Yurrr..

Whaddup and greetings of those who actually intended to read this review with open minds.

First off, I wanna apologize to Kanye, his featured guests and other Hip-Hop artists for downloading and listening to the album but c'mon yo..I COULDN'T fucking wait 'til Tuesday, with that said I'll be purchasing two copies, heres why:

As most [of you] know, Kanye is to me what Hov is to him, so what better way to show my appreciation to my inspiration than to break his latest project down with unbiased and honest to a tee critique?

I'm gonna do it like this, by starting with the positive and negatives, prose and cons of Kanye as an MC then work my way through each and every track, finishing with the quotable lines and overall rating. Sound good? if not then Fox Brown yaself.


the GOOD (no pun intended).

Well we all know how outrageous and egotistical Kanye or sometimes known as "The Louis Vuitton Don" can be, nevertheless it seems as though he has toned down his outlandish and even often questionable behavior. It's never been a doubt Kanye has given a flyin' 747 fuck what his peers or the media think of him. That taken into account, he has become less scrutable, I wouldn't quite call it humble - more not caring so to speak.

In this 51 minute 23 second venture through his 3rd album, you'll see that Ye has sharpened his wit with [his] lyricism to the point he doesn't need to show it off every track and when he does you get that "dayuumn" or "ohhh" expression (no homo) you would from a live on the block cypher.

No Skits! as funny as they were, Kanye shows his more mature and focused side by going straight at his listeners track after track. 13 as opposed to the average of 20 some odd in his first two [albums].

the "Bad"

THE BEATS, the goddamn beats. Sike nah, this is probably my only discrepancy with the whole CD. It's not so much as they're bad, they're just more -- I wanna say evolved and crossed-over..? Yeah.

Not quite or too poppy but just hip-hop enough to keep you listening at the least. I think the major thing is for the Ye heads and hip-hop fans alike who are use to more Soulful, Backpack, Rap-Attack, Experimental, Commercial Club bangin' style Kanye has presented in [his] previous productions. Such as; "Jesus Walks", "Never Let Me Down", "Two Words", "Crack Music", "Drive Slow", "Diamonds" & "We Major"...just to name a few ha-ha.

next post(s)




Walking Across The Stage

As promised, track after track break down critique.

let's get right into it, shall we?

alright, first up we have:

1. "Good Morning" [Produced By Kanye West] (Contains samples from "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" by Elton John) Length - 3:17

Quote:

Sets the tone from the getty. Solid production, the lyrics and delivery of this track? simple somewhat but leaves you wondering what to expect the rest of the album to bring to the table. Rating: 3.2/5

2. "Champion" [Produced By Kanye West & Brian "Allday" Miller] (Contains elements from "Kid Charlemagne" as performed by Steely Dan) Length - 2:51

Quote:

Production on this was iffy but depends on what you like. but Ye pulls it of course as he does almost every and anything he attempts. Short and sweet. Rating: 3/5

3. "Stronger" [Produced By Kanye West (additional drum programming by Timbaland; extended Outro co-produced by Mike Dean)] (Contains a sample from "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" as performed by Daft Punk) Length - 5:14

Quote:

Now, I'm gonna admit when I FIRST heard this as Kanye's single, I was like "what the f**k is this nigga doin man? dressin' like a Elton John's R2D2 and sh*t" BUT it grew on me, the experimental side of Kanye came out (no homo) and has been widely successful to a greater audience. From a rappers perspective this isn't gonna appear on Kanye's highlight reel but IT IS a single without a doubt, so take it for what it is and it/was just that. Rating: 3.5/5

4. "I Wonder" [Produced By Kanye West] (Contains a sample from "My Song" as performed by Labi Siffre) Length - 4:03

Quote:

Came across as more of a interlude than an actual song. The beat is nice, not his best but the nostalgic vibe of Labi certainly complimented the track. Rating: 3.3/5

5. "Good" Life" feat. T-Pain [Produced By Kanye West] (Contains samples from "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" as performed by Michael Jackson) Length - 3:28

Quote:

Beat was okay, The homage paid to 50 through the "switch the style up" reference is funny. Considering that's exactly what he [Kanye] did, production wise anyway...He maintained the track and made it worth listening through to with the humor and wit. T-Pain didn't really do much, for me anyway. He could've been left off or kept on and it'd been the same..again for me anyway. Rating: 2.9 - 3/5

6. "Can't Tell Me Nothing" [Produced By Kanye West and DJ Toomp] Length - 4:32

Quote:

One of the most anticipated to be critiqued. Whatcha'll want me to say? this easily the top 3 tracks of the album and I dare say top 5 of Yeezy's career..the productions, the lyrics, delivery, style..the whole William Hung Shebang-a-bangs. You can bump this anytime, anywhere. It's just THAT banger. Soon as the beat drops it's THAT shit. Bravo Mr. West, Bravo. Rating: 5/5

7. "Barry Bonds" Feat. Lil Wayne [Produced By Nottz, Co-Produced By Kanye West] (Contains a sample from "Long Red" as performed by Mountain) Length - 3:24

Quote:

Biggie said it best "..And another one", beat is banging..this what I was referring to earlier that REAL Ye and Hip-Hop heads alike would respond to. Production was tough, big ups to Nottz. Kanye and Weezy killed it. This track gives Kanye more reason to have a head as big if not bigger than the title of the track. A video of this would be worth watching. Rating: 5/5

8. "Drunk And Hot Girls" feat. Mos Def [Produced By Kanye West, additional production by Jon Brion] (Contains elements from "Sing Swan Song" as performed by Can) Length - 5:13

Quote:

I had and have mixed feelings toward this track, it's definitely on the experimental side of Kanye production wise but I can tell it was influenced by Mos Def, whom to which I was pleasantly surprised to see make a featured appearance here. It's not much of a song as far as content goes, just something to listen and bob ya head to on a ride while you wait for the transition to the next track. Mos could've been utilized so much better. Rating: 2.8/5

9. "Flashing Lights" feat. Dwele [Producers Kanye West and Dwele] Length - 3:58

Quote:

This is personally one of my favorites, reminded me of "Hollywood" from Kingdom Come (Jay-Z's album) in the beginning and also gave me the vibe of "Addiction" off Late Registration. I could definitely see this having some sort of success in the club. The last four bars (which will be quoted) definitely got to me on a personal level, yadeeg? Rating: 3.3/5

10. "Everything I Am" [Produced By Kanye West, Scratches by DJ Premier] (# Contains elements from "If We Can't Be Lovers" by Prince Phillip Mitchell
Contains elements from "Bring The Noise" by Public Enemy) Length - 3:47

Quote:

Nice, toned down, real talk track. Ye's best and one of my favorite styles of his as far as spittin' goes. Classic Kanye. Intricate verses. Rating: 4/5

11. "The Glory" [Produced By Kanye West, co-produced by Gee Robertson and Patrick "Plain Pat" Reynolds] (Contains elements from "Save the Country" by Laura Nyro) Length - 3:34

Quote:

Beat wasn't bad at all. Not for me personally but as he did in Good Life, the lyrical aspect of the track made it way worth listening to. Rating: 3.8/5

12. "Homecoming" feat. Chris Martin (Of Coldplay) [Produced By Kanye West and Warryn Campbell] Length - 3:24

Quote:

Chris Martin was by far right next to Weezy the best appearance. He brought a very interesting cross-over appeal. I mean we all heard "you know how I know you're gay..." joke but if appreciating and vibing to the guy of that punchline makes me gay..then...well..uhm...nevermind nigga. track is hot. Real good way to start closing out the album, paying respects to the city that made him what he is. Rating: 3.6/5

13. "Big Brother" [Produced By DJ Toomp] Length - 4:47

Quote:

Well what can you say to this? a close out by paying homage and a personal tell all to the Greatest of all time..HOV! You gotta hand it to Kanye, took alot to swallow his pride and admit he has a idol and his personal feelings toward Jay, let alone to make a whole song. Reminded me of "Ms. Hill" by Talib. Toomp did a good job flippin' that Diamonds joint...like Ye said "Toomp killed this shit". Rating: 4.4/5

the Report Card



Ladies & Gentlemen, niggaz of all races..let's get ready to QUOOTTTEEEE 'EM.

what...too much?

okay, anyway..moving on.

Quote:

I'm like a fly Malcolm X, Buy any jeans necessary

Quote:

Look at the valedictorian scared of the future While I hop in the Delorean

Quote:

But everytime I want it, layaway or a deposit My dad'll say "when you see clothes close ya eyelids"

Quote:

They got the CD then got to see me drop gems (gyms) Like I dropped out of P.E.

Quote:

Y'all pop the trunk, I pop the hood, Ferrari And she got the goods And she got that ass, I got to look, sorry Yo it's got to be cause I'm seasoned Haters give me them salty looks, Lowry's

Quote:

The good life, so keep it coming' with the bottles Till she feel boozed like she bombed out Apollo

Quote:

Have you ever popped champagne on a plane While getting' some brain Whipped it out, she said "I never seen snakes on a plane"

Quote:

ALL OF CAN'T TELL ME NOTHING

Quote:

They said he's going crazy and we seen this before But I'm doing pretty good as far as geniuses go And I'm doing pretty hood in my pink polo Nigga Please, how you gonna say I aint no low-head? Cos my Dior got me more my dough-head? I'm insulted, You should go head And bow so hard till your knees hit your Fo'head

Quote:

Till I get flashed by the paparazzi Damn, these niggaz got me, I hate these niggaz more than the Nazis

Quote:

If somebody would’ve told me a year ago it'd go, get this difficult Feeling like Katrina with no fema Like Martin with no Gina Like a flight with no visa First class with the seat back I still see ya In my past, you on the other side of the glass Of my memory’s museum, I’m just saying, Hey Mona Lisa, come home you know you can’t Rome without Caesar

Quote:

Y'see how I creeped up? Ya'see how I played a big role in Chicago like Queen Latifah? I never rock a mink coat ina winter time like Killa Cam Or rock some mink boots in the summertime like will.i.am Let me know if you feel it man Cause everything I'm not, made me everything I am

Quote:

Haters, start your engines I hear 'em gearin' up People talk so much shit about me at barbershops They forget to get the-ir haircut

Quote:

I know that people wouldn't usually rap this But I got the facts to back this Just last year, Chicago had over 600 caskets Man, killin's some wack shit Oh, I forgot, 'cept for when niggaz is rappin' Do you know what it feel like when people is passin'? He got changed over his chains, a block off Ashlin I need to talk to somebody, pastor The church want time, so I can't afford to pay The slip on the door, cause I can't afford to stay My 15 seconds up, but I got more to say That's enough Mr. West, please no more today

Quote:

class back in session so i upt it a grade two years the wayne wayne became the wayne wade and Aye..please dont start me im like knarls barkley meets charles barkley im pop the barkers ,im hood like parkers while yall was in limbo i raised the bar up i touched on everything married to the game rock a chain stead of a wedding ring yall braides names catch the garter on nights when ye romance cameras flash so much that i gota do that yayo dance

Quote:

so yeah at the grammies i went ultra travolta yeah that tuxedo mighta been a little gweedo but with my ego ,i can stand there with a speedo and still be looked at like a fukin hero

Quote:

house on the hill two doors from tracey ross and im asking about her girlfriends yeah the dark skinny ones she askin bout the speed boats yeah i admit we rented em when you meet me in person what does it feel like i know, i know i look better in real life o hear people compare themselves to BIG alot you know BIG and pac, you know to get it hot i guess after i live i wanna be compared to BIG anyone big pun big l or noturious

Quote:

I met this girl when I was three years old And what I loved most she had so much soul She said, excuse me little homie, I know you don’t know me- but, My name is Wendy and, I like to blow trees and, From that point I never blow her off, They can come from outta town I like to show her off, They like to act tough, she like to tow em off, And make em straighten up their act, cause she know they soft And when I grew up she showed me how to go downtown And at nighttime my face lit up so astounding And I told her in my heart is where she always be She never mess with entertainers cause they always leave She said it felt like they walked and drove on me Knew I was gang affiliated got on TV and told on me I guess it’s why last winter she got so cold on me She said, Ye keep making that, keep making that platinum and gold for me

Quote:

But if you really care for her, then you would n-never hit the airport, To follow your dream, sometimes I still talk to her, but when I talk to her It always seems like she talking about me, She said you left your kids and they just like you They wanna rap and make show beats just like you, But they just not you and I just got to Talking bout what she can try to do just not new Now everybody got the game figured out all wrong I guess you never know what you got till its gone I guess this is why I’m here and I cant come back home And guess when I heard that when I was back home Every interview I’m representing you making you proud Reach for the stars so if you fall you land on a cloud Jump in the crowd, spark you lighters, wave em around, And if you don’t know by now, I’m talking about Chi-town

Quote:

So here's a few words from ya kid brother. If you admire somebody, you should go head and tell em',

the DIPLOMA


Well, this has been quite the listening experience I must say. Some tracks got the one hand clap and others received a standing ovation...even a lil Tony Yayo dance here and there.

I've been hearing mixed opinions from all different people on the album but this D. Omen talking as a critic, MC and fan of Kanye, Hip-Hop and Music as a whole.

The Student himself hasn't made a change for the worst or "sold out" as so many internet personalities spout so easily now a days. I would consider it more of an evolution of himself and perception of the game as it right now.

If you go back and listen to College Dropout and/or Late Registration, Kanye did just that. Which was reflect what he was feeling and what was hot to the masses and to himself.

All in all, this is going to my collection and I will list it as a great album..it dwindles on classic status but the production is only thing from making it certified. I'll leave that for ya'll to decide.


OVERALL RATING: 4.7/5. (Yes, I am aware that the track by track would result in a 3.6)


- D. Omen (www.myspace.com/DominantOmen) [The Class Clown - Coming Soon]

Niiice... Pretty Much Agree With This...

very good review reps

WHO THE FUCC GOT THE ALBUM?!?! SEND ME THIS SHIT NIGGA

more like 2.7/5.

I have also recently changed my views on the album it took a couple listens now I'm really into it whoops my mistake sorry Ye...you don't disappoint.

Nice review dame... I'm listening now, so far I agree... let's see how he does compared to Curtis, huh?

I think this is more of a 3.5/5 at most. For some reason I was expecting something more on this, that drunk & hot girls track is annoying as fuck.