After Kanye West released the most experimental album of his career in 2013, one thing was clear: the industry had some major catching up to do. Just three years later, Kanye dubbed his newest project a "living, breathing, changing creative expression” and left us all scratching our heads, stuck back in the past yet again. This is the story The Life of Pablo. With … [Read more...] about The Erratic Data behind TLOP, Kanye’s Most Complicated Album
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The Isolation of “Yeezus”: Documenting Kanye West’s Most Reclusive Creative Period
Kanye West cemented his place among hip hop's greatest icons with My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - but the compromises he made on the album left him unsatisfied. His next project would conclude the most diverse 3 album stretch in hip hop history and shock both fans and critics alike. Hip hop would never be the same. This is the story of Yeezus. With Yeezy Season 8 … [Read more...] about The Isolation of “Yeezus”: Documenting Kanye West’s Most Reclusive Creative Period
“My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”: Behind Kanye’s Most Prolific Era as a Collaborator
After Kanye's massive gamble paid off on 808s & Heartbreak, he began devising a path to reassert himself at the top of mainstream hip hop with a new album. His goal was to deliver a “backhanded apology” with a classic album that was “80/20”; 80% what he wanted, 20% what he thought the fans wanted. This approach led Yeezy to create his magnum opus: My Beautiful Dark Twisted … [Read more...] about “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy”: Behind Kanye’s Most Prolific Era as a Collaborator
“808s & Heartbreak”: The Data Behind Kanye’s Biggest Gamble
By the end of 2007, Kanye West's sample-based production and conscious rapping had made him a full-on international rockstar. One year later Yeezy decided completely abandon both on his next album, instead opting for a risky, totally new sound that would change hip hop forever. With Yeezy Season 8 in full effect, Ben Carter is taking a closer look at the rollout for … [Read more...] about “808s & Heartbreak”: The Data Behind Kanye’s Biggest Gamble
“Graduation” Worldwide: Quantifying Kanye’s Ascent to Global Rockstar Status
Kanye West's first two albums cemented him at the top of hip hop as both a rapper and producer - but Yeezy set his sights even higher with Graduation. Fueled by Graduation's wildly successful singles and international reach, Kanye quickly ascended to the throne of hip hop's first legitimate Global Rockstar. With Yeezy Season 8 in full effect, Ben “Data Daddy” Carter is … [Read more...] about “Graduation” Worldwide: Quantifying Kanye’s Ascent to Global Rockstar Status
