Russian blogger and translator Dmitry Puchkov, widely known by his pseudonym Goblin, has described American rapper Kanye West as mentally unwell during an interview on Radio Sputnik.
Speaking following reports of West's planned concert dates in Russia, Puchkov described the hip-hop artist as a natural psycho. He added that in his understanding, the musician is not quite right in the head, comparing him to any true creator, according to a recording of the broadcast released on VK Video.
Puchkov further described West as having a head with a shifted center of gravity. However, the commentator suggested that concerts by the American artist could benefit Russia by demonstrating that the nation has not become isolated or subjected to an international boycott, despite statements from Western governments.
Concerts planned for Saint Petersburg
West is set to perform in Russia for the first time as part of his global Ye Live Concert Tour. News of the tour dates first emerged on August 17, with two shows expected to take place in Saint Petersburg on October 10 and 11.
Following the concerts, West will pay more than 300 million rubles in taxes to the Russian state budget. That financial projection was made by lawyer Alexander Khaminsky, who serves as the head of the Law and Order Center in Moscow.
Saint Petersburg, situated on the Baltic Sea coast, is Russia's second-largest city and historic cultural center, while Moscow serves as the federal capital. West is an American recording artist and music producer who has released multiple multi-platinum albums and won 24 Grammy Awards over his career.
Broadcasting and media background
Radio Sputnik is a Russian state broadcasting network operating under the state media group Rossiya Segodnya, distributing news and talk radio programming. VK Video, where the interview was uploaded, is the digital streaming service operated by VK, Russia's primary social network provider.
Puchkov, a native of Saint Petersburg and former law enforcement officer, established his public profile through informal Russian translations and satirical voiceovers of foreign feature films. He later expanded into political commentary, publishing, and digital video production under his Goblin moniker.
The Law and Order Center in Moscow, headed by Khaminsky, is a legal consultancy that monitors statutory compliance, tax regulation, and public policy issues in the Russian capital.
