If you've been present in pop culture since February 14 of this year, chances are, you've been at least somewhat exposed to Kanye West's newest album, "The Life of Pablo." This album has drastically shaken up the music scene and drawn an immense amount of attention to Ye, his past, and the meaning of what some reviews are calling "a work of art." Like many of Kanye's actions, this album has been a publicity magnet, specifically involving its rumors as to exactly who "Pablo" is, with options such as Paul from the Old Testament, Pablo Picasso, or even Pablo Escobar. Listening to this album might just be the challenge, though, as Kanye is (currently) refusing to sell it, and instead, has provided it on Jay Z's music streaming service Tidal (causing it to hit #1 in the app store).

So what's all the hype about? Is this album just another one of Kanye's self-glorified projects, or even a money-making tool of his? Or is Kanye really onto something with this one, choosing to let us into his complicated world while attempting to provide his audience with some life-changing insight? Let's dive headfirst into a select few songs of TLOP and see what valuable lessons we can actually take from this new, artistic album:

1. Ultralight Beam

Any great album has a great opener, and "Ultralight Beam" does not disappoint. Solidifying Kanye's claim that TLOP is a gospel album, this song features a sermon by Kirk Franklin, powerful vocals from Kelly Price, and even an adorable (and impactful) prayer by a 4-year-old girl. Besides the musical talent in this opener, we can all take away a tremendous amount of advice from lines such as, "Don't have much strength to fight/So I look to the light/To make these wrongs turn right," as Kanye attempts to reassure his audience of their true potential and encourage them to overcome their obstacles. The end of the song leaves no questions about to whom it is directed, as Kirk Franklin reiterates, "This prayer's for everybody that feels like they're too messed up." Also, we can get a pretty good laugh at Chance the Rapper's biblical reference, "I bet that my ex looking back like a pillar of salt."

2. Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1

Kanye's second track on the album reflects upon unfaithful mistakes he's made in his past. He expresses how he just wants to "feel liberated," and also how he's sorry. We can all relate to messing up, as none of are perfect, and Kanye highlights the importance of admitting this to the people you've wronged, and most importantly, to yourself. The title "Father Stretch My Hands" alludes to our need to surrender our pride and egos in order to know our place and be forgiven by others. When we can finally accomplish this task, we can experience (as Kid Cudi words it), "beautiful mornings" and "nothing unwanted."

3. Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 2

This track proves to be one of the most emotional songs on TLOP, as Kanye even tweeted right before the album's official release, "Father Stretch My Hands.... I cried writing this. I love my Dad." Kanye reminisces on his childhood and how he now has many of the "same problems my father had." Although his dad is an individual he loves, he realizes he cannot follow in his exact footsteps, as it would interfere with his own family and overall quality of life. Like Kanye, we must all learn as much as we can from our relatives and superiors, but know what to change for our own futures.

4. Famous

Kanye expresses the challenges that come with fame in TLOP's fourth track, like the insincerity of those around him, his smallest actions defining his name in pop culture, and even financial debt. Kanye is coming to the realization that he no longer needs fame to guide him to where he wants to be in his life, and he once again repeats how he just wants to feel liberated and free. Similarly, we each possess our own abilities to accomplish our goals; we don't need the encouragement or the help from people and material objects. Despite what we think, we have the power to let go of all that is holding us back and live the life we truly want to see.

5. Waves

Heavily featuring Chris Brown, "Waves" is sure to be one of the most popular songs of Kanye's new album. It's more than catchy hooks and melodic vocals, though; "Waves" is actually an empowering anthem about never allowing yourself to feel discouragement, as our potential is ever-present. Kanye provides inspiring lines, such as, "Sun don't shine in the shade/Bird can't fly in a cage," as he encourages us to not hold back on our goals and desires in life. Both the law of conservation of energy and Kanye tell us that "waves don't die" - meaning they may change and fluctuate, but they are always present in some way. To accomplish our dreams, we must keep in mind that our potential is always there, and just like waves, it never dies.

6. Real Friends

Although we all may live a drastically different lifestyle from Kanye West, "Real Friends" solidifies one problem we may have in common with him: the importance (and difficulty) of realizing who your true friends are. Kanye understands how it is sometimes tough to discern between who is really there for you, or who just needs something from you at the time, especially when he makes statements like, "I hate when a n**** text you like, 'What's up, fam, hope you good'/You say, 'I'm good, I'm great'/The next text they ask you for something." Although it may be challenging at times, it is necessary for us all to recognize who our real friends are, the ones who stick with us "Till the wheels fall off, till the wheels don't spin," as they are the ones who truly lift us up and encourage us to be the people we want to be.

7. Fade

The final track provides an upbeat ending to an undoubtedly impactful album, but also gives us a heavy thought to leave with: do not doubt yourself. When we begin to doubt our abilities, our potential, and our power, we begin to "fade away" and live a life we don't want to live. Kanye writes in his track, "I think I think too much/I feel it fading," in order to encourage us to stop questioning our own abilities. The best way to accomplish our goals is to have complete and utter faith in ourselves.

"The Life of Pablo" serves not only as a brilliant musical journey, but as a philosophy of life, as well. There's no doubt that listening to this album will provide you with life lessons, and you may just learn something new about yourself, too. In fact, Kanye says, "Why are people so scared of creative ideas and so scared of truth? All I want to do is do good," and after giving TLOP a thorough listen (or 2, or 12, or 25...) you will realize that is precisely what he has strived to do.