Kanye West - 'Ye' Review

On the journey to this album, Kanye West caused a media storm. Last time he got significant media attention, he was having a meltdown where he ranted about Jay-Z and Beyonce not being at his wedding, not being accepted in the fashion world, and talking about his idols such as Disney.

But then he returned to talk to Charlamagne and various other outlets. And it was clear instantly that he had changed… for better, or perhaps… for worse.

As the production on Pusha T’s Daytona shows, Kanye’s still the same masterful curator of beats and talent. He’s still the same artist that loves to chop soulful samples. He’s as hungry as ever too; along with Daytona and Ye, he’s producing an album for Nas, Teyana Taylor, and a collaborative project with Kid Cudi.

What a “good month” for Hip-Hop right?

Except, there was a time when Kanye allowed the music to be his propaganda machine. “Good Fridays” captivated the culture and had fans highly anticipating everything that came from the Good Music camp. Now it seems like he’ll do whatever it takes to sell his products—whether that’s Yeezy’s or albums.

When you’re as big of an artist as Ye, with such a tight grip and stronghold on the game, anything goes. All publicity becomes good publicity. And best believe Ye’s tactics are working; he’s already projected to sell over 765,000 copies on this album's first week of release.

His propaganda worked. He seems to be getting the attention he wanted.

From start to finish, this album is a cohesive body of work. While it’s not the best or most adventurous album he’s put out, Kanye’s output continues to be consistent. And like the Life of Pablo, he brings worthy talent along for the ride.

Some of this album’s best moments come from features. Ye knows where to insert his guests so that he gets the most value from them. “Ghost Town” with Kid Cudi shows how enticing and bizarre these two can be together. It’s easily one of this album's best moments.

And it wouldn’t be a Kanye album if he didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. “Wouldn’t Leave” is revealing and introspective, as Ye reflects on his marriage with Kim Kardashian. His hook on this track isn’t too shabby either.

Kanye’s biggest detriment on this album, though, is his narcissism. And it’s this element that keeps me from enjoying this album more. Kanye’s albums used to play like a soundtrack to help you believe in yourself. His bravado and narratives made you think bigger.

But with Ye, Kanye is self-serving and even comes across as shallow. He’s willing to say anything or do anything if he thinks it’ll make for good content later on. His slavery comments receive no real clarification. Instead, he concludes that people just love to call him crazy.

He taunts the listener about this: “I said slavery a choice they said how Ye,/ just imagine what I’d say on a wild day.” He’s hysterical on “Yikes” as he brags about “trolling” us. This album isn’t Kanye pushing the envelope; it’s just him stimulating his own ego.

He’s no doubt a creative genius as he often claims. But it’s hard not to wonder how far gone he is. What J.Cole said on “False Prophets” is haunting: “... his fall from grace is hard to take.”

Essential Tracks

• "Yikes"
• "Ghost Town"
• "All Mine"
• "No Mistakes"

The Verdict

Even with its setbacks, Ye isn’t a terrible album. It’s listenable but not inspiring- cohesive, but incredibly self-indulgent. Let’s see what he cooks up next with Kid Cudi.

Ye is a B-.

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