TRACK BY TRACK REVIEW: Kanye West @kanyewest

You see there are leaders and followers. Kanye West is a dick not a swallower and his new album Yeezus proves he is still an individual in an industry of followers. Recorded in Paris, New York and Malibu Ca. Kanye West sixth studio album Yeezus isn't his best work, but is most definitely kicking the ass of whatever competition there is left. Not wasting any time I felt obligated to write a review for Yeezus by release date, considering I have listened to the album well over 20 times since its unofficial leak Saturday morning. Sources say Kanye's camp or a member of DONDA purposely leaked this project to cause mass hysteria. DONDA is a creative team that created the album artwork for Yeezus, which portrays a blank cdr inside of a plastic case, with a blank piece of red tape that holds it together. Very simple yet so attractive. Kanye announced that he would be doing no promotion for the album nor presale. A string of impromptu performances including musical guest on Saturday night live and innovative ways to share his music all concluded to today, the release day. What I mean by innovative ways is kanye projecting his music videos throughout the world at premeditated locations. The first to do something like that in music ( correct me if I'm wrong). So Yeezus is a first of its kind in the fact that it was almost entirely produced by Daft Punk. Yes, the duo who brought you Stronger rekindled their flame with Kanye and produced half of Yeezus. The other half is equally as interesting with production from a lot of amazing producers and newcomers like Hudson Mohawke and TNGHT. More of them later. Yeezus opens up with On Sight a Daft Punk produced jam that resembles the classic Stronger at times. Trippy synth manipulation turns into a legit head bumper. GOOD Music member Travi$ Scott and friend/coworker Mike Dean co produce the introduction with interpolations from Holy Name of Mary Choral Family "He'll Give Us What We Really Need". Very different in such a good way. "No sports bra, lets keep it bouncin'".

Black Skinhead arranged by the same production team, Daft Punk, Travi$ Scott and cool guy, Mike Dean was great but not of my taste. A little too political, not enough party. Nevertheless different in a good way.

Track 3 or I Am A God featuring Justin Vernon (Bon Iver frontman) is progressive and political at the same damn time. Production by Daft Punk and new to most Hudson Mohawke give new meaning to hip hop. Screams throughout the song mimic Jesus, as Kanye speaks on talking to God in song. You wouldn't know it, but an all star lineup of producers makes this next song possible. New Slaves was the first piece of the album that was given to the public via projections on walls throughout the world. Daft Punk step out of their comfort zone with this and collaborated with Travi$ Scott, Mike Dean and Kanye himself. This is the first time it seems Kanye has stepped back somewhat from production and found amazing artists to help mold Yeezus. I think Hudson Mohawke is the reason why this song sounds so ridiculously fresh. My opinion of course but if you listen to his team TNGHT self titled EP, which is trap infused you will get an idea of where I'm coming from.

Hold My Liquor is a great record with massive appeal over time. A lot of people say why Chief Keef for the feature? Simply because he fits perfectly for the part on this particular Young Chop classic. Actually Mike Dean, Arca and even Rick Rubin assist with production on Hold My liquor. Justin Vernon adds classic Bon Iver vocals to perfect this song, no retraction. I'm In It is produced by RZA and raunchy as hell. Also Justin Vernon has vocals that make me reminisce of that late 80s/ early 90s vibe. Co production again from Mike Dean and Travi$ Scott. Travi$ Scott will be remembered as a producer not a rapper, then again that's what they said about Kanye. Blood On The Leaves opens with a Nina Simone and progresses alongside Kanye's sung words into a trapped out triumph of trumpets. Similar to New Slaves this record is produced by TNGHT or Hudson Mohawke. If you recognize the epicness of the beat it was featured on a popular Adidas commercial recently. Power producer Symbolyc One produced one of my favorite records on Yeezus called Guilt Trip featuring Kid Cudi. This song is particularly ironic since Kid Cudi left Good Music earlier this year. Also the fact that Cudi repeatedly only sings " If you loved me so much then why'd you let me go". Ironic right? New to my ear are co production by Arca and AckeeJuice. Rockers. Mike Dean and Travi$ Scott were clearly in the room at every studio session, but it was a good choice whatever their specific contribution was. Traces of a Blocka Remix sample are found if you listen. Send It Up features Chicago local King L and Iamsu!(California artist) with new sounds from Gessafelstein, a French DJ that adds new perspective to the album. Interesting sounds fill this record in particular. Maybe it's due partially to co producers Daft Punk, Arca and Hudson Mohawke. A dope visual for this would be nice. I have read that Bound 2 is the greatest record of all time from the album. Though Charlie Wilson's haunting singing sooths the mind, I wish there were more elements to it.this record honestly scares the shit out of me thanks to samples from the Ponderosa Twins Plus One. Yeezus is ahead of it's time and will flourish. Like wine, it will get much better with time. 10 songs is the exact perfect length for any person to stand. Like I said I easily listened to the album 20 times over this past weekend with friends. Good times and good tunes. Or could this be some sick game like Justin Timberlake announcing a part 2 to The 20/20 Experience? whatever the outcome I'm there for the ride. Oh yeah and Late Registration will forever be my all time favorite Kanye West album.

Buy the album out now.

*Check out the short film (American Psycho Inspired) promo for YEEZUS*