’s website and social media for special deals like this.

Attend an event that Kanye is scheduled to appear at. Going to a public event such as a book signing or fashion show can often provide more opportunities to interact with Kanye personally. Show up early and find out where and when Kanye is expected to arrive, either by researching online or asking around at the event. You may be able to talk to a roadie or staffer who can give you information about where he will be and allow you to get closer to him.

Try to meet people who may have connections to him. One of the most realistic ways to try meeting a celebrity is to meet someone less famous who has a connection to them. This is easier if you live somewhere like New York or LA, but even if you don’t, you may be able to find a connection through a few degrees of separation. Research the people he works with or is frequently seen with and figure out if you have or can create connections to them. Roadies, press staff, and less famous collaborators can all be good connections. When possible, identify and strike up conversations with these people at public events or interact with them through social media. Consider applying for an internship with a public relations firm or music agency that works with Kanye to connect with people who may know him.

Approaching Kanye in Person

Have a plan for when you meet him. If you do get a chance to meet Kanye, it’s very likely that you won’t have much time to interact with him. You may also be a little dumbstruck with the thrill of meeting an admired celebrity in person. Have a plan for what you will say and whether you will ask for anything, like an autograph or picture.

Pay attention to the situation when deciding how to act. If you’re one of hundreds of fans waiting to talk to him, be respectful and don’t take up too much time. If you happen to run into him in a public place while he’s going about his business, don’t be too pushy when you interact with him, as he may not be in the mood to talk to fans.

Take pictures only with permission. It can be tempting to snap a stealth shot when you spot a celebrity, but if you want to actually talk to Kanye, don’t risk irritating him by taking an unauthorized photo. The same goes for physical contact -- don’t hug or touch him without asking. If you do request a photo, keep it simple and personal. For instance, you could say, “I’m a huge fan of your work. Do you think I could take a quick picture to show my friends back home?”

Be honest and brief if you get a chance to talk to him. Celebrities get approached by fans every day. If you want to tell Kanye how much you like his music, share something sincere about how much it means to you. If he wants to continue the conversation, by all means do, but you should be ready to say something concise and then leave him alone unless he wants to keep talking.

Compliment him on something he’s not well-known for. Again, celebrities hear from fans all the time about how great their work is. Show how much you really care about Kanye’s work by referencing something more obscure, like an album he put out before he became famous. Kanye has a long list of producing credentials from before he began his rapping career, including Jay-Z’s album “The Blueprint.” Kanye also has a number of philanthropic and business ventures, such as the Kanye West Foundation, which works towards improving literacy and education opportunities.

Be ready for anything. Kanye is known for being unpredictable and eccentric. Don’t be surprised if he doesn’t act the way you would expect, or if he seems different in person than you imagined. After all, it’ll make a better story that way!