In true Yeezy fashion and much like British transport, Kanye’s ninth studio album “Jesus is King” is finally here at long last after what feels like an age. This wait included a scrapped project “Yandhi” (which he probably leaked himself), a ton of gas from Kim K and two interviews with Zane Lowe and Big Boy which I may comeback to once I’m done with this. Now as I alluded to in my IG post prior I can fully understand why many people take the stance of being “anti-Kanye”. In 2018 he made the most wildest comments on slavery, his support for Trump and Drake amongst other things I probably missed.
Outside of the controversial topics he also orchestrated five 7-tracks projects including; Daytona, Ye, and Kids See Ghosts (read my review of that here) Kids See Ghosts was actually my favorite project of 2018 right alongside Astroworld. The reason being this brought me back to the old Kanye to a degree and sparked the mix below which I collaborated with Dj Delano on. As a believer in God, I’m intrigued by what this project will offer.
1. Every Hour ft Sunday Service
I have not in any way been tracking Kanye’s Sunday Services as I thought it would be gimmicky but he’s really taking us to Church on this soulful intro. No sign of Kanye or bars but refreshing to the ears all the same.
2. Selah
Here he is, with a short segment addressing why Yandhi was scrapped Kanye gives us something real, championing energy. I know its extremely early on but this is actually feeling like a Gospel album coming from a genuine place.
3. Follow God
The sample used on this is ultra-clean which nothing less than what I expect from a GOAT like Kanye. My only critique is with the bass (maybe due to headphones) as it completely muffles out the majority of his verse and all here is like like like.
4. Closed On Sunday
I don’t why listening to this just makes me cringe “You my Chick-fil-A ?”
5. On God*
This is a first track where I don’t feel like he’s watering down his lyricism, I can really feel the come up angle of this one. A true appreciation of the blessings that he’s received throughout his life. This is giving me the Gospel “Yeezus” feel with the electonic sounds.
In ’03, they told me not to drive
I bleached my hair for every time I could’ve died
But I survived, that’s on God
6. Everything We Need ft Ty Dolla Sign & Ant Clemons *
Wow, that last track gave me a mad buzz, I’m so ready for turn up Gospel vibes now. The mad bop of this track would’ve sat perfectly with Chance’s cadence or maybe even one of the Migos (it’s very short). Light-hearted uplifting vibrations I’m fully rating this as my standout track so far.
7. Water ft Ant Clemons
A very smooth transition from “Everything We Need” I could literally listen to this on loop and read a book. The crashing of water and swaying of sounds alongside Ant Clemons vocals make this A1 chill.
8. God Is
This is actually such a switch up from Yeezus Kanye it’s actually taking me by surprise to hear him talk like this. All I keep thinking is if this isn’t genuine I can’t get down with Kanye anymore, but from how he’s pouring out his vocals it feels like it is. He could’ve used some autotune though or at least got a vocalist to do it as it will grain on me to hear him singing this.
9. Hands On ft Fred Hammond
I prefer Kanye when he’s in this rapping lane like this opposed to trying to sing badly without autotune on “God Is”. Another well-rounded song with Kanye acknowledging how he was living before was for the Devil and not God, deep stuff.
10. Use the Gospel ft Clipse & Kenny G*
I never thought I’d ever see the day again where Clipse would be named on a track. This is why Kanye has to be acknowledged for the great things he’s done in music and being a non-conformist. Easily the hardest out and out rap track on the album by a long-distance; a masterpeice right down to the sax.
They give you Wraith talk, I give you faith talk
Blindfolded on this road, watch me faith walk
Just hold on to your brother when his faith lost
11. Jesus is Lord
Nothing much to say on 40 seconds.
This was a very brave move by Kanye to deliver this project instead of
Yandhi. In my opinion even though at some points the album gets cringey to listen to; overall the production, vocals, and raps are good. Kanye seems to be talking from an honest place and I can feel it (this ain’t one for you paigons). Reaching the end of the project really gave me the feeling of an unfinished mood board so it makes sense that there is a Christmas album to wrap it up properly.
Top 3 Tracks: On God, Use The Gospel, and Everything We Need
Rating: 7/10
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