BY ALONSO J. RODRIGUEZ
“JESUS IS KING” is the new and expected album by Kanye West. Everyone was anticipating something big since none of Ye’s creations leave no one indifferent. And indeed, he has done it again. Whether you like the new album or not, different reactions have been generated by fans of the 42-year-old singer.
We knew his rebellious and shameless face, who was in constant contact with an explicit way of life. Well, it seems that it has been completely renewed and that not only has it now renounced that lustful life of which was so presumed in his songs, but now it is part of those who extend the word of God. And it could be said his new album is his particular testament.
This new album has the prominence of melodic textures and a gospel choir called “Sunday Service” (recurring name), which are what give a transcendental and solemn sense to his creation. As can be analyzed during the 27 minutes that the album lasts, the lyrics are short and of significant depth. The constant role of the figure of God is simply sought. Although we can find small details where the narrative line can resemble the previous albums by the fact of transmitting a message of prophecy and faith. It is the same philosophy of life but in different vital areas. Also if you are a big fan of Kanye West’s music, you will notice how in some of the songs he returns to his original style and flow.
After the appearance of the album “JESUS IS KING” on platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music, the debate was served. The detractors of West criticized that the artist was trying to call himself God through the new album, others were betting that it was a new commercial strategy to attract both hip-hop fans and followers of the Christian religion.
After giving an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV show, it appears that Kanye now has other priorities after the birth of his daughter and that he is truly attracted by the Christian and cult life. West said: “I think that, as God has given me a gift for which I have prayed and that so many people love it, if I stop doing it, He could begin to take other things from me.”
Listening to this album is a necessity, only to enter the world of Kanye West, of transgression and radicalism. That changing world where the conceptual core is always the same: to have faith. West has faith in God, has faith that what he does is something transcendent and inspiring for all those who pay attention to him. Also, this time we can find a different theme, where he risked using the religious concept that is so uprooted among young people who listen to rap.
We can say that Kanye West has once again got everyone’s attention. He has returned to do something different, special and that generates controversy. It gives the feeling that West was born to generate emotions whatever the message of his songs, and that is something that has an incalculable value. Not because of what he does, but because of how he does it. Always creating new content and finding himself one step above the rest.