Concept Art for Kanye's Single Power.
Ok so, by now you've probably heard that Kanye's new album My Dark Twisted Fantasy is due to drop on November 22nd. I don't think anyone can forget the last time Kanye had national spotlight:
2009 VMA's
The world exploded a year and a half ago because he 'disrespected' Taylor Swift. Yeah, it was messed up and a dick move on his part, but everyone overreacted.... it's a VMA... it's not an Grammy or an Oscar. Fortunately now we can remember why most of us loved Kanye to begin with. The man has a brilliant artistic mind. This is one of the most hyped albums I can remember in my lifetime, and so far the early samples and singles i've heard give me goosebumps. Here is the latest piece of artwork from Kanye West.
Runaway (Full Length)
If you've got 34 minutes to spend you can get a good sampling of the forthcoming album, plus watch a beautifully shot short film. This is why we tolerate Kanye's occasional brashness (something he also addresses on the album). The short film has a strange feel all the way through, sometimes the plot doesn't quite click but the music never skips a beat and the cinematography looks fabulous. The two brightest spots are the actual song that inspires the radio single: Runaway (which to me is one of the most beautiful 'music videos' i've ever seen.) the second is the music that leads to a stunning finish to the video.
Runaway (selection)
Above is the shortened version of the video if you don't have time for the 34 minute one, but it cuts the song off early (right after Pusha T's verse) and takes a lot away visually from what the original version has to offer. If you have to pick and choose i would say watch the long version from 13:33 to 24:00, but seriously check the whole thing out if you can. The only person i remember hyping his releases with short movies like this was Michael Jackson (A la Thriller), who, as if on cue, Kanye lyrically references Michael Jackson (Twice, points for finding both.). After watching this i'm reminded of why the man is gaining a reputation as the prodigal son of his genre. I have a feeling that this CD will be to Kanye what "Blood on the Tracks" or "Highway 61 Revisited" was to Dylan. An opus that redefines his corner of the music world. But i could be wrong. We'll see on the 22nd.
Rolling Stones Review... can't do better than 5/5
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