Kanye's Music: Then & Now - A Personal Listening Journey

Okay, guys, let's dive into something a bit personal and definitely opinionated: my journey listening to Kanye West, or Ye, as he's now known. It’s a rollercoaster, to say the least, and I think many of you can probably relate. We’re talking about an artist who has shaped the soundscape of the 21st century, but also someone who has consistently courted controversy. So, buckle up as I take you through my then and now perspective on Kanye's discography.

The College Dropout Era: Pure Genius

Back in the early 2000s, Kanye West burst onto the scene with The College Dropout. This album was revolutionary. Seriously, it was like nothing else out there. Before Kanye, hip-hop was dominated by gangsta rap, and while I appreciate that genre, The College Dropout offered something different: vulnerability, intelligence, and a healthy dose of humor. Tracks like "Through the Wire" and "Jesus Walks" were instant classics. The soulful samples, the honest lyrics about his struggles and aspirations – it all resonated deeply.

"Through the Wire," in particular, was a testament to Kanye's resilience. He recorded the song with his jaw wired shut after a near-fatal car accident. That level of dedication and passion was evident in every bar. And "Jesus Walks"? Forget about it. A gospel-infused hip-hop track that was both commercially successful and critically acclaimed? Unheard of at the time. It challenged the norms of what hip-hop could be and opened the doors for other artists to explore spirituality in their music.

But it wasn't just the singles that made The College Dropout a masterpiece. The entire album was cohesive, telling a story of ambition, self-doubt, and the pursuit of dreams. Tracks like "All Falls Down" featuring Syleena Johnson and "Family Business" showcased Kanye's ability to blend introspective lyrics with catchy melodies. And let's not forget the skits! They were hilarious and added to the album's overall charm. Kanye wasn't afraid to poke fun at himself and the world around him, which made him all the more relatable.

At this point, Kanye was a breath of fresh air. He was the underdog who made it big, and his music reflected that. He was rapping about real-life issues, not just glorifying violence and materialism. He was smart, funny, and incredibly talented. I was hooked. I remember listening to The College Dropout on repeat, dissecting every lyric and admiring Kanye's production skills. He was a true visionary, and I couldn't wait to see what he would do next.

Late Registration and Graduation: Expanding the Sound

Then came Late Registration and Graduation. These albums saw Kanye experimenting with different sounds and pushing the boundaries of his music. Late Registration had that orchestral feel, thanks to Jon Brion's influence, while Graduation leaned into a more stadium-ready, electronic vibe. "Gold Digger" and "Stronger" were massive hits, cementing Kanye's status as a global superstar. Musically, he was evolving and unafraid to take risks. I respected that immensely.

Late Registration maintained the high quality established by The College Dropout while simultaneously reaching for a bolder, more cinematic sound. Tracks like "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" displayed Kanye's growing social consciousness, tackling issues of conflict diamonds and exploitation. The collaboration with Adam Levine on "Heard 'Em Say" was another standout, showcasing Kanye's ability to blend hip-hop with other genres seamlessly. The album felt grand and ambitious, solidifying Kanye's position as a true innovator.

With Graduation, Kanye fully embraced the pop world, crafting anthems that were tailor-made for stadiums and arenas. "Stronger," with its Daft Punk sample, was a cultural phenomenon, dominating the airwaves and inspiring countless remixes. While some critics argued that Kanye was sacrificing substance for style, I appreciated his willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of hip-hop. Graduation was a celebration of success and ambition, capturing the zeitgeist of the late 2000s.

During this era, Kanye was on top of the world. He was selling millions of albums, headlining festivals, and collaborating with the biggest names in music. He was a fashion icon, a cultural commentator, and a force to be reckoned with. While his public persona was becoming increasingly controversial, his music remained innovative and exciting. I was still a huge fan, eagerly anticipating each new release and defending him against his detractors. I believed that his genius outweighed his flaws, and that his contributions to music and culture were undeniable.

808s & Heartbreak and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy: The Turning Point

808s & Heartbreak was a shock. Auto-Tune-heavy and emotionally raw, it was a complete departure from his previous work. Some hated it, but I found it to be incredibly brave and honest. It was Kanye at his most vulnerable, dealing with grief and heartbreak in a way that was both unconventional and deeply moving. This album paved the way for a new wave of artists who weren't afraid to embrace vulnerability in their music.

The impact of 808s & Heartbreak cannot be overstated. It influenced a generation of artists, from Drake to The Weeknd, who embraced vulnerability and emotional honesty in their music. Kanye's willingness to experiment with Auto-Tune and unconventional song structures paved the way for a new sound in hip-hop and R&B. While the album was initially met with mixed reviews, it has since become recognized as a seminal work that redefined the boundaries of contemporary music.

Then came My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. This album was a masterpiece. Epic in scope, sonically adventurous, and lyrically complex, it was Kanye at his most ambitious and creative. Tracks like "Runaway," "All of the Lights," and "Power" were instant classics, showcasing Kanye's ability to blend different genres and create something truly unique. This album solidified Kanye's status as a visionary artist, a true auteur.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was a culmination of everything Kanye had been working towards. It was a grand, operatic statement that showcased his musical genius and his willingness to push boundaries. The album was a critical and commercial success, cementing Kanye's legacy as one of the most important artists of his generation. It was a reminder of his immense talent and his ability to create music that was both challenging and deeply rewarding.

At this point, however, Kanye's public behavior was becoming increasingly erratic. His infamous interruption of Taylor Swift at the 2009 VMAs was a major turning point, tarnishing his image and alienating many fans. While I still admired his music, I couldn't ignore his increasingly problematic behavior. It was becoming harder to separate the art from the artist.

The Later Years: Complicated Feelings

From Yeezus onwards, my relationship with Kanye's music became more complicated. Yeezus was abrasive and experimental, pushing the boundaries of industrial hip-hop. Some tracks, like "Black Skinhead," were powerful and thought-provoking, while others felt deliberately provocative. The Life of Pablo was a sprawling, messy album that felt unfinished, but it had its moments of brilliance. Ye was a more concise and personal album, dealing with mental health issues and personal struggles. These albums were interesting, but they didn't resonate with me in the same way as his earlier work.

During this period, Kanye's political views became increasingly controversial. His support for Donald Trump and his embrace of right-wing ideologies alienated many of his fans. His public outbursts and erratic behavior continued, making it increasingly difficult to defend him. While I still appreciated his musical talent, I couldn't condone his actions.

His later albums, such as Jesus Is King and Donda, saw Kanye exploring religious themes and gospel music. While these albums had their moments, they felt less innovative and more like a reflection of Kanye's personal struggles. By this point, it was hard to separate the music from the controversy. It was a difficult and disappointing decline from his former glory.

Kanye Now: A Difficult Truth

Today, listening to Kanye is… difficult. His antisemitic remarks and increasingly unhinged behavior have made it hard to support him as an artist. While I can still appreciate his earlier work for its musical innovation and cultural impact, I can't ignore his recent actions. It's a complicated situation, and I don't have easy answers.

It's a shame, really. Kanye had the potential to be one of the greatest artists of all time. He revolutionized hip-hop, influenced countless musicians, and inspired millions of people. But his ego, his mental health struggles, and his increasingly problematic views have overshadowed his talent. It's a tragic story, and one that I'm still trying to make sense of.

So, where do I stand now? I still listen to his old albums, but with a different perspective. I can appreciate the music for what it is, but I can't forget about the man behind it. It's a constant balancing act, trying to separate the art from the artist. And honestly, it's exhausting.

Ultimately, my journey with Kanye West's music has been a complex and evolving one. From the early days of The College Dropout to the more recent controversies, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions. While I may not agree with his views or condone his behavior, I can't deny his impact on music and culture. It's a difficult truth to grapple with, but one that I think is important to acknowledge.

What about you guys? How has your relationship with Kanye's music changed over the years? I'd love to hear your thoughts.