Searcy (LP)
Kanye West has long been known as a pioneer of the industry, and one that isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo, and The Life of Pablo is just another example of that attitude.

The album starts off on a high note with “Highlight Beams”, which builds slowly before ultimately erupting in a gospel-esque choir. It’s apparent throughout the entire album that West is confident to let the beat sizzle before the vocals go in, which gives the album a feeling of cohesion and daring.

Though Kanye West is no stranger to spotlight (he acknowledges this himself by saying “I’ve been trending years, ya’ll [other rappers] a couple days,” this time Kanye is in the spotlight for something less than favorable. This time, Kanye’s in the spotlight for being $55 million dollars in debt, according to the Kanye himself on Twitter

The financial strain doesn’t seem to show in the album, though, with features from Kendrick Lamar, Young Malone, Rihanna, and more littered throughout the album.

Midway through the album, Kanye stops to rant about his failed business deal with Nike on the braggadocio track ‘Facts’. Saying that the Yeezy, Kanye West’s brand of shoe, “just jumped over Jumpman” (referring to Michael Jordan’s brand of shoes.) Though that statement is almost definitely false, it doesn’t seem to bother West, as he keeps bragging about how he makes “a million a minute” (didn’t you say you were in debt earlier, Kanye?) and the quality of couches he can buy.

The album finishes with Fade, which is about as heartfelt as Kanye can get in a song. Claiming he’s “so far gone”, Kanye uses a sample of 1970s soul group Rare Earth to proclaim that he “can feel it [the love] fade.” What did Kanye mean by this? Is he talking about his relationship troubles with reality TV icon Kim Kardashian, or is he talking about his waning popularity? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.