Well, here it is. The super-hyped collaboration album between one of the most eccentric rappers of recent years and the guy married to Beyoncé. While I do like a couple of albums by each performer, one more than the other, there's no way in HELL they deserved this much hype. I should know. I'm the king of hyping shit up. No lie. Anyways, let's run through each track really quickly and tally up the hits and duds.
1. No Church in the Wild (feat. Frank Ocean)
Fantastic. Frank Ocean provides some dreamy vocals and the beat is killer. Love this one. (+)
2. Lift Off (feat. Beyoncé)
I literally paused the album here. This is some HAM shit, man. Disappointing. (-)
3. Niggas in Paris
Everything I wanted/expected from this collaboration. They're richer than you and they're rapping about it. (+)
4. Otis (feat. Otis Redding)
As far as production goes, it really doesn't get better than this. As far as rhymes go, this song paints the perfect portrait of Jay-Z sweating and panting trying so desperately to keep up with Kanye's speed and precision. Overall? So close to perfect. (+)
5. Gotta Have It
Another stellar beat. This whole album should be 'Kanye West (feat. Jay-Z)' even though Beyoncé's husband doesn't fall that far behind on this track as he did Otis. (+)
6. New Day
Three words: Auto-tuned Nina Simone. Verdict? Three words: No thank you. (-)
7. That's My Bitch
Somewhat childish and aggressive, but goddamn. So catchy. (+)
8. Welcome to the Jungle
I paused it here again. Did they both take a break on this track?(-)
9. Who Gon Stop Me?
Maybe they just took a break for the second half of this album. (-)
10. Murder to Excellence
Oh. My. God. Do I smell redemption coming from Jay-Z's corner? This track is stunning. More stunning than it really should be. (+)
11. Made in America (feat. Frank Ocean)
Overall this track is very underwhelming. I mean, by itself it is. Right after the epicness of 'Murder to Exellence', this track kind of fits. It flows. But still kind of boring. (-)
12. Why I Love You (feat. Mr. Hudson)
OOH, I LOVE YOU SO. BUT WHY I LOVE YOU, I'LL NEVER KNOW. (+)
Hits: 7
Duds: 5
In Conclusion: Good. Really good. Catchy, upbeat, obnoxious, in-your-face, and just good.
