By: Jayden Presley, Vallo Vision News
(Screenshot taken on iPhone from Apple Music)
MONTEVALLO, ALA. – Kanye West promoted his album “Donda” for nearly a year, and now it is available for the public.
West released “Donda” on Sunday, Aug. 29. West says the album is religiously themed and memorializes his late mother Donda West.
Kanye West built anticipation for the album’s release by teasing on Instagram. He would delete the posts shortly afterward.
West’s career began in 2004 with the release of his first album “The College Dropout”. He has won 22 Grammy Awards, received 70 Grammy nominations, created the record label GOOD Music, and collaborated with Adidas in 2015 for his fashion line YEEZY.
West is tied with long-time friend Jay-Z as most awarded hip-hop artist. West not only produces his music but also sings and raps his lyrics.
After his mother’s untimely death in 2007, West’s music style changed, according to music analysts.
His delayed release of “Donda” generated high demand from fans on social media, but its release was controversial.
West held three listening parties to promote the album. During the final venue, West presented rapper Dababy and rock artist Marilyn Manson, two controversial figures in the music industry.
Manson is currently facing four lawsuits alleging sexual abuse. Dababy made divisive comments during a weekend festival concert regarding the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV and AIDS.
Experts say West’s choice of co-performers has meaning.
“West’s choice to include these widely derided figures exists somewhere between empathy for those who have been shunned for their misdeeds (suggesting that even those who have sinned are worthy of love) and aligning with the maligned for easy outrage,” said Jon Caramanica from The New York Times.
Dababy and Manson are both featured on the “Donda” album as well as hip-hop and R&B artists Jay-Z, Kid Cudi, The Weeknd and Travis Scott.
On the day of the album’s release, West made now-deleted claims on Instagram that his parent label, Universal Music Group, released “Donda” without his permission. He said they “blocked” his collaborative song with Dababy called “Jail pt 2” from being on the album, but it is now available on all streaming services.
On Apple Music, songs from “Donda” fill West’s top ten streamed list and continues to rake in high streaming numbers.
Vallo Vision News 