Issue 511

Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Rocafella Records/EMI Love him or hate him, Kanye West is one very talented individual. The rapper/producer's fifth studio album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy,' is inspirational hip-hop in a new realm. West has thrown out any concern for commercial viability or media expectations, letting the music do whatever he wants it too. The journey begins with a quick introduction from Nicky Minaj that leads into the beautiful choir of Dark Fantasy, spliced with some dirty, classic sounding hip-hop. Power is the first single and the only radio friendly song, most reminiscent of West's past works, with a straightforward structure and memorable hook. One of the highlights is All Of The Lights, which features the uncredited vocal talents of Rihanna and an ecstatic drum beat. Language warnings are a plenty with the other standout Monster, which features a great guest verse from Jay-Z that is amazingly topped by the other guest vocalist, the return of Nicky Minaj, who uses her trademark split-personality theme to shift between a sweet and innocent young woman to a hardened, gritty rapper in what is a truly impressive performance. So Appalled trades hooks for a classic Wu-Tang style track, in which a host of rappers offer verse after verse; appropriate considering one of the guests on this track is The RZA, who helped West produce the majority of the album. Second single Runaway is another fine moment, with West singing throughout the song while leaving the rapping to Pusha T, one half of hip-hop duo Clipse. In keeping with his artistic vision, the album version of this single is extended nine minutes to allow West some fun with a vocoder. There are no dull moments, no filler songs, and no embarrassing or over ambitious attempts to be found on 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.' This record would be the future of hip-hop, if other artists were also capable of making music like this. And for this reason, West remains in a league of his own. Luke Carlino