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A Good American Boy

Filed under: TV News > Reality Television > MTV > Kanye West

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Rap superstar Kanye West and MTV VJ Sway Calloway recently gave three young vets who just returned from the Iraq war the surprise of their lives!

Kanye and Sway dropped in unexpectedly at the homes of the vets to listen to the soldiers' stories and express gratitude for their service.

MTV was there to capture the visits on camera (of course).

You can see all the powerful, moving moments from the visits on MTV, July 28th.

Kanye said, "There are hundreds of veterans out there who are falling through the cracks. They make the ultimate sacrifices for us by laying down their lives, but it seems like a lot of them just get forgotten about. I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people, but you can always do more. I teamed up with MTV and took the opportunity to share the spotlight with these veterans and hear their stories. I went to their homes to listen and get their firsthand experiences. I wanted to hear their stories."

Kanye and Sway didn't just listen.

On behalf of MTV and the Dr. Donda West Foundation — named in honor of the rapper's late mother — the duo gave each veteran a life-changing gift, from paying off their debts to taking care of their rent or tuition.

God bless the US of Kanye (and MTV)!

[Image via Mavrix Online.]



130 comments to “A Good American Boy”

More comments: [1] 2 »

  1. gege says – reply to this
    1

    Looking a little like Steve Erkel

  2. krist says – reply to this
    2

    mhmm kanyeee

  3. alex says – reply to this
    3

    yhtru

  4. fdfsa says – reply to this
    4

    were any of the vets white?

  5. dfdsf says – reply to this
    5

    dsfsdfsdfsdf

  6. kira says – reply to this
    6

    34'th?

  7. 7

    AAWWW Kanye and his big heart!!

  8. whoo! says – reply to this
    8

    YEESSSS! I love being first!! WHoooooooO!!!!! Hellz yes!!!

  9. myah says – reply to this
    9

    AMAZING… warms the heart!

  10. Steph says – reply to this
    10

    Wow sounds nice..am i second or furthur down lmao

  11. Daish says – reply to this
    11

    aww thats so nice of kayne. more rich celebs should be doing things like this instead of wasting their money on materialistic things.

  12. poser says – reply to this
    12

    That's it Kanye, smile for the cameras, keep smiling
    poser

  13. NUMBA says – reply to this
    13

    IF I AM NOT FIRST I WILL KILL MYSELF.
    pleasepleaseplease what do I HAVE TO DO?!?!?!?!?!?

    what do i have to effin do to be first!!!??? how do you guys do it??

    damn it. screw this.

  14. annie says – reply to this
    14

    Love him!!

  15. ItsMe says – reply to this
    15

    Re: fdfsa – I was curious as well about which vets he thought were "slipping through the cracks" and that question unfortunately did pop up in my head as well

  16. luis says – reply to this
    16

    Re: NUMBA – Need a gun???

  17. not1 says – reply to this
    17

    Re: whoo! – hey betch NOT EVEN CLOSE BETCH!!!! u ain't first GEGE IZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

  18. Lissa says – reply to this
    18

    good for them… i mean honestly Kanye is a great rapper and has tons of money. he doesn't have to concern himself with this.. but he does. i think that really says something about him. and he's from chicago… so therefore he HAS to be awesome! lol

  19. hmmm says – reply to this
    19

    Ummm that would be cool if that dumb bitch did it out of the goodness of his heart. Instead he needed MTV to be there to film it all and let the whole world know how great of a person he is. Bastard

  20. Qcan says – reply to this
    20

    Re: NUMBA – how will you do it?

  21. Kanye says – reply to this
    21

    Of course none of them are white. Did you really think? Pfftt.

  22. WORD says – reply to this
    22

    Don't really care about Kanye's music, fashion sense or egomanical head trip.
    But when he said, "George Bush doesn't care about black people…" on live, national television, he earned my respect forever. Mike Myers jaw nearly dropped to the floor!

  23. ItsMe says – reply to this
    23

    Re: hmmm – Exatly if you just want to help these guys then make an anonymous donation

  24. Flo says – reply to this
    24

    Not a big fan of Kanye but what a great thing to do. THIS is how to use your celebrity!

  25. bosto says – reply to this
    25

    HIS PACKAGE IS HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  26. Opie says – reply to this
    26

    He is such a nice boy. I especailly like that Gift He Gave Momma. A trip to the plastic sugeon. Come on dude look at him he was black, great for a witch doctor but not too good for a real doctor. Was Dondra his real momma? did he ever do the dna on her?

  27. huh? says – reply to this
    27

    that's DISGUSTING! three people?? three?? first off, do it with the cameras off. second of all, that's like throwing a pop tart a group of thousands of starving children and acting like you're making a difference… how about helping 10, 20, or 100 soldiers with their debt? kanye (not so much sway) would still have at least 8 figures left…

  28. Da R says – reply to this
    28

    Re: fdfsa

    of course they weren't white. white people don't fall through the cracks of anything, and they're never forgotten, either. ask the victims of hurricane katrina.

  29. s says – reply to this
    29

    Re: ItsMe – Actually its smarter what he is doing…he is doing it in public so maybe other ppl follow u get what Im sayin?

  30. Kryst says – reply to this
    30

    He's an idiot.

  31. Frank says – reply to this
    31

    That is a really awesome thing to do. It is unfortunate, however, that Kanye is apparently a different person when he thinks the cameras are not on. I am not sure how true this is, but if you've ever seen him "candid" on film you know what I mean. Still a great things to do, no doubt. But I wonder if it would have been done had cameras not been rolling on him and all of his glorious "do good" ing.

  32. HeeHe says – reply to this
    32

    Re: hmmm – I THINK HE LEARNED THAT FROM "OPRAH, ONLY HELP BLACKS, NOT IN AMERICA IF YOU CAN HELP IT AND MAKE SURE YOU TELL EVERYONE HOW GREAT YOU ARE, IF YOU CAN..

  33. perez says – reply to this
    33

    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!
    BONNAROO 2008 NEVER FORGET!

  34. e says – reply to this
    34

    Thats effin awesome. My whole perception of Kanye just changed. I didn't like him but you know what he's not such a bad person after all.

  35. Helle says – reply to this
    35

    KANYE WEST DON'T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE

    KANYE WEST DON'T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE

    KANYE WEST DON'T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE

    KANYE WEST DON'T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE

    KANYE WEST DON'T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE

    KANYE WEST DON'T CARE ABOUT WHITE PEOPLE

  36. puto says – reply to this
    36

    what a douche bag has to do it on camera, would he had done it if there was no cameras there to record his so called goodwill. I call it bullshit… and yet another reason why he is such a big time douche bagggggggggggggggg

  37. david says – reply to this
    37

    oh, please. he's just trying to prove to everybody that he's not a cunt (it's not working!). but, that is a VERY impressive bulge he got there. mmmm, i see kanye in a WHOLE different light now…..

  38. mrsEa says – reply to this
    38

    YES KANYE IS DOING SOMETHING POSITIVE AND IM PROUD OF HIM…CONTINUE TO DO YOU KANYE

    SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!

    OBAMA 08

  39. Tommy says – reply to this
    39

    I am SICK of the TROOPS
    My daughter didn't choose to die of Leukiemia only weeks after her sweet sixteen and I have multiple friends in the navt who are paid VERY WELL, and they aren't even deployed, though one is considering taking a contract in Afghanistan becuase it pays SO MUCH MORE
    All these people joined the military because they take EVERYONE and PAY EVERYONE and WHOOPS, a war broke out
    I don't dislike them, but they MADE their choice

  40. puto says – reply to this
    40

    he cares only if it's in front of the cameras and the whole world knows about it.

  41. ItsMe says – reply to this
    41

    Re: s – yeah, I thought of that, but neither one of that believes that that's his actual reason for doing it on MTV
    you don't….
    you DON'T

  42. missy says – reply to this
    42

    Wow, Kanye did something selfless! I am impressed. He's still a cocky ass though.

  43. Getit says – reply to this
    43

    Re: WORD – What people forget is that the Mayor of New Orleans did not use the resources that were available to get the citizen of New Orleans evacuated. Blacks, whites, asians, etc. He also waited too long to call for the mandatory evacuation. And the former Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who was a DEMOCRAT, went into hiding. But yet, NO ONE BLAMES THEM. It's all about Bush. Nagin did NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Except b!tch and moan and pass the blame. And I'm a native….I WAS THERE. Nagin and Blanco did NOTHING!!!!!!!!!

  44. ladyb says – reply to this
    44

    LADYBALLS HAS HAD A MOST DIFFICULT TIME EVEN LOOKING AT THAT PERSON KNOWN AS KANYE
    UNTIL NOW
    THANK YOU KANYE FOR YOUR REAL SUPPORT OF THE HEROS WHO VOLUNTEER TO KEEP THE REST OF US SAFE HERE IN THE STATES

  45. jacki says – reply to this
    45

    fuck the war

  46. KATH says – reply to this
    46

    It's nice to see people that are filthy rich giving back to the people that made them rich. I think Kanye is a bit arrogant but how can you find fault with anyone that gives to the very people that risk their lives for America.

  47. lucy says – reply to this
    47

    as a military wife I a appreciate his act of kindness, altough it was obviously for publicity. But since the cameras were there, and people will watch this, it could encourage others to do the same. No one can imagine what the military goes through and their families as well. Post traumatic stress disorder is not a joke and is an ignored problem. Hopefully celebrities bring attention to it so the Veterans Affairs do something about it. They try to cover it up and scare the military from saying they have problems. If one admits his problems, he can't get promoted, he may lose his rank which means his pay will decrease. And let me tell you, for what they do, the pay is horrible! Most are living from paycheck to paycheck! So thanks to Kanye and hopefully others spread the word! Support your troops because your freeedom isn't free!

  48. 48

    It is good to see SOMEONE on MTV doing something good. Sway…you deserve better than MTV!!!

  49. ikcaj says – reply to this
    49

    Re: jacki – fuck all war

  50. Len says – reply to this
    50

    Re: KATH – those soldiers are not risking their lives "for america" you twit

  51. Len says – reply to this
    51

    Re: lucy
    motherFUCK that! FUCK THAT!!!
    I have a NUMBER of friends in the military and they pay is pretty fucking good at ALL levels.
    Maybe many are like THE REST OF FUCKING AMERICA and live beyond their means and THAT'S why they live paycheck to paycheck, but don't make an excuse like that
    They make MONEY
    It sucks to be away from family and friends, I KNOW THAT
    And I'm sure I'd have bad memories about shooting a bullet into another human beings skull, BUT THAT'S WHY I WOULDN'T SIGN UP TO DO IT!!! No matter HOW much moeny was involved

  52. B'Mo says – reply to this
    52

    Re: Helle

    and why should he?

    WHITE PEOPLE DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYBODY.

  53. WHORE says – reply to this
    53

    Re: Getit

    BULLSHIT.

    YOU PEOPLE WILL SAY ANYTHING TO KEEP FROM ADMITTING THAT BUSH IS THE BIGGEST FUCK UP THIS COUNTRY HAS EVER SEEN.

  54. white says – reply to this
    54

    B'Mo#53: I am white, I am young, I care, I help, I don't differentiate
    you're a racist cunt

  55. Batem says – reply to this
    55

    -
    -
    -
    -
    I love how he managed to sneak in praise of his music and how many people it "helps"
    -
    -
    -
    He's a self-absorbed bastard child of a black panther
    -
    The world revolves around him
    -
    -
    -
    -

  56. matt says – reply to this
    56

    Of course there were cameras there - Kanye is nothing but a no-talent attention whore. He can't do anything without blabbing about it to the world.

    Fucking idiot. Fuck Kanye.

  57. Batem says – reply to this
    57

    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Actually Jimmy Carter is the biggest fuckup the country has ever seen
    -
    -
    His incompetence is why there are militant Islam problems inside of Iran and Afghanistan
    -
    -
    -
    Carter laid the path for terrorism and anti-western sentiment to grow.
    -
    -
    -
    Learn your history you morons
    -
    -
    -

  58. rache says – reply to this
    58

    Re: Tommy
    With out past vets your daughter would not have the doctors that you coul dafford to help her.. sorry for your loss but TRUE AMERICANS AND HONEST PEOPLE STICK UP FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN FIGHTING FOR THIS COUNTRY.. try losing friends that are 20 y/o's in this war that were fighting for this country, were fighting for your daughters future.. sorry for your loss but you are an ugly person for turning your backs on our veterans.. also maybe kanye should visit thefamilies of lost loved ones? there the ones who died for us

  59. Terri says – reply to this
    59

    I don't care if 100 cameras were rolling and if it was just one vet. That's one more than many people, especially celebs recognize. Like it or not, its their money to spend how they want, and that these guys chose to do this is wonderful! I'm sure it was much more of an honor for Kanye and Sway. God bless our troops and the freedoms they allow us!! Thanks guys for recognizing our American heroes.

  60. foney says – reply to this
    60

    Re: Batem – " I know my music inspires and helps a lot of people…"
    I noticed that too
    PHONEY :)

  61. wow says – reply to this
    61

    I didn't know Kanye had it like that. I just went all twitchy. Seriously though, good work Kanye!

  62. 62

    He is such as ass!!! So ugly, inside and out!!!! He is so arrogant. I can't stand him!

  63. wotta says – reply to this
    63

    wow, and all without publicity. wotta fucking saint.

  64. Tommy says – reply to this
    64

    Re: rache – There is no war right now where people are fighting for the freedom of Americans. And the Iraq war is not fighting for the freedom of anybody, it WAS an illegal war. It was NOT sanctioned by the UN and that is an absolute fact, and if our country didn't give the UN so much money then our country would be condemned and Bush WOULD be tried as a war criminal as leaders of poorer countries are RIGHT NOW
    Those troops are fighting an illegal war for an unjust cause and killing innocent people more than so-called "insurgents"

  65. SpcW says – reply to this
    65

    Fuck helping regular troops… theymake great money, and get extra money on top of their salary for housing and living expenses. What about helping guys like my National Guard husband, who return to a shitty civilian life? He doesn't pay a dime for school, so it's retarded Kanye did that for any of them, but we are in heavy debt because he's a civilian who doesn't have his degree yet… and he has a petty theft from 8 years ago on his record. Yeah, it's kept him from jobs. Our country is willing to send him to war… but not let him get a real job??
    Oh, yeah, and he is one who joined because he WANTED to serve his country. So eat shit if you think none of them do that.

  66. Truth says – reply to this
    66

    Re: Getit

    I was there as well dear. Though I was one of the few who were actually able to evacuate, I have family that was actually downtown in the waters waiting for help. And the evacuation was in place with more than enough time to get people out of there. Relief did not come in a timely manner and the requests were ignored BY BUSH!! People that actually tried to get out of New Orleans were even turned back by the military. Please do not be ignorant to what REALLY happened and please get your facts straight.

  67. wang says – reply to this
    67

    boy alright

  68. Maggi says – reply to this
    68

    that's pretty kick a*s I wish somebody famous would of visited me after I came home from a 6month deployement !!!

  69. hmm says – reply to this
    69

    He's such a fucking racist and I wish they'd draft his skanky ass over there to really see what it's like. None of the vets that he visited were white–two blacks and a hispanic, what a surprise. I was in during the Gulf War and if that bastard had asked if I wanted him to visit, I'd tell him to fuck off–he doesn't deserve to talk to veterans and pretend like he cares. GO HOME KANYE!!!!!!!!!!

  70. justb says – reply to this
    70

    Re: Tommy – WTF is your problem? are you bitter "just because they risk their lives" they make a decent living? I'm sorry for your loss and your daughters death has nothing to do with soldiers. why don't you go complain to the CDC, dr's and the pharmaceuticals to find a cure for Leukemia. I'm a soldier and so is my spouse, we have a 2yo and it is a tough life but its a job and I know what I signed up for.
    Thanks to Kanye for showing his gratitude. who cares if the camera was rolling and who cares if these people are not white? the thing is he helped 3 people and how many other people can say they have done that.

  71. Prett says – reply to this
    71

    Re: fdfsa – NO BITCH…FUCK POOR WHITE PEOPLE…LMAO

  72. WORD says – reply to this
    72

    Re: Getit – You don't have to tell me! NONE of our current "problems" are the fault of Repbulicans! Not ONE: from the price of gas, or the banking crisis or the assault on the Constitution and civil libeties or the war in Iraq. Blame it on those communist Democrats, I say!
    As for Katrina, had she hit Florida instead of Louisiana and Mississippi, it'd be a WHOLE different story. Louisiana got punished for having a Democratic governor.
    Remember Dubya's inspirational speech in Jackson Square. He has fond memories of New Orleans, goddammit,..the French Quarter has the finest hookers in the world, and also, the coke isn't bad either.

  73. Rhond says – reply to this
    73

    Did he have a camera crew. He's gonna be at the Obama selection convention and that would be so niccccccccccce. Dems love soldiers at their convention, good for people to think their patriotic!

  74. Jeffr says – reply to this
    74

    The Irak War?… ooh you mean.. the Irak Invasion!!! yeah.. poor people.. is suffering for invading other countries and killing innocent people…..

  75. Bob says – reply to this
    75

    Yes,, the know what they signed for, they get paid and they knew what its all about…… MONEY!!
    This war is a lie to us!…. open your eyes america! or is just that you dont want to open them at all… cuz money moves our country right!?!?
    who cares if some poor people dies when we are gonna be rich right!?!?
    youre disgusting people!

  76. euoi says – reply to this
    76

    Yesterday I searched his nice photo on " C asu al se ek . co m " . It is said that he wants to end his current relationship and find another girl to start.

  77. Fay K says – reply to this
    77

    He looks like Super Fly in those glasses.