Kanye West – “Power” Single Review
LISTEN TO THE SINGLE HERE
Kanye’s new single is, whether you hate him or love him, pretty damn good. ”Power” is his return to rap, his reminder to people who hated on the 808‘s album that this is the reason media outlets refer to him as an “icon.” The single takes what was good on his previous album (the tribe-influenced rhythms and percussions) and blends it underneath the rhyming that made him famous. The lyrics are filled with how critics tried to tear him apart, how the cast of SNL can kiss his ass, and how he needed time to gather his thoughts, take a deep breathe, and continue with his art.
My opinion? I think the song is good, I’ve always been a fan of Kanye and I can guarantee you I will own a copy of the new album and review it, but there are certain things he needs to let go of. For one, ever since the 808′s album, he’s done guest spots on numerous records and complained nearly each time about the paparazzi and how he wishes he could live a normal life. Then he comes in with this single talking shit to the SNL cast because they ripped on him a couple times. If you’re going to get pissed at someone who made fun of you, you might as well talk about EVERYONE ELSE who did the same. Is he going to ignore the South Park episode? From what I recall he went on his blog the day after the episode aired talking about how funny he thought it was. You can’t just pick and choose the jokes you like, Kanye. If you don’t like a joke, don’t rap about it. It’s comedy. Whether someone sucks at it or not, if you go after one you might as well go after them all. I don’t even know which joke in particular he refers to, but unless is was completely below the belt (which SNL isn’t necessarily known for), then rhyme in a different direction.
Outside of that, the song is pretty good. You’ll definitely dig it if you’re a Kanye Fan. If you already jumped on the “Fuck Kanye” bandwagon, then the song isn’t for you. I give it four out of five stars. I’m excited about the rest of the album.