SPENCER, OKLA. - Kanye West fought back tears as he paid tribute to his mother Tuesday at a funeral service sprinkled with music industry celebrities. The prolific hip-hop artist told a crowd of more than 1,500 mourners, including rap moguls Jay-Z and Beyoncé, he still couldn't believe his mother was gone. "You gotta grow up now," the 30-year-old West said softly of his reaction to getting word his mom had died while he was on tour in Europe. West said he remained abroad for a few days because it was what his mother would have wanted. "She had her hands on me," he said. The rapper and record producer, whose climb to super-stardom began just four years ago, said, "I didn't expect this to happen this year." A single mother and accomplished academic who rose to head the English Department at Chicago State University, Donda West became her son's first manager, closest adviser and "my biggest fan," West said in an impromptu eulogy that was both humor-filled and heartbreaking. Before stepping off the stage, he said simply, "I love you, Mom."
R&B songstress Anita Baker sang Donda's favorite song Summertime before being greeted and thanked by Kanye.
Kanye's fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of those who attended the service which took place at the True Vine Ministries Church in the suburb of Spencer. The media and general public were not allowed into the service or onto church property, but news cameras set up across the street showed Kanye West, as well as friends and fellow stars Jay-Z and Beyonce, emerging from vehicles. After the service Donda’s casket was placed onto a horse drawn carriage and taken to a nearby cemetery.
R&B songstress Anita Baker sang Donda's favorite song Summertime before being greeted and thanked by Kanye.
Kanye's fans lined the streets to catch a glimpse of those who attended the service which took place at the True Vine Ministries Church in the suburb of Spencer. The media and general public were not allowed into the service or onto church property, but news cameras set up across the street showed Kanye West, as well as friends and fellow stars Jay-Z and Beyonce, emerging from vehicles. After the service Donda’s casket was placed onto a horse drawn carriage and taken to a nearby cemetery.
MORE PICS OF KANYE, BEYONCE AND JAY-Z AT DONDA WEST'S FUNERAL AFER THE JUMP! (click 'MORE AFTER THE JUMP!' below on bottom left)
Meanwhile, Dr. Jan Adams made a bizarre one-minute appearance on "Larry King Live" last night during which he removed his earpiece and walked off the set as King was trying to ask him questions. Apparently West's family threatened to seek his decertification from the Medical Board of California if he went through with the interview. "I had come here to talk about things in the press that aren't accurate about me, but I have a tremendous amount of love and respect for the West family, and they've asked me not to go on," Adams told King.
