I've been a big Kanye West fan ever since I heard his story on "Through the Wire". An aspiring musician, and the big brain behind so many great rappers, such as the king himself JAY-Z, and all of his production just about, his near death accident, and his debut album seemed captivating to me.
Throughout his career, West has gained much criticism, not for his music, but his cocky attitude. Indeed he has lived up to the criticism, but credit must be given where it is due, his skills are simply un-matched. A self proclaimed heir to the throne of Jigga, West has built up quite the prominence.
His talents are displayed in his lyrical content, his production abilities, and over all artistic vision behind his record, and he always seems to set the bar for innovation in the rap world.
His last record Graduation, saw West's collaborative attempts with a wide array of artists, again to make a great record.
Now, after his mother's tragic death, and a renaissance of sorts, Kanye has re-created himself, and again become the embodiment of innovation. On his latest record 808's & Heartbreak he takes a back seat on what has made him so huge, his rapping. Instead, he switches his style, to a more pop infused dance, and melodic approach, one that he does very well.
To describe the style, all one can say is that he has kept low key throughout. Every song features the same drum sound, a real live 808 drum sound that is carried throughout the album, mixed with synth based textures and keys, then layered here and there with string arrangements. Though West shows his rapping ability, 90% of the record is based off of his singing. This alone can be a noticed differnece, the addtion of Auto-Tune, and synth pop vocals. Something that has been a new trend, especially in underground music lately, however West does it the way it's supposed to be done.
Each melody is superb, both hooky and catchy, but most of all subtle. So many times that we've heard the use of dramatic auto tuning, it's all over the place, and is not masked or done with taste at all. The emotion behind each song makes up for the breakup album of the century.
Bottom line is that THIS is Kanye's defining record. Probably not one he will capitalize on over and over again, but it's the fact that he went out on such a limb to do what he is doing, and therefore, breaking boundaries, and setting fourth on his own journey.
FINAL GRADE: A+
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