Let’s get this out of the way: this is going to be epic.
Kanye’s VH1 Storytellers episode will air TONIGHT, at 9:00 pm Eastern time. Click on for more information, including the setlist, rumors, and a sneak peak video of Ye’s fantastic “Stronger” performance. Continue reading →
Not quite sure what I think of this (intentionally) distorted, pixelated video. It goes with the depressed, low-fi song and all, but it isn’t too enjoyable to watch. Your thoughts? Thanks to Stereogum.
This is how I was introduced to Kanye West. At the time, the rising star wowed America with this chill-inducing rendition of “Jesus Walks.†Kanye showed off his extreme passion, massive ambition, and theatrical flair. He was a fresh face in his genre, and he was something special.
Fast-forward three and a half years. West is the number one name in music. He is hailed as one of the best, if not the best rapper in the world. But when he premieres his new song, “Love Lockdown,†at the MTV Music Video awards, something strange happens about two minutes in. That’s when people realize that the self-proclaimed “voice of the generation†isn’t rapping, but singing. The entire song.
All artists shift styles at some point in their life. It’s part of the creative process! But as gutsy as Kanye’s move was, it still had many people wondering: “Where are you, Yeezy?â€
As more of 808s and Heartbreak leaked, however, people began to see what the legendary rapper/producer was doing- making original, catchy, and ultimately great music. While it still pains me that Kanye isn’t quite as good of a singer as he sounds on the tracks (due to the wonders of Auto-Tune), I’ve gotten over it and have come to respect his incredible ear for beats, hooks, and production value. Continue reading →
 
A couple of days ago, I posted a short 1 minute clip of “Heartless,†the second taste of Kanye West’s 808s and Heartbreak album (which is due late next month). The full version made its way to the internet. Talk about intentional leak of the day.Â
“Heartless†is everything “Love Lockdown†isn’t. This song leaves Kanye’s autotune satisfied, controlling the hook-laden chorus — and the verses are strickly no-studio effect zones. As I mentioned before, â€Heartless†acts like beacon of hope for those who were left crestfallen when they heard “Love Lockdown†at the VMAs last September. This song implies that Kanye’s fourth album may not be as disappointing as I (and many others) anticipated it to be.Â
I should have known better than to doubt Kanye West. I mean, if there’s an artist who truly cares what his audience and fans say about its music, it’s Mr. Kanye West, or a least Mr. Kanye West’s ghostwriter. So here’s to “Heartless†and the hope of 808s and Heartbreak being more than just a smart, witty, and better sounding T-Pain record.
UPDATE: A third version of Heartless has now been featured on Pretty Much Amazing. Great job Kanye, you somehow suckered me into posting the same song (save for some minor differences) three times in a matter of a few days. That is what I call PR.
Download: Continue reading →
