We're now just a week away from the return of one of hip-hop's most eccentric and celebrated artists of all time. The hype leading up to Kanye West's new album has remained surprisingly quiet compared to that of the past, but that's how he wanted it to be.
"Honestly, when I listen to radio, that ain't where I want to be no more," West said last night during his performance at Governors Ball in New York City. "At this point, I could give a [explicit] about selling a million records, as long as I put out an album that you can tock to all [explicit] summer."
West performed five new songs that set the tone for what we can expect from Yeezus, which is set to hit stores June 18. Among those five tracks were "Black Skinhead" and "New Slaves," both of which he's performed on "Saturday Night Live" last month. All of the new material fits a similar aesthetic, one that hints at a rather dark and grungy album from West. The songs are chock full with abrasive synths, heavy industrial drums, chopped rhythms and cynical themes. That being said, they certainly pack a punch and will make for an exciting new album unlike anything we've heard before. Check out video footage from his performance last night, which features three new songs.
Aside from his new material, West chose to perform a collection of his darker songs, such as "Heartless," "Jesus Walks" and "Power." His anger and obscure tones made for an almost scary set, but once again, that's what he wanted. He's shaking things up. He's changing the game once again. Instead of coddling what he's done well in the past, he's pushing forward, creating new sounds and redefining genres. That's what he does best. Whether Yeezus is positively received upon its release or not, people will learn to love it for what it is. That's what West has done so successfully in the past, so what's to stop him from doing it again?
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