So I was on the way back to the mainland from my brother’s wedding in St. Thomas when I decided to listen to Kanye West’s new record.  Seemed a good time, since I had a 4 hour layover and no juice in my cell phone and I’d already written a draft on a piece I hope to run this week.
The other day, someone asked whether Kanye was the greatest artist in hip hop history.  I thought that was a bit much, but I’m not comfortable dismissing that notion.  He and Just Blaze changed the game with their work on The Blueprint, and Kanye’s proven more than just a capable rapper.  Granted, as a rapper, he’s really not often much more than capable, but his artistic vision is incredible.  His approach to making albums stands in defiance of the current rap-by-numbers approach, yet he makes records accessible enough for just about everyone to appreciate his obviously bougie story.  It’s genius at work.
But the greatest artist?  I’ll have to think about that a little later.
In the meantime, let’s think about Graduation, his latest effort.  It’s the heat.  Is it as good as Late Registration or College Dropout?  I’m not sure.  However, I’m thinking this is his ATLiens.  A lot of people pick on me for saying ATLiens is my least favorite OutKast record, but that’s the truth.  That doesn’t mean it’s not incredible.  I’d just like to listen to the others before that one.
(Actually, lemme calm down…that was my thought before Idlewild.  Hold your horses, AD and Alldaydre.  I’m also not saying this record from Kanye is as good as ATLiens…I so get tired of explaining that one.)
Anyway, this is his ATLiens because it’s crazy cohesive, very introspective, and incredibly consistent.  Unlike the other Kast records, ATLiens has no skippers.  Same goes for Graduation, though it doesn’t have anything as incredible as “We Major” “Never Let You Down.”  I’m feeling the samples, even though it seems Kanye’s gotten bored with sampling black people.  That said, I’m always okay with a dope Daft Punk sample.
I haven’t listened to this enough to give a real on thorough review, but I can tell you that Kanye’s now given us three incredible records, three different records, and three we’ll be able to listen to for a while.
And finally, something that most of us that have been listening to Kanye tracks since the first leaked College Dropout came out…he finally released “Home.”
Now, here’s why I point this out.  Leaving “Home” and “My Way” off College Dropout was unforgivable.  Just about every change Kanye made to CD after it leaked worked.  Going to 808s on “Workout Plan” was the right move.  “All Falls Down” was actually better with Syleena Johnson singing than with the Lauryn sample.  “Never Let Me Down” went from good to classic.  So did “Family Business.”
That said, “My Way” was the best song on the record, and “Home,” an allegorical ode to Chicago, was right there with it.  It needed to be remastered, but it was an incredible cut.
Then it got left off (as did “My Way”).
This time, it’s got Chris Martin singing the hook instead of John Legend–a different hook, in fact–and it’s got a whole new beat.  I was so surprised and glad to hear it that I started smiling in the airport.  It was that welcome.
Then, I realized Kanye was fuckin with us last record.
So, when reports about the track listing for Late Registration came out, some magazines–notably XXL–said it would have “My Way” and “Home,” which made me very happy.  Then the record came out and it was one track called “My Way Home.”  It was a banger, but it wasn’t what I wanted.  Kanye knew we wanted that, and he decided to mess with us.  Chump.
So this time, he gives us “Homecoming” and fakes us out, finally giving us a mastered version of “Home.”  That was mean, lil’ man.  Real, real mean.
But I gotta give it to Kanye.  His arrogance can be grating, but damned if he doesn’t do his best to live up to his press.  He is the illest right now, the one guy you have to check out to see what he’s gonna do next.  He’s an incredible producer, but he’ll still reach out to get help (see all the credits for Toomp on this record).  He’s a whiny little brat, but so is Elton John, and I’ve never held that against him.  Plus, it ain’t like I’m married to him.
So check the record.  I’ll give it a few more listens and give a better look at it before too long.