Kanye West’s 10th album, “Donda,” just had the biggest opening week of the year (though that mark is about to be eclipsed by Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy”). The success of “Donda” on the Billboard chart and on streaming services wasn’t guaranteed, given how West has receded from the center of hip-hop in recent years. But with an album rollout that grew increasingly rococo over several weeks, he displayed his true gift for garnering attention.
Which, as it happens, isn’t much different from his old methods. Each new microgeneration is shocked anew by West’s antics, but since the beginning of his career, he has been dreaming big, speaking loudly, courting controversy and channeling all of that into music.
On this week’s Popcast, a conversation about how West has remained steadfast in his roller-coaster approach to celebrity, and how perhaps the primary difference between West’s agitations 15 years ago and today is the financial power he is able to wield in the service of his goals.
Guests:
Datwon Thomas, the editor in chief of Vibe
Justin Charity, a staff writer at The Ringer and co-host of the “Sound Only” podcast
Source: Music - nytimes.com
