The Good-
Kanye West has really hit the headlines with this album and I think that it should be for the right reasons. Yes, this album maybe an acquired taste but, for me, this is one of his greatest achievements. Both Jay-Z and Kanye had a lot to live up to if they were going to top Watch The Throne, which I was lucky enough to see performed live. The album starts rather aggressively with ‘On Sight’, with the first verse having the lyrics ‘a monster about to come alive again’, really showing that Mr West is back to prove a point with this album and that he really is a special artist. Black Skinhead continues this aggressive start to the album and is particularly emotive making everyone really think about their prejudices of Kanye and Black culture. ‘I Am A God’ is the most controversial track on the album and possibly ever produced by Kanye. It takes rather large balls to make a statement like that, but after this album and his previous albums it is very nearly permitted. Blood on the leaves uses a sample of Nina Simone’s ‘Strange Fruit’ which is the beginning of the end of the album slowing the tempo down. The album sadly has to come to an end at Bound 2. This is my personal favourite track on the album, it may present Kanye to be a womaniser and will offend some due to the explicit imagery. However, this song refers to his past and that possibly he has now changed since his resent engagement to Kim Kardashian and the birth of his hilariously named child. Kanye makes it perfectly clear that he has something that he needs to say, deep issues have been brewing for a while in his crazy mind and this album is a way of forcing us to listen (not that I’m complaining).
The Bad-
I really struggled to find any negatives to comment on from the album, so I will refer to other critics. They constantly note that Kanye is rapping about arrogant issues not relatable to the issues of the public and that’s what people can’t see; he uses crude humour to describe the sensitive issues; which is simply Kanye’s way, for example ‘Eatin’ asian pussy, all I need is sweet and sour sauce’ and ‘What you want, a bentley? Fur coat? A diamond chain.’ This is just a facade to the underlying issues that the whole album is based upon and the points he is trying to portray regarding racism. Are people giving him a fair chance? I certainly am.
The Verdict-
Regardless of the haters toward Kanye and his creative vision, I will always remain in awe of his brand of aggressive, reason bound style of rap music. To the disillusioned people who feel that Kanye has nothing credible to say, I think you should reconsider your thoughts. You along with everybody else also has the freedom of speech, the only difference is Kayne has the not only the balls, but the platform to say it. Each and everyone should listen to this album regardless of gender, age or background, as I strongly believe you will learn something, from racism, to having the freedom that you deserve. Along with this album, I also strongly suggest you watch the 4 part interview of Mr West by Zane Lowe (link below) as it acts as a running commentary to the album.
Kanye West- Yeezus (2013) 5 Stars
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