Warning: I'm about to make a comparison that may make your mind explode. Kanye West and Donald Trump are practically the same person. OK, so they may initially seem different. But when it comes down to it, their social media strategies and career aspirations are undeniably alike. After all, they both have dreams of becoming president of the United States — remember West's speech at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards? Plus, they've both made lots of headlines lately for speaking their minds, especially on Twitter.
Before going any further, I'll acknowledge some key differences. West self-identifies as a musician, fashion designer, and genius (but not a rapper). But he also recently begged Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to bail him out of $53 million of debt. Meanwhile, Trump is a businessman and reality TV personality. He's got no shortage of money.
But beyond those points, they genuinely seem to think they're the voices of their generations, and use Twitter as their platform to speak out. Trump aspires to #MakeAmericaGreatAgain, while the Life of Pablo rapper believes that he's saying things that everyone else is afraid to. I've actually heard several people use that same rationale to explain why Trump is their favorite 2016 candidate.
All of this got me thinking: How easy is it to tell apart Kanye and Trump's quotes? Let's play a little game to find out. For each tweet, try to guess who wrote it: West or Trump. It's trickier than you may think!
1. "What is your definition of true freedom? There is no true freedom without economic freedom."
Drum roll, please ... This was posted by Mr. West. But sounds like it could've come straight from a campaign speech by the former Apprentice host.
2. "Thanks- many are saying I'm the best 140 character writer in the world. It's easy when it's fun."
Honestly, this could have been written by either guy, but Trump takes credit here. I wonder who these "many" people are ...
3. "All y'all so worried about being likable but only a few are concerned about being great!!!"
This comes from West, although he uses what seems like Trump's favorite adjective from his campaign slogan: "great."
4. "The world needs a guy like me. The world needs somebody to not be scared and tell his truth."
If I didn't know any better, I would've thought this came straight from a past GOP debate. But no, Kanye tweeted this in a recent stream of messages.
5. "Sorry losers and haters, but my I.Q. is one of the highest -and you all know it! Please don't feel so stupid or insecure, it's not your fault"
In May 2013, Trump responded to his "haters" with this comment. Considering that 'Ye thinks he's a genius himself, I could see either of them uttering this.
6. "My twitter has become so powerful that I can actually make my enemies tell the truth."
Although I'd argue that Yeezy's Twitter is "powerful" too, this is from @RealDonaldTrump.
7. "I love being a voice of freedom when so many people are scared to speak up."
This one is a toughie, but the quote comes courtesy of West. They both do think they're voices for freedom, though.
8. "Everyone knows I am right that Robert Pattinson should dump Kristen Stewart. In a couple of years, he will thank me. Be smart, Robert."
This one is pretty shocking, because I wouldn't imagine either option being a huge Twilight fan, but I stand corrected. Trump was pretty adamant that Pattinson should ditch his co-star and then-girlfriend. I guess everybody has their own causes to champion.
9. "Education puts Americans into debt before they even get a chance to get started…"
West wrote this during a recent money-related rant. He thinks textbook prices should be lowered. And honestly, I'm not going to disagree with him on that.
10. "Remember, get TIME magazine! I am on the cover. Take it out in 4 years and read it again! Just watch..."
Both men have appeared on the cover of TIME, but this tweet came from Trump.
Also, he was actually referencing this cover in that tweet, and how he believes he'll win the election:
11. "Yes I am personally rich and I can buy furs and houses for my family"
Following his rant about being in debt, West wrote this tweet. However, Trump frequently boasts about his wealth, so this one could have easily been a toss-up.
12. "but if the self proclaimed cockiest person in the world can lay his personal business on the line then please people see my heart."
This quote comes from West, but I would've loved to hear Trump say it and show the world his heart, too.
So how'd you score on this quiz? I can't be the only one who gets tripped up reading a message from one and thinking it came from the other.
Maybe Trump and 'Ye can team up and take a Twitter Etiquette 101 course together next. I think that'd be their best idea yet.
Images: Giphy (8); TIME Magazine (3); Getty Images (8)
