Lyrics
If Kanye put out an album full of concert-type rants, I would not only listen to it, but would willingly pay the $9.99 on iTunes to purchase it. I remember listening to Kanye on the Mike Love Show back in the day when he was still working on his debut album and he talked about how he can’t rap like Twista or Jay-Z, but he can still make records that people will like. I think Kanye was selling his potential short at the time, because obviously he has improved immensely on the mic. He’s one of the best in the biz now — undoubtedly.
While Kanye has always been clever with his rhymes and punchlines, the reason people love his records is his narrative of what’s going on in his life at the moment. He’s found a great balance between lyrical consciousness and rachetness, for a lack of a better term. He’s provided plenty of classic verses on his own records and features — enough to make a Complex list. He’s improved his cadence, flow and rhyme patterns. The best example of his improvement is his verse on “Monster,” as Nicki Minaj wasn’t the only one with killer bars on this one. Yet his mic skills will always come second to the magnifying glass that is his life. People want to know what’s on his mind, who’s on his mind (ahem, who’s catching subliminals) and everything in between.
Prediction:
People will complain about this album. I can’t wait.