Kanye West is one of the most well-known artists in the world and is also considered to be one of the best producers to ever step foot in the rap game. 

West has produced for people such as Jay-Z, Common, Beyoncé, Drake, Ludacris, Big Sean, Rick Ross and others. 

West’s hands-on music when it comes to sampling is unique.

Recently, by surprise and after long anticipation, he dropped a new album, “Donda” which is an homage to his late mother Donda West who died in 2007.

The album was released on Aug. 29 and features 27 songs.

The features on the album include Roddy Ricch, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, Don Toliver, Dababy, Marilyn Manson, Chris Brown, Playboi Carti and others. 

The songs that stood out to me were “Pure Souls”, “No Child Left Behind,” “Moon,” “Jail,” Jail pt2,” “Hurricane,” and “Junya.” 

“No Child Left Behind” stands out because the song exudes a holy presence with the fanfare and the beat of the song. In the song, West sings a recurring phrase “He’s done miracles on me,” which has a sort of unhealthy feeling that according to users on Twitter makes people float mentally. 

The album is well-made, as the production for the most part stands out on most of the album. West is a sample mastermind who uses iconic samples. An example is, West used Lauryn Hill’s song “Ex Factor,” on the song “Believe What I Say,” and the sample is brilliantly mixed together.

The album is a solid 7.5 /10, the production and features carry the album for the most part. West’s rap verses could’ve been better,  but then again his music is evolving and he’s not the same artist he was back in the early 2010s. The gospel influence with rap lyrics surprisingly fits well.

The album is a piece that is sure to receive continued recognition from both fans and award shows.