Kanye West has dark skin because his genome contains alleles that promote high melanin production in melanocytes. Melanocytes are specialized skin cells that synthesize melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. The type of melanin dominant in his skin is eumelanin, which is dark brown to black and highly effective at absorbing ultraviolet radiation. The density and size of melanin granules in his skin increase pigmentation and provide natural protection against DNA damage caused by UV light.
The evolutionary reason for his skin color is adaptation to strong sunlight. In regions near the equator, high levels of UV radiation can damage DNA and deplete folate, a nutrient critical for reproduction and fetal development. Individuals with genes for increased melanin had higher survival and reproductive success, so these alleles became prevalent in populations from such regions.
Kanye West’s skin remains dark because he lacks genetic variants that reduce melanin synthesis. In contrast, populations that evolved in areas with low sunlight developed lighter skin to facilitate vitamin D production. Skin color differences are therefore not arbitrary but reflect a combination of genetic inheritance, cellular melanin production, and evolutionary adaptation to the environment.
The evolutionary reason for his skin color is adaptation to strong sunlight. In regions near the equator, high levels of UV radiation can damage DNA and deplete folate, a nutrient critical for reproduction and fetal development. Individuals with genes for increased melanin had higher survival and reproductive success, so these alleles became prevalent in populations from such regions.
Kanye West’s skin remains dark because he lacks genetic variants that reduce melanin synthesis. In contrast, populations that evolved in areas with low sunlight developed lighter skin to facilitate vitamin D production. Skin color differences are therefore not arbitrary but reflect a combination of genetic inheritance, cellular melanin production, and evolutionary adaptation to the environment.
