The polarizing new album from Kanye West was truly something unexpected from the mad genius, an album which doesn't have anything for the radio, nor anything for the clubs, nor anything for a casual listen on a Sunday afternoon, but rather a dark journey into the artist's manic vision. The album has an extremely dark tone, with a combination of seemingly bizarre influences ranging from industrial rock to acid house and techno to dancehall and other eclectic sounds.
The controversially-titled Yeezus is Kanye's most experimental and unorthodox release yet, and features the rapper at his most aggressive and dangerous. Filled with as many racially charged political statements as filthy lines about bad bitches, lyrically he takes the ironic position of "anti-celebrity" and music's king of controversy. However, whereas many contemporary artists try to create shock value for it's own sake, Kanye actually has the skills and motives to back it up. He claimed to not really care about selling records anymore, just releasing music that we can enjoy, and while I can safely say that most people will probably not enjoy this music, I know that I do (but then again, I am a giant fan of Kanye).
In all honesty, you have to listen to this album 3 or 4 times before it stops becoming such a jarring assault on the ears, but once you do you can really appreciate it for what it is. And what it is is Kanye's Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy turned even more dark and twisted, where he travels uncharted sonic territory in search of his own sanity, trying to escape the tabloids and the fame but never truly being able to anyway. It is an album which only Kanye West could have ever made, and it's tenacious 'anti-pop' attitude makes for some really hard-hitting music that throws traditional structure and musicality out the window in what could start a new movement in hip hop. Say what you want about Mr West and his massive ego, but he is still on the forefront of his genre and a musical force to be reckoned with in any capacity.
BONUS TRACK:
Check out this super fresh hard-hitting remix from French producer DJ Snake of New Slaves that takes Kanye's epic banging beat and turns it into a fricking bananas trap/bass dancefloor smasher, free download too! Thanks DJ Snake! Cobra venom on this one dude, will definitely destroy those Hampton houses and spouses and blouses.
Kanye West - New Slaves (Dj Snake Remix)
Shayne
