Kanye West: Donda (2021) (Hip-hop)

 

Kanye West's tenth album is a dark aprehensive expression of personal faith and struggle. Many forward ideas ( Jail's fusion of gospel, rap and industrial rock God Breathed's industrial voice sampling instrumental, Come to Life's cathartic ethereal instrumental progression)  and standout performances by guests (JayZ: Jail; Fivio Foreign: Off the Grid; The Weeknd: Hurrican; Roddy Rich: Pure Souls. The biggest flawes are how bloated and empty the album can feel. Many almost excellent songs are marred by poor choices (Baby Keem's out of place verse on Praise God; Lack of progression on God Breathed). Donda is easily Kanye's darkest album most easily comparible to a Yeezus and Gospel album marriage with the bloated chaos of The Life of Pablo.

C

Kanye West: Jesus is King (2019) (Hip-hop)

An album from a man struggling with faith, and stardom even though stardom always takes centre stage. More about Kanye than anything else, this album has its moments Follow God, Use this Gospel , interesting production choices (Hands On) but ultimately the final product is lacking in quality and feels incredibly rushed. The lyrics, occasionally approaching Alex Jones levels are absurd enough that he might soon start rapping about reptilian overlords and gay frogs. Not that conspiracy rap is subpar, but its forceful merger with Christianity is almost always a butchery, too rough yet superficial.  None of the Songs on JIK come even close to Kanye's past Christian related songs (Jesus Walks, Ultralight Beam). 

Best Tracks: Follow God, Use this Gospel, On God (if you want a laugh)

D-


Christian Rap/Gospel Rap