In summer of 2013, Kanye revealed some information about his new album: It would have no cover. Many were surprised by this revelation. Later, Kanye's website had a confusing update: It now displayed a map with several locations marked in red. It turned out that these locations would feature projections of a live performance of a new song, "New Slaves". It was unlike anything he'd done before: More agressive, more blaring, more angry. Eventually, after further promotion on Kanye's website, the album dropped. And it was glorious.
On Yeezus, Kanye spews forth paranoia, social commentary, introspection, and self-aggrandizing lines in rapid succession. Kanye's voice is almost constantly present, and at no point does he sound happy. He's angry, he's hurt, he's offended, and now he's letting it all out. In this way, Yeezus resembles Kanye having a sort of a mental breakdown. West's usual audacious lyrics are ramped up to the greatest extent, including some extremely bloated boasting, some inappropriate references to civil rights movements, and a lot of strange lines. And it's all so brilliant. Yeezus is arguably Kanye's most quotable album to date, because the lyrics are just that off-the-wall. However, they're not random: Kanye's statements have direction. Statements on many different topics are made here, and they are all compelling. Kanye's wording is occasionally questionable, but never is it less than entertaining.
After such a career, Kanye has earned the free reign and immense budget he has when making his music. Here, it's utilized to create something entirely different. Yeezus sounds like industrial music. So, not only do West's lyrics sound like he's going insane, his music backs them up. The blaring sounds scattered throughout aren't random. There's an order in the madness, and even a beauty to it. For the first time in years, Kanye is creating an artwork. He puts all of the elements in place for a reason. It's a rough, intense ride, but it's entirely gripping. Dare I say, it's the most challenging thing Kanye has ever created. But it's so very rewarding, because of the beauty found in the chaos.
It's fascinating how Kanye went from the everyman that he was in his first three album to rap's own mad genius. He is most assuredly mad, but he is also most assuredly brilliant in creating his music. Yeezus, at last, is his most recent masterpiece. It's a precise work made by a man with an artistic vision, and it is brilliant. Kanye's career has consisted of various changes, be they in persona, in musical style, or in any other regard. But the thing that has been consistent is that he makes some damn good music. I wait with open ears for what he releases next.
No comments:
Post a Comment