If you haven't heard, Kanye West has dropped a new album. If you haven't already, go sign up for Tidal and listen to it. Titled "The Life of Pablo," or "TLOP" for short, West reminds his fans of his unique musical genius. That's right, Kanye West is a genius. Many people may try to convince you otherwise, but Kanye West's genius is certifiable, and of the sort that has never been seen before. There are great rappers. There are amazing producers. There are great rappers who are also amazing producers. Kanye is on a level above any of these individuals. Kanye West is the greatest musician and rapper in the world because of his unparalleled collaborative prowess, and "The Life of Pablo" is a shining example. There is an expansive team of producers, writers and featured artists who brought their absolute best to this project. They brought their best because that is what Ye is able to bring out of people, and then meld it together to create amazing music. Even more impressive is Kanye's ability to collaborate with past versions of himself. We see the gospel backed "Late Registration" and "College Dropout" era Ye on "Ultralight Beam" and "Famous". The piano laden "808's and Heartbreak" and "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" Kanye on "Real Friends" and "No More Parties in LA." The wild and experimental "Yeezus" is felt on "Feedback" and "Facts." All of these songs have these throwback elements, but with twists that make them new and utterly satisfying to listen to.
I love this album so much I have to break it down track by track, but the importance of it as a whole is not to be missed. The transitions from song to song seem to be nonsensical, but work so well. The lyrics transition from lewd to beautiful, from angry to kind, from braggadocious to gentle, quickly and often. Lyrics, which are many times secondary to the production, are in many cases deeply personal and describe the struggles and blessings in Kanye's life. Yeezy and his talented co-producers are able to create beats that are unlike anything heard in hip-hop right now, while referencing classic Yeezy production. The album is heavily conflicted, much as Mr. West is. This conflict, which is common to all of Kanye's discography, shows the intricacies of a difficult to understand man. Fortunately, I feel that I have an above-average understanding of Kanye and his new album, so here is a song by song review to help you out.
"Ultralight Beams"
Possibly the best song on the album, "Ultralight Beams" is a throwback to the soul-sampling Kanye that originally made him a star. The powerful choir and heavy drums give this track immense weight and an indescribable uplifting quality. The real star of this selection is the prodigious Chance the Rapper, who delivers possibly the best featured verse on the album. The song feels like a huge emergence for the supremely talented Chicago rapper, whose idol is Kanye. This is a common element through TLOP, as the stars of rap's tomorrow have monumental moments on the album.
"Father Stretch My Hands Pt.1"
If Young Metro don't trust you...BEAUTIFUL MORNING. The song that is blowing up Twitter features co-production from one of the hottest producers in the game, the one-and-only Metro Boomin. Also featured is one of Ye's favorite collaborators, the enigmatic Kid Cudi. Cudi delivers a classic and beautiful hook, which hopefully signals a return to the original "Man on the Moon" Kid.
"Pt. 2"
The second half of "Father Stretch My Hands" gives us a taste of Kanye's interpretation of the Southern trap sound that has become so popular. Ye raps about his relationship with his father and his past financial troubles before the explosive verses of new G.O.O.D Music member Desiigner. This is the Brooklyn rapper's big break, as Ye adds a few personal touches to Desiigners' soon-to-be smash hit "Panda." Perhaps Kanye will be able to elevate Desiigner to more than, as the internet lovingly refers to him as, Diet Future.
"Famous"
West v. Swift is perhaps the biggest pop culture story right now, and one started by this supremely danceable song. Personally, I believe this "feud" is all publicity based, and likely illuminati influenced. The two likely have no real issue with one another, just a brilliant ploy add relevance. Besides the now infamous Taylor line, "Famous" is notable for it's inspired "Bam Bam" sample. The production again reminds the listener of old-school Ye, and the legendary Swizz Beatz adds some classic ad-libs.
"Feedback"
One of the more revealing tracks on TLOP, as Kanye addresses the frequent claims that he is somewhat crazy. Specifically the truthful "name one genius who ain't crazy." Kanye is extremely self-aware, but truly does not care what the opinions of him are, both positive and negative. Ye also references his somewhat random outbursts saying "I've been saying how I feel at the wrong time." While the outbursts may come at inopportune times, they are clearly what West is feeling at the time he says them. Few artists speak their unadulterated and unedited truth, but Kanye has no problem doing so.
"Lowlights"
Not so much a song, but a spoken word track about how I personally feel about Kanye.
"Highlights"
Highlights of "Highlights"; Ray J reference, Diddy dumb-bell reference and Young Thug. That's right, Young Thug is on a Kanye song. What did we do to deserve such a blessing? This is truly the new guard of rap meeting with the previous. Not that Kanye is irrelevant, as he is able to keep up and create trends in hip-hop better than anyone. Also, if we can believe Kanye's sporadic tweeting, he has an additional 40 songs with Thugga. Can't wait.
"Freestyle 4"
A reference to "Yeezus" style Kanye, the menacing beat and guttural growls show the anger of Yeezy. Sandwiched between the upbeat "Highlights" and "I Love Kanye" this track serves as a reminder of Kanye's ever-present dark side.
"I Love Kanye"
Same, but also a great freestyle for Ye. Making a song singularly about himself is a very Kanye thing to do, and I love him for it. This track is another example of Ye's extreme self-awareness, but in the end is able to laugh it off.
"Waves"
Thank you, Chance, the man who fought to keep this electrifying piece on the album. While it may have resulted in a bit of a delay, "Waves" is certainly worth it. I only wish Chance would have had a verse, as his high energy delivery would have been perfect on the lively track. Also, as is the case in many of these songs, a longer Kanye verse would have been appreciated.
"FML"
Kanye pours out his emotions over even more Metro production. Kanye, in only the way he can, is able to make a song about potentially cheating on his wife sound extraordinarily beautiful. Backed by powerful vocals courtesy of The Weeknd, "FML" is a strong example of Ye's depth and range.
"Real Friends"
Kanye appreciates his real friends while calling out those who attempt to take advantage of him. I imagine there is many more of the latter than the former, in his life. "Real Friends" boasts even more fantastic production, and singer Ty Dolla $ign adds his signature vocals.
"Wolves"
One of the most anticipated Kanye songs of all-time finds its way on to TLOP. Marked by the surprise return of Frank Ocean, "Wolves" is one of the best on the album. Yeezy speaks on his children, which always tugs at my personal heartstrings. Kanye is able to find a way to make some instrument sound exactly like a wolf howling. How he does this, I am not sure, but it is a phenomenal track.
"Silver Surfer Intermission"
Take your L Wiz.
"30 Hours"
A classic old-school track as Kanye speaks on the 30 hour drive he would frequently make from Chicago to LA to meet up with one of his exes. I can't decide if a 30 hour road trip with Ye would be amazing or awful. Probably a lot of both. Featuring (briefly) Andre 3000 and writing credit from the 6 God himself, Aubrey Graham, "30 Hours" is a standout. If only Andre would have dropped a verse. Also, the Matt Barnes reference is a classic.
"No More Parties in LA"
Kendrick Lamar and Kanye West. Two rap legends dropping bars for six minutes straight. Kanye's verse is one his best of all time as he speaks on a variety of topics. The criteria for his all-time best: shoutouts, disses, personal references and detail, humor, sadness, brags, and the protection of his loved ones, all met on this legendary track.
"Facts (Charlie Heat Version)"
Kanye is done with Nike, and is not afraid to tell the world. With a major beat change from the original "Facts," Kanye finds a perfect platform to tell everyone what is going right in his life. Plus, drop a plethora of pop culture references, my favorite being Steve Harvey.
"Fade"
I don't like Post Malone. I don't listen to Ty Dolla $ign. On "Fade", however, these two are transformed by Ye into musical gods. "Fade" is sure to become a hit with catchy lyrics, and an even catchier beat.
