On first listen, Kanye is light-years ahead of himself from a production standpoint, the quality of his rhymes have improved and the subject matter is more personal. We checked in with some local hip-hop artists to get their take on what is being touted as a revolutionary piece of art, and here's what they had to say. (We've queried quite a few others and will add their opinions to this post as we receive them, so be sure to check back.)
Yonnas Abraham (aka Yo from The Pirate Signal): "The last song is the worst song I've ever heard in my whole life. It was like Elton John-gay. I liked about four tracks on the album. He's still the man, though. The production is amazing, and people have different tastes, but at least he executed it."
Catch Lungs: "I dig it. I think he spits cool, and his promo is off the chain with all the abstract ish he's been dropping."
Dyalekt (Diamond Bois): "He's a genius. Its like...people talk about where hip-hop will or can go, and he does it without error. It's amazing to be honest."
Graffiti Black: "I think it's DOPE. That guy is something like a genius."
King FOE: "Artistically, it is brilliant...it's not structured like a regular hip-hop album, which I like as well."
Mane Rok: "Everything i've heard from the album is at least an eight outta ten."
Naeem Oba: "Ain't heard it. I'm not a Kanye West fan, though...AT ALL."
MC Sole: "I think it's easily one of the best-produced modern hip-hop records."
Qknox: "I can't help but take a listen. It's everywhere I go. Just too pop for me. My favorite Kanye? Blueprint 2."
Rhias (Air Dubai): "I like it. It's the culmination of the best parts about his previous albums. It's expansive, honest, passionate and focused. It's not a perfect album, but it's important, you know?"
Strange Powers: Kanye's new album is at least better than 808's and Heartbreak, which, to me, was a total turd. Let's just hope all the attention from this new album doesn't lead to another award show mishap.
Whygee: "I like the hip-hop beats and raps on it...the rest, not so much. He's one of the best rappers...on the radio and TV. But how much is that saying, really, when the radio and TV are on that bullshit?"
What's your take on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy?