Yeezus

Yeezus. Released on June 18, 2013, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings, Yeezus is the sixth studio album by American rapper and producer Kanye West, featuring guest appearances by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, Chief Keef, and Kid Cudi. The album was recorded in various locations, including Paris, New York City, and Los Angeles, with contributions from producers such as Hudson Mohawke, Arca, and Daft Punk. Yeezus was also influenced by Kanye West's work with Jay-Z on the album Watch the Throne and his G.O.O.D. Music label.

Background and recording

The recording of Yeezus began in 2012, with Kanye West working with a variety of producers, including Rick Rubin, Noah Goldstein, and Mike Dean. The album was recorded in a number of locations, including Electric Lady Studios in New York City, Shangri-La Studios in Los Angeles, and Studios de la Seine in Paris. Kanye West has stated that he was influenced by a range of artists during the recording of Yeezus, including Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, Aphex Twin, and Thom Yorke of Radiohead. The album also features contributions from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, who appeared on the track Hold My Liquor, and Chief Keef, who was featured on the track Hold My Liquor as well. Other notable contributors to the album include Kid Cudi, Assassin, and King L.

Music and production

The music on Yeezus is characterized by its experimental and industrial sound, with Kanye West incorporating elements of electronic music, punk rock, and hip hop into the album. The production on the album was handled by a range of producers, including Hudson Mohawke, Arca, and Daft Punk, who worked on the track On Sight. The album also features a number of samples, including a sample of Omega's Omega on the track Bound 2, and a sample of Beenie Man's Memories on the track Send It Up. Other notable influences on the album include Kraftwerk, Giorgio Moroder, and Wendy Carlos. The album's sound was also influenced by Kanye West's work with Jay-Z on the album Watch the Throne and his G.O.O.D. Music label, which has released music by artists such as Pusha T, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz.

Critical reception

Yeezus received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising the album's experimental sound and Kanye West's lyrical themes. The album holds a score of 84 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on reviews from critics such as Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield, The New York Times' Jon Pareles, and The Guardian's Alexis Petridis. The album was also praised by critics such as Pitchfork's Ryan Dombal, NME's Mike Williams, and The Los Angeles Times' Randall Roberts. However, some critics were more negative in their assessment of the album, with The New York Daily News' Jim Farber stating that the album was "a mess" and The Washington Post's Chris Richards describing it as "a cold, calculating record".

Commercial performance

Yeezus was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and selling over 327,000 copies in its first week. The album was also successful internationally, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart and the Canadian Albums Chart. The album has been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold over 750,000 copies in the United States. The album's success can be attributed to the popularity of singles such as Black Skinhead and Bound 2, which received heavy rotation on radio stations such as Hot 97 and Power 106. The album's success also led to Kanye West embarking on the Yeezus Tour, which featured performances by A Tribe Called Quest, Pusha T, and Travi$ Scott.

Legacy and influence

Yeezus has had a significant influence on the music industry, with many artists citing the album as an inspiration. The album's experimental sound has been praised by artists such as Drake, The Weeknd, and Frank Ocean, who have all incorporated elements of electronic and industrial music into their own work. The album has also been name-checked by artists such as Vince Staples, A$AP Rocky, and Tyler, The Creator, who have all praised the album's innovative production and Kanye West's lyrical themes. The album's influence can also be seen in the work of producers such as Metro Boomin, Southside, and Zaytoven, who have all incorporated elements of trap and industrial music into their productions. Yeezus has also been included on lists of the best albums of the 2010s by publications such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NME. Category:Hip hop albums