Kanye West’s new album revives hip hop fans

It has been eight years since Kanye West took control of the hip hop scene with his utterly mesmerizing album “808s and Heartbreak”. Since then, West has maintained a consistency in quality throughout his various albums, such as “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and “Yeezus,” the latter of which came out in 2013.

But in recent years, my passion for West’s music has faltered. He has become more of a joke than a respectable member of the hip hop industry, with his extreme ego and occasional tabloid-worthy escapades — that is, until six weeks ago, when I came upon a Hypebeast article that described “The Life of Pablo,” West’s new album released on Feb. 14. The mere mention of West drew my attention, and I hurriedly skimmed through the article that described the much awaited and “hush-hush” album.

Instantly, I set a reminder on my calendar so I could hear the album the moment it was dropped. I was back on the West grind.

It was the evening of Valentine’s Day when my phone went off, and I checked the alarm I had completely forgot about. I locked myself in my room, put on my headphones and set the album on repeat. Sixty minutes later, I came out a changed man.

The album proved to be nothing short of iconic from the very beginning with its theatrical, gospel-like opening song, “Ultra Light Beam.” Featured throughout the album are works from amazing lyricists such as Kid Cudi, Drake and Kendrick Lamar. This only added to the album’s appeal.

The album also shines light on the skill of lesser known hip hop artists such as Chance the Rapper and The Dream, both of whom are featured on multiple songs.

While definitely meeting and possibly surpassing the quality of West’s past music, the album was not without faults. West’s ego and occasional misogyny surfaces in various lyrics, and he targets individuals like Amber Rose and pop singer Taylor Swift, the latter of whom he has had a public feud with.

Nevertheless, West gives listeners a look past his usual bombastic nature and into his vulnerable side. Songs such as “Real Friends” and “No More Parties in L.A.” delve into the personal struggles West went through as an emerging artist and later as a major star.

Ultimately, the album reminds listeners that West is still very much relevant as a rapper. His music may not have his once lively “take on the world” attitude, but he develops his experiences and inner thoughts into profound lyrics in “The Life of Pablo.”