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In February 2024, a tremor ran through the music world with the leak of Kanye West’s “Carnival.” While the song boasted impressive production and featured collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, the true firestorm ignited by “Carnival” resided within its lyrics.

“Carnival” explodes onto the scene with a dark, almost ominous atmosphere. Chants provided by Italian Ultras – a controversial choice in itself – create a carnivalesque tension that’s underscored by a sample eerily reminiscent of Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man.” West dives headfirst into a stream of consciousness, name-dropping Elon Musk and referencing the #MeToo movement in a single breath. This frenetic pace sets the stage for what unfolds next: a lyrical tightrope walk that careens between social commentary, personal vendettas, and a jarring sense of self-importance.

A particularly contentious section reignites the embers of West’s long-standing feud with Taylor Swift. Referencing the infamous 2009 MTV VMAs incident, West employs his signature braggadocio, proclaiming himself the “new Jesus.” This act of self-deification is a recurring motif throughout “Carnival.” West weaves comparisons between himself and other controversial figures, including R. Kelly and Bill Cosby. These comparisons are more than just name-dropping; they’re a deliberate blurring of the lines between artistic expression and exploitation. Further muddying the waters is West’s complete lack of apology or remorse. This stance feels like a calculated provocation, guaranteed to alienate listeners who believe his past actions demand accountability.

“Carnival” attempts to grapple with societal issues, but the lens through which it views them is distorted. West criticizes the pervasiveness of pornography, aligning himself with a conservative viewpoint. However, this critique is overshadowed by his more inflammatory statements, making it difficult to find any genuine message amidst the controversy.

The song’s most explosive moment undoubtedly lies in its treatment of the #MeToo movement. West questions Taylor Swift’s narrative surrounding the VMAs incident, implying a manipulation of the movement for personal gain. This is a dangerous line to tread. Not only does it disrespect Swift’s experience, but it undermines the countless victims who have bravely spoken out about abuse. By suggesting a fabricated narrative within #MeToo, West dismisses the very real struggles faced by survivors.

“Carnival” stands as a monument to Kanye West’s ability to court controversy. His lyrics are a potent mix of social commentary, personal vendettas, and religious imagery. While some might find these pronouncements thought-provoking, many listeners find them offensive and disrespectful. The song’s true impact lies not in its musical merit, but in its ability to spark conversations about power, accountability, and the role of celebrities in social movements. “Carnival” forces us to confront the complexities of artistic expression when it collides with personal demons and societal issues. Looking ahead, it’s unclear what impact “Carnival” will have on West’s legacy. Will it be remembered as a creative misstep or a reflection of his unfiltered psyche? One thing is certain: “Carnival” is a song that will not be easily forgotten.

In Kanye West’s sonic universe, “Waves” from his 2016 album “The Life of Pablo” stands out as a lyrical masterpiece, capturing the essence of human resilience like the ocean captures the moon’s pull. Featuring Chris Brown’s velvet vocals on the hook, this track is a deep dive into the ocean of redemption, resilience, and the relentless ebb and flow of life and relationships. It’s a journey through Kanye’s musings, wrapped in a metaphor so vast and deep—waves. So, let’s surf through the layers of meaning in “Waves” and explore what makes this track a tidal force in Kanye’s discography.

At the heart of “Waves” is the mantra “waves don’t die,” a poetic assertion that resonates with the eternal nature of love, energy, and personal legacy. This line is a beacon of hope, illuminating the idea that despite life’s tumultuous storms, our core essence and the ripples we create in the world are everlasting. It’s Kanye telling us that life’s waves may toss us, but they don’t have the power to quench our spirit.

Kanye’s lyrics in “Waves” are a rollercoaster of self-reflection, vulnerability, and defiant strength. He paints a picture of life’s dual nature—the transient pains and struggles juxtaposed with the immortal impact of our actions and emotions. It’s a philosophical pondering wrapped in a catchy beat, questioning the essence of our existence and the legacy we leave behind.

Enter Chris Brown, whose chorus work in “Waves” adds layers of rhythm and soul to the song’s oceanic theme. The repetition of “Wave after wave, wave after wave” isn’t just a catchy hook; it’s a meditation on the cyclical nature of life’s challenges and victories. It’s as if Kanye and Chris are inviting us to find beauty in the relentless nature of our personal battles, encouraging us to ride the waves instead of fearing them.

But “Waves” isn’t just a philosophical musing; it’s a narrative of redemption and transformation. Kanye’s journey from darkness to light, mirrored in the song, symbolizes the human capacity to rise above adversity and emerge stronger. It’s a powerful reminder that our lowest points don’t define us—our resilience does.

The sonic landscape of “Waves” is just as rich and complex as its lyrics. Blending gospel vibes with hip-hop beats and soulful harmonies, Kanye crafts a soundscape that’s both ethereal and profoundly human. The use of auto-tune, synths, and choir-like backing vocals creates an auditory experience that feels like floating in the open sea—vast, mysterious, and infinitely beautiful.

So there you have it, “Waves” in a seashell—a song that’s as much about the enduring nature of our spirit as it is about Kanye’s genius in capturing the essence of human experience. It’s a track that encourages us to embrace life’s ups and downs, to find strength in our struggles, and to remember that, like waves, our influence never truly fades away. Surf’s up, folks—let’s ride the waves of life with Kanye as our soundtrack.

As a college freshman, the track “Stronger” by Kanye West resonates with me on multiple levels. Released in 2007 as part of West’s album “Graduation,” this song captures the essence of resilience, ambition, and the constant pursuit of self-improvement.

At first listen, the pulsating beat and the infectious Daft Punk sample immediately grab your attention. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to move, whether you’re at a party, hitting the gym, or powering through a late-night study session. This infectious energy mirrors the fervor and excitement of entering college, a space filled with new experiences and challenges.

Lyrically, “Stronger” encapsulates the spirit of determination and growth. Lines like “That don’t kill me, can only make me stronger” serve as a potent reminder of the transformative power of adversity. This sentiment resonates deeply with college freshmen, who are often navigating a new environment, juggling academic pressures, and forging their identities. It’s a rallying cry, encouraging us to embrace challenges as opportunities for personal and intellectual development. Moreover, West’s references to pop culture and technology in the lyrics create a sense of time and place. Lines like “Now that don’t kill me, can only make me stronger / I need you to hurry up now, ’cause I can’t wait much longer” juxtapose the enduring human spirit with the rapid pace of technological advancement. As college freshmen, we stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, eager to absorb knowledge and contribute to a world in constant flux.

The music video for “Stronger” further underscores these themes. Its futuristic, cyberpunk aesthetic mirrors the idea of progress and evolution. The visuals evoke a sense of forward momentum, mirroring our own journey as freshmen, propelling ourselves into the unknown with a mixture of trepidation and excitement.

Beyond its musical and lyrical elements, “Stronger” carries a cultural significance that transcends generations. Its iconic status within both hip-hop and mainstream music showcases the ability of art to bridge gaps and unite diverse audiences. For many of us, this track serves as a point of connection, a shared experience that brings together students from various backgrounds and interests.

“Stronger” by Kanye West is more than just a song; it’s an anthem for resilience and growth, a sonic representation of the college freshman experience. Its beats energize us, its lyrics inspire us, and its cultural relevance unites us. As we embark on this new chapter of our lives, “Stronger” reminds us to embrace challenges, find strength in adversity, and persist in our pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. It’s a track that speaks to the collective spirit of our freshman class, encouraging us to forge ahead with confidence and determination.

The ninth track off of Kanye West’s album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” may not be his most famous song, but I think it’s a perfect representation of him – a beautiful and technical marvel, yet also an absolute mess.

“Runaway”, which was released in 2010, came to Kanye West after a period of self-sabotage. The production of this album had to be his aggressive dominance back to the music industry, in which he needed to get his power back. I think he tried doing this by exposing his vulnerability in the song, and it’s enforced by a cold, lonely, e-note struck on the piano to start the 9-minute-long song.

Kanye then adds chopped-up vocal samples of Rick James shouting “Look at ya”, making the audience start to feel as alone as the piano keys from before because it feels like someone is yelling at you and trapping you in a corner.

Just as you start to feel isolated, Kanye plays a clip of an introduction of James Brown saying “Ladies and Gentleman”. This sets up a very confusing environment as Kanye simultaneously makes me feel drifted apart as well as the center of attention. I think he speaks out to us by talking about how lonely it is to be a celebrity but also how they’re constantly being put on a show like an exhibit in a museum. The “look at ya” is what makes you feel surrounded by people coming at you from all sides, and the “Ladies and Gentleman” is the reminder that this is all some sick game to those surrounding you. You don’t matter; you’re just a tool to entertain them.

West continues the song with an apology by saying “And I always find, yeah, I always find something wrong / You’ve putting up with my sh*t just way too long.” Kanye agrees that he’s wronged many people, he’s made a fool of himself in the public eye, and he’s messed up time and time again. He’s doing what few egomaniacs ever do – he’s accepting it. While he likes to hype himself up like some kind of god, we hear this dude owning up to his faults.

But, as you’ll see in the later parts of the chorus, “Runaway” becomes a disastrous celebration of Kanye accepting his faults. For a second you might’ve thought he’s about to apologize for mistakes, but no. The main point becomes that he is who he is and he knows he can’t change that.

Do you think Kanye should’ve apologized for his mistakes? Or is it valid that he learned to accept who he was? Check out people’s opinions on the song here.

Kanye West, better known as Ye, is unarguably one of the most polarizing artists in the music industry today. Overlooking his recent statements (which I don’t condone), I strongly believe there was prodigy behind his albums.

In my passion blogs, I wish to delve deeper into Ye’s music and take a closer look to what he tries to tell us.

Let’s first try to get to know Kanye a little bit better though.

Despite being born in Atlanta, Kanye was raise and spent his early life in Chicago. He was born to his father – Ray West, a photojournalist – and his mother – Donda Williams, an English professor. He attempted to follow his mom’s footsteps and pursue English at Chicago State University, which unfortunately lasted less than a year. Here is more info about Ye’s mom: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donda_West

This didn’t demotivate him, rather, it produced a studio album that many critics acclaim as the “Greatest Hip-Hop Album of all Time”. Ye went on to create many more albums which ended up being platinum hits. Some of them are here: https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/

His 2021 interlude track “Moon” featuring Kid Cudi and Don Toliver proved me wrong about a misunderstanding I always carried – that money can buy happiness. The beginning vocals of the song are sung by all three artists, repeating the sentences “I wanna go to the moon, don’t leave so soon (Don’t leave so soon) / How could I get through? (How could I get through?)”.

Although we don’t know what the moon symbolizes in this context, Cudi gives us an idea from an interview done in 2009. For him, it represents a “place of peace in [his] mind.” He also lets the interviewer know that he wants kids to “interpret it and find their own moon in their world.” Because the song’s album centers on Kanye’s willpower to fight through the death of his mother, I think the moon serves as a metaphor for a mental state of well-being. Toliver also tells the listener not to “leave so soon,” pleading those with suicidal thoughts to hang on longer. It portrays that despite having tons of fans, fame, money, and love, the desire to be on the “moon” affects everyone.

My interpretation of Ye’s work was simply a mere angle of looking at his music. What message do you think Kanye was trying to get across to his listeners? Do you think his messages have anything to do with his past experiences? There are a lot of split opinions here: https://www.kanyetothe.com/forums/.