Kanye West's Donda has arrived. After over a year of delays, followed by sporadic rollouts, the album touched down on a quiet Sunday morning.
The first listening event gave fans a first official peak into what would become Donda. Jay-Z's verse on "Jail" was the most talked-about moment, as well as a song where Kanye was yelling about losing his family.
Ye had one last listening event in Chicago, where he reconstructed his childhood home in Soldier Field. The third time's a charm! Or is it?
Donda did actually drop after the third event. Not right away, mind you, and Kanye also claims that the album was released without his consent.
Had to bring this one back for all these ‘reviews’ of #DONDA
Whatever the circumstance, Donda is here. Sometimes it's hard to separate Kanye from himself. He was the ultimate villain during the Trump administration, as the media and keyboard warriors alike joined forces against him. Disturbing and confusing episodes at TMZ and during his failed presidential election showcased Ye's fight with mental health. All of this swirls into Donda, and how people feel about the project.
The album is his most polarizing since Yeezus, with half of the hip-hop world dismissing the album and the other half praising it as a triumphant return to form. I'm squarely in the latter party. Donda is miles ahead of Ye's last handful of albums, and may be his best work since My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. But only time will tell how Donda is truly received.
Donda is packed with features. Almost too many to count.
From Jay-Z to KayCyy, these are the 10 best features on Donda:
1. Jay Electronica
2. Fivio Foreign
3. Baby Keem
🧸💜
Baby Keem is a bright young star who is destined to REALLY shake the industry up. I'm excited about his debut album, but until then, his verse on "Praise God" is insanity. Enjoy it.
Favorite Bars:
"Used to throw up my uncle's spaghetti
Been told to tote since before I was ready
Back when my mama told me that I was challenged
A single Black woman, you know that she petty
I turned a heavy heart to 2 million dollars
I put that in totals, reverse outta debty"
4. Jay-Z
5. Vory
Vory is the most featured artist on Donda. It's about time he finally receives the recognition he deserves. Such a powerful voice.
Vory is credited with writing hits for the likes of Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Drake, and Bryson Tiller. Funny thing is Vory helped write "Mob Ties," a track where Drake takes shots at Kanye West. Now Vory finds himself all over Donda. It's good to see him getting some shine.
Favorite Bars:
"Like who's here when I need a shoulder to lean on?
I hope you're here when I need the demons to be gone
And it's not fair that I had to fight 'em all on my own"
6. Young Thug
7. The Lox
8. The Weeknd
9. Roddy Ricch
10. KayCyy
HAPPY KC = HAPPY RESULTS 🙉
Kenyan American rapper and songwriter KayCyy makes sure to stand out on "Keep My Spirits Alive." Although he shares space on the song with Westside Gunn (who is an honorable mention for one of the best features), KayCyy is the true glue of the track.
Favorite Bars:
"More than enough
You can take it all, but the Lord on my side
The spirit won't die, die
Oh, oh, my life, yeah
Is in His hands, so I don't stress, I pray and strategize"
Honorable Mention: Westside Gunn
