My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (CLASSIC REVIEW): A Masterpiece (The Inevitable Expression of Beauty & Pain)

If time is a lost treasure, art unlocks the gold glimpses of time within. Nothing can be truer then when one clicks play on this album. 10 years have passed since this albums first release, and it still sounds like its 30 years ahead. 

First and foremost this album is a masterpiece, and even if you disagree, it is indisputably an example of popular music, at one of its highest artistic tiers and a cultural moment in itself. This album not only brought back acceptance towards Kanye in the media and the cultural sphere, but also cemented and confirmed his legacy as one of this generations greatest artists. As a result of its 10 year anniversary this year, (MBDTF was originally released in 2010) I will happily be reviewing this album and spotlight why this LP, confirmed to all doubters and haters, Kanye is a genius. 

First, it is important to contextualize Kanye before this album, as the mythos goes, this album was birthed and inspired because of certain events in his life, which affected his relationship with the public. Prior to this album release Kanye’s mother had died, his fiancée at the time Alexis Phifer and him had ended their engagement, and he recently received huge backlash and media outcry/ criticism for the infamous MTV Taylor Swift incident.  

Due to all of these events Kanye cancelled his upcoming tour with Lady Gaga (at the height of her global breakthrough) in promotion of his then latest album ‘808s & Heartbreak’, and entered a self reclusive period away from the media and fans.  It was during this period of reflection where Kanye gathered his closest colleagues both legendary artists and producers (names like Jay Z, Kid Cudi, RZA, Justin Vernon) to Hawaii to begin the studio sessions to record this album. The rest is history.

Fast forward to present time, MBDTF is now 10 years old and it is crazy to think how innovative, present, maximalist and nuanced it still sounds. Dark Fantasy kicks off with Nicki Minaj’s story telling intro with the ending lines “Well Gather Around Children/ Zip It Listen” with Kanye then entering with the most BOSS bars  ”I fantasize about this back in chicago/ mercy, mercy me, that murcielago".  Perfectly kicking off this LP with such swagger and confidence it reels you in immediately. 

We then are welcome to the next song Gorgeous with the powerful hook sung by Kid Cudi, that then hits a home run with arguably one of Kanyes best verses of all time with lines like “ Is hip hop just a euphemism for a new religion?/The soul music of the slaves that the youth is missin’/But this is more than just my road to redemption/Malcolm West had the whole nation standin' at attention”. This momentum and level of accessible but clever poetic rhyme schemes over extravagant beats, continuously engulfs the audience into this world.  Rewarding the listener with songs like Power and All of the Lights that production wise carries the craziest sampling and amalgamation of sounds, which literally sounds like it was made by a mad rhythmic genius in an unhinged manic state.  

We then reach Monster, So Appalle, and Devil in A New Dress all three songs back to back that feature stunning guest verses that will certainly encourage you to reread their lyrics in order to decode the 'get real' jewels, influenced by their own respective experiences (Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Cy Hi, & Jay Z are notable mentions).

 Next is the ode to the douchebags, hopeless romantics and heartbreakers, 'Runaway'. This track is in my opinion the apex piece of this album, beautiful displaying through its haunting simple piano melody, the conflicted inner angst Kanye feels as a black artist.  As the lyrics hold you, “Runaway from me Baby." and never let go.  With a haunting distorted but emotional autotune outro that does not feel outdated or rushed, this piece embodies the dark beauty of this fantasy.  Of being one of the biggest artist in the world and the hot pressure that comes from it. 

With Hell of a Life and Blame Game continuing to explore this dark side of fame, hidden in the shadow after the sun rises and the nightlife is over, through exuberant production and flows, it leaves the listener in a deep but weirdly comfortable state of awe and pain.  

Finally, Lost in the World plays with a slow burning crescendo sampling the melody of Bon Iver’s track ‘Woods’ that fires off into a unbelievable send off of hard hitting drums, a simple yet powerful love poem, and a progressive rock-esque buildup and confetti, which leaves you dazed and in awe. The final track ‘Who Will Survive in America’ ends off with the continuation of the rhythmic tribal drums of the previous track, and leads the listener to listen to an excerpt of legendary poet and father of Hip Hop, Gil Scott Heron. Who proceeds to tell a powerful insightful short message about systematic racism, the duality of black power and the intoxication oppression of the machine, leaving the listener to be aware of the exploitation of artists and to know that art can be pain.

However, while art can be pain and there is this overarching exploitation amidst multiple industries (not just the music), the power of expression and the beauty that stems from the connection of music, is unparalleled. Especially when it comes from one of the greatest of our time. 

Rating: 10/10

Favourite Tracks: Runaway, Lost in the World, Gorgeous, Devil in a New Dress, Monster

Least Favourite: ONLY IF I HAD TO PICK LIFE OR DEATH 

(Blame Game)