Ten time Grammy winner Kanye West drops his schoolboy act (see: College Dropout, Late Registration and The Graduation) in an attempt to remain relevant for his fourth full length album. 808's inspired the minimalist production approach of ''less is more'' while the Heartbreak comes from the tragic loss the superstar felt after the passing of his mother Donda, from complications due to cosmetic surgery last year. Putting rap mostly aside, Kanye sings and auto tunes his way through tales of life, loss, and love, a move sure to take his fans by surprise. I hear the 808's and to be honest the album would work quite well as an instrumental version. But I can appreciate West coming off a little different, rather than using this whole thing as a publicity stunt to change his identity and call himself Chris Gaines (look it up) or something and take on a new persona so that he can't make up excuses if the album doesn't hit. It's a risky move but he has all the luxury in the world to take it, but I don't think he'll retire if he's outsold by Guns 'N Roses. Featuring Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, up and comer Kid Cudi, with No ID co-producing and a bonus live freestyle track from a performance in Singapore. | |