This study aims to use the religious psychologist Antoon Geels’ theoretical framework to examine how the rapper Kanye West portrays his existential crisis in connection with his Christian awakening. The study was conducted using a selection of Kanye West’s songs that reflect themes of crisis and worship. Based on Geels’ theoretical framework, two categories were created: one dealing with existential crisis and the other focusing on religious conversion.

The results show that Kanye West’s album Jesus Is King contains descriptions of his religious conversion and his new lifestyle. The findings also indicate, based on Geels’ framework, that a connection between existential crises and religious experience can be identified. To summarize the analysis, it also shows that West swings back and forth between trust and despair; however, even in moments of despair, West appears to experience a sense of God’s presence and a strong faith. The themes of existential crisis that were identified include suicidal thoughts, thoughts about dying, God as a protector, racism, demons, and darkness.