Very good review, Matt. Given how you felt about the album, do you think that Kanye's collaboration with Jon Brion helped or hurt the album (or did it not make much of a difference)? The fact that Jon Brion is working on it intrigued me because it's a meeting of two very good producers in completely opposite musical fields.

Also, it's interesting to see what songs didn't make the album. I was looking forward to hearing a song called "Bittersweet" which featured John Mayer. Also, a Chicago radio station leaked several songs weeks before "Diamonds" came out and virutally none of thos songs are on the final album.

There were a couple of fake versions of the album that were floating around. They were mostly tracks he did with other artists for their albums or tracks that never quite made it to College Dropout. They were released on a few bootlegs and such.

I know the song bittersweet you're thinking of. I don't think it made the album. If it did, its completely unrecognizable then.

As for Jon Brion producing the album. I think it hindered Kanye doing what Kanye does best. There are alot less of sped up Soul tune style beats that he is known for. He basically got a lot more choices working with Brion as he provided the ability for orchestration and other musical aspects that Kanye isn't fluent in. Kanye was able to describe the sound and pick and choose what ideas Brion brought to the table.

More choices, I feel, in the end, held back the album a little bit, but opened doors for future releases. He has one style locked up, so he has to experiment and try out some new things in order to grow.

Wow, I knew Jamie Foxx had an Oscar on his trophy shelf, but a Grammy, too? Talent! Genius! He good!

Jamie Foxx is an Oscar award winner, no Grammy... yet.

You know, i jus visited a lotta websites dissing this album majorly... i actually think it is a gr8 album... although i do believe College Dropout was one of the best Hip Hop Albums i had heard in a long time, this album does not reach the heights of it... i like the song wit Adam Levine, n golddigger, Diamonds from Sierra Leone is good too, so is the remix although one song i despise on the CD is Celebration... it is utter crap... I wish Kanye does some more "Never Let Me Down", "Two Words" n "Slow Jamz" type songs again... his ego has doubled with the sophomore album but i still respect him, and i believe he is still a mastermind... can't wait till Graduation comes out in 2k6... I give this CD 4.5/5... ooo i especially find the Broke Skits funny.... I'll still buy this CD on August 30th...


ITS DA ROC... DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

GOOD REVIEW MATE!

If kanye shut his mouth about this album and didnt hype it up, we would all think its even better than what it is, great album nearlly or equal to TCSDO but its not better.

I have listened to most of this album and I think it exceeds his last effort. I thought that "College Dropout" was a great album, but that last thing I wanted was a replica! I think he went with the right direction here and made the album more musical. I really appreciate when an artist brings the music to a level I've never heard before. I think the two singles were good introductory songs, but album cuts such a Gone, Bring Me Down, Drive Slow, We Major, Addiction, and of course Celebration. I think Celebration is the perfect union of synths, strings, horns, samples, vocal chords, and perfectly sequenced drum riff. Every song has it's own personality. The only dissapointing song I've heard so for is the one with Adam Lervene.

I can agree with what you're saying. Except that I don't think it exceeded his last album. Maybe it will grow on me, but we'll see. I do like the lyrics of celebration, it just comes off a little cheesy to me. "It's a celebration bitches!" I'm just not buying it. The Levene track has been growing on me, while at first I hated it. But we'll see.

Nice review. I havent heard all of the album yet, as I dont have the equipment to download, so I'm reading as many reviews as possible. I'll definately be buying the album, despite all the negative reviews I've read. You say Kanye aims to exceed The Blueprint with his fourth release? I heard that was gonna be called 'Good Ass Job'. Not sure if thats true or not.

I'm sure your right about Nas, Commons and Games contributions to the LP. Those 3 dudes have released the best 3 hiphop albums in the last couple years. I've heard Crack Music, and was disppointed Kanye didnt utilise Game more, he's on the top of his game after the release of Youknowwhatitis Volume 3 (that Lil Bit remix kills 50). Nas is the only MC out right now who could successfully drop a 2 disc CD. Common's 'Be', along with 'The Documentary' are my favourite 2 albums recently. I look forward to buying Late Registration on Monday (its released on the 29th here (UK) as albums are always released on Mondays) and vibing in my room all day oblivious to the world.

NOOOOOOOOOOO! I have been waiting for Bittersweet since late last year and now it isn't even on the album. DAMN IT!

isn't this Kanye West the same moron that said that the USA was responsible for spreading AIDS in Africa (or some such stupid nonsense) when he appeared at the Live 8 shows?

I am in full agreement with joe in that as much as we love the dropout and want more, we need something fresh from the kandy man. Kanye has done it again with his twisting and turning of hip hop to surprise the world with his new cd. It really isnt what people expected, but a true west fan is going to have every track grow on them just like the last album. I don't think that there can be enough kanye music out there and he is the empire to the dynasty.

Damon Dash,
1. Kandy man... not a great nickname. R Kelly can be the Kandy Man, not Kanye.
2. The album isn't that great of a departure from dropout.
3. Not so much with the twisting and the turning and the maven.
4. There can be too much Kanye West music. But it's a ridiculous, unfathomable amount.
5. I would say the Dynasty is an Empire. But Kanye is a part of the Dynasty, not an empire.

Let's just say that Kanye pushing the release back so late was a way for him to gain more props in the spring. "Heard Em Say" will be a grammy contender next year without a doubt. It has that whole political/social vibe and it's a beautiful song. Even though I can't stand Kanye's arrogrance, he's very talented and knows how to make a hit both commercially and underground. Great collabo.

I will put money down on the fact that Heard em say will no be nominated for a Grammy.

Nice review--one that I actually agree with it compared to the last two I read. Kanye hyped this one a tad too much, methinks. College Dropout stayed in and out of my CD Player for about four months straight, so I was expecting a lot from this one. I enjoyed the first skit and first song--they very much lived up to the album, but the rest was lackluster. Of course, that's not saying that this album isn't way better than most rap albums out right now, it just seemed like this one was a letdown in comparison to the hype and the wait.

I can't stress that point enough: Kanye's album is still one of the best Hip-Hop albums of the year. Although it isn't exactly a great year for main stream hip-hop.

i dont care what u ppole say the cd is sickening its so good, ur crazy if you dont like roses and touch the sky. whateva

It's funny that those two songs weren't really discussed in the review. Nor was anything bad said about them. Whatever you think you though, we're all entitled to our own opinions. For example, I think people are crazy when they demonstrate complete disregard for the English language.

I'm sorry good sir, I sincerely apologize for my terrible English! Oh my! I'm so embarrassed! Thank you for correcting me though! I wasn't even aware of my own typing. Once again I sincerely apologize.

Nothing else to say? Really? Anyway, I just wanted to say that I liked the old version of Hey Mama better. Sorry if there are any mistakes in this one. I'm such a clutz! Oh and I also have a total disregard for the English language. I proof read this one a couple of times so I think this one is o.k.

Keep those comments to yourself next time matt. I've had enough.

I note that none of you Kanye fans are concerned that your beloved pop music icon has smeared and denigrated the United States with lies, the country that provides him with his largest marketing base?

Do any of you people note the hypocrisy there?

What comments? Keep your comments to yourself and you'll come off a little more intelligent. Look for a fight someone else.

Mark... what are you talking about?

Matt: I guess you didn't read comment #11? Read it and get back to me.

The fact that you provide no source or quote, and aren't even sure yourself what he said, gives me enough reason to ignore your comment. But, to answer your question... No, not the same moron you refer to, this is an entirely different Kanye West.

Perhaps you don't read newpapers, Matt, it was reported the following Monday.

"On 2 July 2005 West appeared on the Philadelphia bill of Live 8, using the global platform to refer to "man-made diseases placed in African communities", a reference to the widely-held belief that AIDS was created by the U.S. government to exterminate Africans in Africa. He made the parallel between the government using AIDS to exterminate Africans and using crack to destroy African-American communities and halt the civil rights movement. He also criticised politicians for "riding home in their Benzs and Bentleys while poor Africans starve".

This guy is absolutely out of his mind. He must be smoking crack saying things that ridiculous.

Yeah, I must not read newspapers since I didn't read this article which is completely insignificant to the goings on in the world.

Because I like his music, am I suppose to support his politics?

Maybe he was speaking figuratively referring to the lack of US aid in Africa. Maybe he is smoking crack.

More important people have mad more radical statements that aren't true. I'm not going to mention them though, because we don't need any sort of political argument.

matt:

I would wager a great that if some conservative or Republican public figure took the the American airwaves and said that most black American males are drug addled wastes that will never amount to anything but a drain on the welfare system, you'd be speaking out against it on fora like these.

Right or wrong?

Good thing you didn't "wager a great", because you would be wrong. I would never speak "out against it on fora like these". What does that matter? Did a Republican figure or a Demoncrat say that?

Seriously, what are you talking about? What does a "Republican public figure took the the American airwaves and said...", have to do with my review on Kanye's album? Does it change my view of his album? No. Was my review based upon politics? No. Was it based upon the music? Yes.

I'm not sure what you are attempting to prove or convince me, but you're failing. Go watch conspiracy theory a few times, listen to the Chronic, and do whatever drugs YOU take before writing these comments, and THEN comeback and try again.

Great review--just a quick note--i'm pretty sure it's "Gone" feat. consequence and cam'ron, not "gone with consequence".

yep... itsa misprrint, thanks

An editor's pic of the week. Click HERE to find out why.

Thank you for the writing.

Matt, in "Heard Em Say" Kanye says "can i at least get a raise from the minimum wage/ and i know the government adminstor aids...."

Just to support Marks statement seen as he didnt provide a quote.

I know what he said in the song. Am I writing a request for Kanye to run for President? If you don't like his politics, and you feel strongly enough to not buy his album, then don't buy it.

I'm not his spokesman, so if you want to know what he meant by that, or you want to attack him for it, go talk to Kanye.

Thanks for recognizing my post as an Editors pick of the week. I've had enough of these articles written without a honest and fair review. If an Album is bad, its bad for a reason. You have to judge it on those reasons, as well as presenting the positive. You shouldn't judge a piece of work on your biased opinions. That's tabloid journalism and it's not beneficial to society.

"You shouldn't judge a piece of work on your biased opinions."

Why the hell not? Afraid of being judgemental?


"That's tabloid journalism and it's not beneficial to society."

What the hell would you know about what's beneficial to society? You can't even recognize when some schwartze thug is trashing your own country with lies?

Do you know what biased review means? To judge something in an unfair way.

It's never right to judge anything, whether it's a person or an album, in an unfair way.

Are you refering to Kanye? Bush? Osama? Clinton? Lil Kim? Which lie teller are you refering to?

And what's a schwartze? Are you from America?

Why in the world are you trying to pick a political fight about an album review?

"Why in the world are you trying to pick a political fight about an album review?"

because Kanye West is nothing BUT political, based on his public comments at Live8 about HIS country (and your country) being responsible for the AIDS epidemic in Africa

"And what's a schwartze? Are you from America?"

of course, it's Yiddish.

Don't worry, Matt.

Mark doesn't know anything about literature or journalism either, but he feels compelled to mindlessly comment on them as well. It probaly stems from his admitted use of psychedelic drugs.

Give him enough time and he'll start on his redistribution of wealth rant. He's a corporate socialist that likes to stir up trouble.

Ok, whatever you say. Kanye is obviously anti-american. He's a commie. (all sarcasm)

Now, what is it you expect from me?

"Now, what is it you expect from me?"

To condemn and boycott him like a good American should.

"To condemn and boycott him like a good American should."


HAHAHAH

HAHAHA

Ahem.... hahahahahah

I'm buying an extra copy the day it comes out... just for you. ;)

Ah your laughter made me laugh.

If you're buying two send one my way.

I may be only a white guy, but why the hell do these guys have to say "N" this, "N" that all the time? If a country singer said that in a song there would be protests. I certainly don't go around calling other white people polack or kraut. My wife is a woman of color and I wouldn't dream of calling her that. If I called her that she would slap my face.

John Bill: cowardly and guilt ridden white liberals are too afraid to condemn black rappers. They talk tough on blogs condemning the President and America, but shake in their boots when confronted by black issues.

the cd is one of the best cds ive heard eva, next to The Blueprint, The Chronic, and the College Dropout. All i need to know is, if anybody can tell me the name of the song kanye sampled for the hidden track "Late" i would truely appreciate that.

The song sampled for the hidden track "Late" is called "I'll Erase Your Pain" by The Whatnauts off their 1970 release, Introducing the Whatnauts.

Why don't you target a political post and not a review on a Hip-Hop album. What does it matter what rappers call each other. I call my best friend an asshole, he's not offended and neither are assholes across the country.

Please feel free to protest Kanye West if you'd like. But I'm not sure that its going to make a difference, as his politics are not really covered by the media and not many people who are Kayne fans give a crap what his politics are.

What you feel to relize is that Kanye's political views don't really matter. He has no credibility. I care as much about Kanye's politics as I would if Bush put out a Hip-Hop album.

fail to realize***

Kanye West, like Terrell Owens, is a superhero. How am I so convinced? Just listen to the man rap. Although I just downloaded the album off iTunes today, his song 'Crack Music' has already caught my eye.

How'd we stop the blank panthers?
Ronald reagan cooked up an answer
You hear that?
Yo Gil Scot is hearin'
When our heros and heroines get hooked up on heroine

Crack raised the murder rate in DC and Maryland
We invested in that, it's like we capped Marrill Lynch
And we've been hanging in the same tree ever since

Sometimes I feel that music is the only medicine
So we cook it, cut it, measure it, bag it, sell it
The fiends cop it
Now a days they can tell it

"That's the good shit,
Yeah im sure man
Put the cd on your tongue,
Yeah, it's pure man"

...

Who chases down anthrax
George Bush has got answers
Back in the hood it's a different kind of chemical
Arm and hammer baking soda, raised their whole quota
Right when our soldiers ran to the stove

Who said rap isn't contructive? This song -- as well as the rest of his album -- is fantastic. And it's not just because he dropped the R-bomb.

Mark.....There is intelligence the America did spread AIDS in Africa and in the Gay communities of NY and San Fran. I guess Kanye just educated you a little.

TYhis album is good. My favorite so far is We Major, even though on some webpages its been marked as one of the weakest.

ay thanks man, i got one more question, about two years ago this rapper who sounded exactly like Jay Z came out with a song, he had somebody singing on the hook. if anybody knows this guys name or the name of the song, please let me know. And Kanye's Late Registration is one of the best CDs ever made

"Mark.....There is intelligence the America did spread AIDS in Africa and in the Gay communities of NY and San Fran."

That's not "intelligence," it's stupidity repeated by uneducated and blunt smoking morons like West.

"I call my best friend an asshole, he's not offended and neither are assholes across the country."

What a moronic statement. Calling someone an asshole and calling someone n*gger are two entirely different things. You must be in your 20s because you really don't know about life yet.

What a silly argument.

We're reviewing music, not political beliefs. Sure, I disagree with alot of Kanye's beliefs he espoused during College Dropout, but that didn't stop me from recognizing College Dropout was one, if not the, best hip hop release in years.

If the best you can do is criticize his music on his politics, you're best off leaving the actual reviews to people who review music for the MUSIC

You're probably very young and very naive not to have already learned that music has always been a major venue for espousing political beliefs. Have you ever heard of songs like "This Land is Your Land"? "Blowin' In the Wind"? "Street Fightin' Man"? "Fixin' to Die Rag"?

"you're best off leaving the actual reviews to people who review music for the MUSIC"

I seriously doubt you would know what good music was if it popped up and batted you on your acne ridden nose.

i'm hearin Tupac in my head-

"Nigga,
Never Ignorant, Gettin Goals Accomplished"

"Nigga,
Never Ignorant, Gettin Goals Accomplished"

No wonder they shot him.

To all u fuckers who have no clue about music, or the african-american culture, stop leaving ignorant ass reviews. How can u justify somebody gettin shot. Its Never Ignorant 'about' Gettin Goals Accomplished. I cant even explain how retarded and absent minded the fucker must be to say that Tupac deserved to be shot. Kanye is one of the only true hip hop artist there is left. and the government did have ALOT to due with the spread of AIDS in the gay communities and Africa. They purposely didnt look for cures UNTIL the christian straight WHITE community began becomming affected by the disease. The idiots didnt realize that alot of gay men have wives, thus the AIDS spread rapidly in the 80s. They helped this happen by forcing those who were homosexuals and who were infected with the virus to live in specific, idealy closed communuties in San Fran and New York, more so in San Fran.

"and the government did have ALOT to due with the spread of AIDS in the gay communities and Africa."

where's your proof of that, home boy?

There isn't any proof because "the man" hid it all.

They do that all the time you know. Just like Area 51 and the alien invasion.

How do I know? My dog told me of course.

**

It seems like Kanye West was put on this world to make Tom Cruse look sane...

I can't believe the ignorant comment that Kanye West had to say in regards to this disaster in New Orleans! He said "George W Bush hates Black people!"

Now what type of ignorant Nigg@ are you to say something so disrupted on LIVE TV while doing a fund raiser! Way to go dumb A$$ you truly showed the Definition of a Nigg@! And you wonder why no one helps us when we need it! This is not a black white issue! Do you pay attention to the news! I will never! Never by another album from you or at the least Down load your sh!t

Thanks
A True Nigg@ from the Dirty South!

Kanye West is a [deleted] that needs to shut his mouth while he is on live tv trying to help the hurricane victims. His personal opinion should be kept to himself for the benefit of the victims.

I completly agree with you Will. He is a stupid [deleted] that should be stuck on a roof with nothing but water all around him, no food or water, and see how these folks really feel.

I am sooooo sick of African Americans pulling the racist card! I know what they've been through has been wrong, but give it up already! The concert was to pull together money and support for everyone who is suffering in the Gulf, not to point out who's looting and who's begging for food. Everyone is looting and even more people are begging for food! I'm so disgusted by his comments... and I'm not even a Bush supporter!

My compliments to Mr. Mike Myers. He, a Canadian born citizen, comes to the aid of U.S. citizens and has to put up with the foul mouth sh*# of a U.S. citizen Kanye West. I feel sorry for Mr. Myers who was only trying to help us and had to endure the hardship of racial opinions during a catastrophe. A CATASTROPHE THAT DIDN'T DECIDE WHAT NATIONALITY OR RACE TO STRIKE. It was just a force of nature. But it's too bad that racial differences have to come in to blame for something that nobody had control over.
I thought that celebrity figures were offering their time to HELP citizens of this catastrophe, not express their political opinions. I think it is a shame that so many people in
this "FREE" country are blaming the president for the delayed responses to the hurricane "Katrina" relief efforts.

Anything that happens on this earth is going to be blamed on the person who is in charge. What a shame. I don't think it's the president's fault that so many people decided NOT to get out of town to get to safety, even though there was plenty of warning prior to this catastrophe. Yet, everyone seems to blame the president.

It doesn't take one person to decide how a catastrophe of this magnitude is going to be dealt with. So, quit blaming the president! It takes each individual person to decide how he or she will ultimately survive.

David Carroll
Lewisville, Tx

This is not intended as a slam against anyone, but here is the thought that just came to mind: Doesn't the buck stop at the desk in the Oval Office?

I'm not a fan of Kanye West, but I saw him on NBC tonight with the celebrities trying to raise money. I would love to tell him to just shut up. I hate when black people want to pull the racist card too. I saw on the news white people helping black people. I saw black guys helping an old white woman. This should pull people together. He is causing hate and not unity. I think Kanye West got his info. wrong too. This one black guy did go into the store and got some food and water for his family. He said he wrote down everything he took. There were white people wading through water just to get bottled water to drink. The NAACP is only feeding the fire to this black white issue. It's not a black and white issue. Both white and black and probably other races that live in the south have been hurt by this hurricane. I should know I live in Alabama. Anyway..Mr. Kanye West needs to keep his ignorant comments to himself. We are in 2005..we need to get over the past and try to build our future..all races involved. Oh and President Bush does not hate black people. That was a very dumb comment to make. We in america just want things now and it takes time to get people,food, and supplies into such a devastated area.

(Editor comment: This post is a link to 2 photographs, one showing a black person being called a looter and another referring to white people as having found food. The author only posted the link without any context so it seemed to need a little clarification. Thank you.)

photos

Any idea can be supported or denied, and there is often a very hard line to draw between who is right or wrong. I hope more people will use logic as opposed to rallied emotions to decide what is true and what is right. If you thing poverty is exclusive to blacks I invite you to the foothills of West Virginia, not to mention several other large poor areas that are not predominantly black. Jewish people have become a race as much as Islamic or someone refering to a hispanic for example, Judaism is not a race it is a religous group. The jews have been to this day in certain areas moved around as was done to the indians, and not to mention killed or black listed. This has not kept the culture as a whole down, it provides fuel for the daily rally to unite and become better. Placing blame in this matter is useless, it is the responsibility of the individual to better one's self, not the responsibility of the government. Your oportunity is based on how hard you are willing to work, and individual talent. I don't deny favortism exists, but it often exists in the favor of the down trodden in the US, as myself as someone who has fired and hired have come to bear. West's Comments are offensive and constantly breed hate, he can't steal the spotlight with his music, so he chooses to go the tabloid low road. All one has to do is ask themselves why? The people under a president in the US are like one big team(as an idea) if that team is made up of all succesful players, the president comes out looking like a hero. On the other hand if that team is say...half stars and half mediocre that is not so good. Why would the president want any member of this team to not be sucesful? It simply dosnt make sense, in the history of the industrialized US no upper political figure has ever released a virus on any people knowingly, I don't deny unintentional accidents, but that is not what is responsible for the aids virus. Aids is also highly preventable, being that fluid transfer is nescarry. I will end my rant, just hoping everone will question when they hear a "fact" instead of just assuming it is true.

Doing nothing is or can be as bad as doing something bad. It's called negligence.

As far as the race comments, I'm interested to know what [deleted] means in the above emails. Because yall sound as ignorant as Kanye may have been.

"This is not intended as a slam against anyone, but here is the thought that just came to mind: Doesn't the buck stop at the desk in the Oval Office?"

Hey natalie, how about entertaining this idea for a nanosecond?

How about looking the stop the buck at YOUR desk first?

I'm not a fan of Kanye West, either, but the frightened look in his eyes coupled with the emotion in his voice got to me. There's a racial divide and to close our eyes to it does nothing to get rid of it. There's a divide between the rich and poor which faith based initiatives can't handle alone. Sometimes truth can be brutal but what's most destructive is failure to face it.

I liked his last album a lot, but I don't agree necessarily with what he did and said last night. But I too saw the nervousness and heard the emotion. This was a guy filled with fear and sadness; he was overwrought. The emotion got the better of him, something I am sure has happened to most of us on occasion. Bush may not hate anyone, but I don't see where attacking Kanye West solves anything. It seems wise to look beyond his emotional outburst and figure out why that sentiment is felt so widely. Let's look at how the media are covering the disaster. Let's look at how people view humans of differing socioeconomic statuses. Mr. West's unfortunate remarks didn't appear out of a vacuum. And as we think about these necessary, weighty issues, let's help members of the world's human family who are in need.

First and foremost, what this post is about, the new Kanye West album is GOOD. Period. I am an avid music fan, and an passionate hip-hop fan, and Kanye West is one of the forerunners in the attempt to revive hip-hop music. He has put emotion and heart back into a genre which is losing its once strong, dignified voice. Hip-hop music has sunken to simply "club bangers" (which is all good and dandy, dont get me wrong) but has been lacking the political fire it was born with (see: KRS One, Public Enemy, Grandmaster Flash &the Furious Five, Tupac, De La Soul -- these are just the first that immediately come to mind).
Hip-hop music is and is supposed to be a culmination of reality, story-telling, and a way for people to celebrate their culture in a society that once did NOT accept it.
Kanye and his peers (genius artist like Common [Sense], Talib Kweli, Mos Def, etc) are struggling to regain what they grew up with. Which I fully support.

As for Kanye's outburst on NBC, none of you should be shocked. Knowing who Kanye is, they shouldve never let that man speak if they didnt want him to come with passion. His outburst was the most genuine celebrity commentary I've seen on any Hurricane Relief broadcasts. And for those of you claiming it is not a black&white issue YOU are ignorant. If you look at the footage, you see the thousands of minorities on the street, and then one or two spotted white [non-volunteers] citizens, who are obviously of lower income. Where are the middle class plus citizens of Louisiana? Sure, they were hit with just as much wreckage and heartbreak, but they were taken care of, while the rest are abandoned, hungry and desperate. And those of you defending GWB's actions, WHAT THE FUCK TOOK HIM SO LONG TO GET THERE!? And why when he did get there, did he not visit the people downtown who probably needed his reassurance the most? He knows he's fucked up. He knows he's to blame, he's even admitted that the steps towards relief were "unexceptable". And then there's the excuse that its impossible to ship supplies and help fast enough.
Well, Harry Connick Jr., and George Bush had no problem getting in and out. So that is invalid.
Sure, GWB did not cause the hurricane, but he certainly did not do all he could to ensure safety considering he cut $44mil in Louisiana's flood insurance to send to the War in Iraq which is supposed to be over.
I'm sorry I'm ranting on and on about this, but stop being ignorant. Open your fucking eyes and realize whats going on in this world.

I am a biracial American. I hate pulling the race card more than the most racist of White America, but when its blatantly there in my face, I will refuse to deny it.

African Americans pull the racist card because THE SHOE FITS. I am a catholic white girl raised in suburbia. I grew up in an extremely racist town. There are elements about me that indeed ARE racist, by default. I still believe what Kanye is saying is correct. Conservative people (Bush) are more racist than those who aren't. THE SHOE FITS, so he's wearing it with pride.

Michael Moore has critized Bush in an open letter.

I would like to ask Mr West were the white people in other places hit by the hurricane served first, the answer is no. He also said that the gov. hates black people. Mr West, what other country in this world will pay people to stay at home have more kids, give them money for food? The USA. Blacks have more ways to get ahead in this world. It is the ones who choose to do so. How did Oprah become a millionaire? There is a community in Maryland that is nothing but blacks, and the cost of a home is more than a million. How did they make the money? They worked for a living, got an education, wanted to be more and have more than their parents. So, Mr West what is your response?

I would like to ask Mr West were the white people in other places hit by the hurricane served first, the answer is no. He also said that the gov. hates black people. Mr West, what other country in this world will pay people to stay at home have more kids, give them money for food? The USA. Blacks have more ways to get ahead in this world. It is the ones who choose to do so. How did Oprah become a millionaire? There is a community in Maryland that is nothing but blacks, and the cost of a home is more than a million. How did they make the money? They worked for a living, got an education, wanted to be more and have more than their parents. So, Mr West what is your response?

I would like to ask Mr West were the white people in other places hit by the hurricane served first, the answer is no. He also said that the gov. hates black people. Mr West, what other country in this world will pay people to stay at home have more kids, give them money for food? The USA. Blacks have more ways to get ahead in this world. It is the ones who choose to do so. How did Oprah become a millionaire? There is a community in Maryland that is nothing but blacks, and the cost of a home is more than a million. How did they make the money? They worked for a living, got an education, wanted to be more and have more than their parents. So, Mr West what is your response?

But Kanye West's statement, last night at least, was directed to Bush. What has Bush done for the African American community? NOTHING.
Obviously Kanye knows black people are capable of being successful... considering he IS one.

Of course - lets play the race card! Anyone who has been through a hurricane, like I have - understands the process. Everyone is so quick to blame FEMA and Bush - where was the City, the County, the State governments? In Florida, it took FEMA about a week to get here after all 4 hurricanes. (FEMA steps in after the City,County and State govts). You did not see people start acting like cavemen, and start looting towns, raping, and killing. What you saw in Florida was people coming together to help each other out, not kick each other while we were down.

First of all, I think it's great that a music review [great CD by the way...haven't heard this blend of music and lyrics on any other album] has turned into this great debate on this web blog. A couple of points I would like to make:

1. Kanye West, like most singers/rappers/Americans, is very opinionated (as evidenced by OUR OWN OPINIONATED VIEWS throughout these 85+ messages on this web blog...my point, why shouldn't he be opinionated)

1a. To all of you predictable souls that answered "Because it was doing a National telethon"...The media should know that Kanye West has a history of reading "off script" as seen at the last American Music Awards. Additionally, he had the Nation's attention, why not say anything? It's perfect timing. Not that I agree with what was said (I'm still making up my mind), but it took balls to say --- boy, I've never seen anyone so nervous. Finally, it's through criticism that we often see change. The mayor of New Orleans, while not as blatant as West, echoed a similar sentiment to Kanye's opinions. I hope that Americans are smart enough to not be discouraged from giving to relief foundations b/c of one's views.

2. Kanye West said "Bush DOESN'T CARE ABOUT Black people" [notice he didnt use HATES....my point, while his views may be considered racy or poorly timed, isn't it interesting that New Orleans citizens [largely Black, and poor -> no way to evacuate) had to be subjected to those horrific conditions for so long after the storm had cleared (60+ hours, no food/water even in the SECURED locations)]

3. If Katrina was predicted to be the worse storm to hit the U.S., why wasn't the National Guard ALREADY on standby in Louisiana and Mississippi for the aftermath [as opposed to having to be mobilized on the 2nd day AFTER the storm....Dept of Defense screw-up, Homeland Security screw-up = Bush screw-up]

4. Find vs. Loot argument....I'm still surprised at the large number of people who do not see the significance/validity of this argument. Simply, (and I preface this by saying I have read the explanation by photographer Chris who captured the White/Fairer-skinned couple with bread) many African Americans believe that there is still a subconscious racism that rests within media agencies and Americans throughout the country. If that comparison of photos [and I know they were taken by 2 different people] doesnt show just that, I don't know what does. (By the way, the Black person in the picture had a trash bag in one hand, and a case of soda [pepsi] in the other (essentials when there is a lack of food)...such that an assumption had to be made about what was in the bag...and we all know what assumptions lead to)

5. Finally, and I thank whoever has continued to read this masterpiece, I ask you all to consider the scenario of Beverly Hills being separated from the rest of the country and supermarkets, etc by a giant earthquake separating them from food, water, communication [THE WORKS] (as I am religious I pray this doesn't actually happen)...can you honestly say that you could imagine 48+ hours without helicopters dropping food, water, clothing, medical supplies. After the tsunami hit, aid was airlifted within 48 hours. How could 60 + hours pass before the 1st wave of supplies arrived in the Gulf?...here in the United States...in New Orleans and other coastal areas. Makes You Think...Is Kanye full of ish (urban vernacular for the slow ones), or is he on to something? I've got my answer, but as I may be runnin for office one day, so I'm gonna hold on to it. PEACE to all my Black, White, Latino, and Asian Brothers and Sisters. Stay Strong

GOD Bless Everyone Affected by our Nation's Worst Tragedy

Kanye Album: 4.5/5 Stars

People should remember it took 4 days for help to get to the people in Florida after hurricane Andrew. Most of the people living there were white, older and middle class.

I'm a Floridian, and quite frankly:
Katrina > Andrew.

Okay, if anyone notices ..in the picture with the black guy there is a huge bag he is carrying..where as the white girl is carrying some bread. Also, let me point out that the statements aren't even by the same news press. People can say this is a white and black thing all they want. EVERYONE of all colors have been effected by this hurricane. Plus, help did not come immediately to the white people. People in Mississippi..a group of white people had no where to go and were waiting hours on food. It all comes down to roads and interstated being down, the time it takes for food, supplies, and troops to be organized to know where to go to the hurt places. I wish people could just stop about the black and white thing..and just help eachother whatever color you may be.

Any real American that has any decency woulden't buy this.
I'M BOYCOTTING, WHO'S WITH ME!?
Not like I would've bought it anyway.)
Now it's just a little more personal.

Where was the national guard?

ohhh... Iraq.

Now I have to buy an extra copy for Jennifer.

Oh dang

How do you author a coherent, cogent response to 96 opinions? It is an overwhelming sense to just say your peace to someone, and while trolling the net for Katrina info, I came across all of your wonderful comments, so I thought I'd include my two cents. Forgive my apparent lack of linear thinking; it's just that after 4 days of witnessing such atrocities, here in arguably the greatest nation in the world, I have a lot to say.

First and foremost, anyone that attempts to lay the blame for this colossal fuck up in leadership on anybody other than President Bush inexcusably misunderstands the definition and purpose of a chain of command. The hurricane is not his fault, but ultimately it is his responsibility. He and he alone is the ultimate end of the line, and he and he alone guides our great country.

Secondly, and this may seem contradictory, but there is indeed one body that is perhaps to blame more than President Bush. That body is the one that is responsible for letting such an apathetic, narrow minded demagogue to be put into such a position of power. That body is of course ourselves. We are ultimately responsible for OUR country, and we are equally responsible for its shortcomings and downfalls. If our elected officials fail us, it is in no small measure due to our lack of foresight in electing them. If we ignore an ideology to be put in power that allows an economic system to categorically disadvantage and disenfranchise a group of people, we silently consent to it. If we allow a group of people that want its constituents to believe and espouse that the poor are poor because they choose to be, or that black people, or any race on the lowest rung of the socio-economic ladder, have the same opportunities and advantages afforded to them that those on the upper rungs have, if we allow this group to achieve majority, then we have no one to blame but our selves, for it is our responsibility to remain constantly vigilant against such groups.

Thirdly, and most importantly, what Kanye West's role is in all of this. He was doing America a great service, by filling in three important roles in our form of government. Firstly, he was the voice of dissent - not only in discord with the prevailing ideology, but also against the powers that be within the entertainment industry. Secondly, he was honest, speaking from his heart, obviously emotional, and in doing so dropped all pretense of political correctness or evasive scripted answers. And most importantly, he said what needed to be said - namely, that there is a system of prejudice and oppression at work in America, and the longer we ignore the elephant in the room, the longer that elephant will cause us such turmoil. I Thank you Mr. West, if for nothing else, than for overcoming your trepidation, and using your voice. And thank you to all those on this blog, for doing the same.

I am not a huge fan of hip-hop, so I apologize for my out of place rant. I will however purchase a copy of Late Registration, just to quell any misplaced boycotts :-)

Any idiot who is "boycotting" Kanye West for his statements were obviously never Kanye West fans.

I'm so sick and tired of how every Album Review Message board turns into a damn political argument...All I wanted was to see what other people thought about his album...thats it..

If Kanye made comments on TV about america...great...anyone has an opinion.
Hes on TV, he wanted to speak his mind, there is nothing wrong with that. thats why I love this country, because in some countries, if you speak against it...You DIE...

I've been to third world countries, Philippines (where im from), Thailand, and other places...I see people suffering on the street holding out their hands at cars at a stop light, hoping to get some food. I feel so insignificant when im over there b/c the problems i have like "damn i need a car" seem so small.

Im grateful that i live in a country where i can eat when ever i want to. In china, people DIE when they even speak against the government. Something im also grateful for...the FREEDOM OF SPEECH

People, just be grateful that you live here. Just see how bad it is in New Orleans right now...well that is what its like in other countries EVERYDAY.
Try taking a bath in feces riddled rivers, eating cat food b/c its the only thing edible...

Im not a very good writer, and i apologize if i didnt make myself clear. But seriously, we are all americans, black white, muslim, christian, asian, we are ALL americans...

Once we stop fighting amongst ourselves about stupid crap, like "he said that...he must be a commie!"
Maybe after we get over useless arguments like that...this country will be so much better than it already is...
I hate to sound Cliche...But man...A BETTER america would be great.

Im sorry for rambling...i usually never post anything...

But we have to stop fighting amongst ourselves over something so stupid...

Well...i guess i got ahead of myself.

Hows the album?

Goodnight and God Bless,
Brian

Late Registration is still an amazing album. it's hard though living up to one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time in the college dropout. My favourite songs on the album are drive slow, my way home which is all Common with an amazing soulful R&B sample, Gone ft. Cam'ron, Goldigger and Diamonds from sierra leone. I love how Kanye is so original and brilliant in songwriting and producing. everything he says has a deep meaning and i like the fact how he incorporates all different types of music into his songs. All songs on the album r very good if not great but there are still a couple that i just dint really get into like that one with adam levine or celebration. i know that they are still good songs but i probably will not be listening to them the most where as on college dropout i loved every song such as classics like never let me down, spaceship,2 words,family business etc... i like all of kanye west's callaborations. In all i think the production of the album was amazing. Knye teamed up with an mazing producer and my favourite song off the album must be Hay mamma. I've always loved how Kanye West is so different then other rappers in his childhood backround. how he grew up what he raps about. Everything he says is intelligent and sends a message to all listeners. He dosen't follow the style of anyone else and he is truly is own person. I think that he has created 2 classic albums that will be remembered for a long time.
P.S. some people may think the skits are a waste but i thought they were so funny especially when they would chant about being not able to afford no gas so they ain't driving.

Although I thought Mr. West's comments were inappropriate for the telethon, I give him credit for saying what a lot of people are thinking or wondering. Clearly, based on all the televised reports, the majority of stranded and suffering people were BLACK. This is not in dispute! Second, the federal response was a disaster in itself. Hmmm. Does anyone really think that if this had happened in Carmel, California the same result would have occurred? Face it! There are racial biases in America! Deal with it. Instead of blithely saying that African Americans should get over it, go out and read a book and do some research about African American history. Ignorance is rampant in this country as evidenced by those people on this posting who cannot fathom the racism in the two newpaper photos. Are you blind? Are you insensitive? Do I think this is George Bush's fault. Of course not! He can't control hurricanes. But I do think the Bush Republican government F-ed up royally as evidenced by the thousands of people who died or are dying right now because of this slow response. TV news anchorwoman said it best when she questioned the FEMA director and asked him why food wasn't dropped down into New Orleans on the 1'st, 2nd or 3rd day. This person, this head of FEMA, had no intelligible reply. Why not? Because there isn't one. I just hope that in the next election and in the days to come, people remember what they voted into office. Lastly, what an embarrassment our country has become when we can't even feed and rescue our own people. THe world is watching America and shaking their heads in disbelief.

About 80 percent inspired by this conversation and Matt, I have my own post, titled REVIEW: KanYE West - Late Registration, and the days of judgment

I don't usually leave comments in blogs, but what I've read has enraged me. Last time I heard, we could openly criticize our government. I'm glad Kanye said what he said, at least someone is not getting the wool pulled over his eyes. Has anyone ever read a real history book? The rich have the poor on a vise grip, and it's been going on forever! Those who say black people need to stop being lazy and better themselves, how do you propose they do it? The reason they are poor is not because they are lazy, but because there is no opportunites to progress. If your a working class citizen, your money is not going to the poor, its going to war, so wake up. You should realize who the real enemy is: the wealthy. The rich class is the one who feeds the stereotypes and racist opinions to the middle class and the poor, so they won't become a target. Keep them fighting against themselves! Sorry I ranted too much.

For any one idiotic enough to blame the POTUS first....



Yes, that is a picture of some of the 2,000+ schoolbuses that the New Orleans mayor chose not to put into service to help save the many poor people he knew couldnt leave the city. Guess he thought they needed to be washed more than run.

Anyone that acts like the moronic mayor of New Orleans (who is black) isn't first and foremost responsible is an asshole...

That would include Kanye West, who apparently couldn't come up with a way to blame the hurricane on the Jews.

kanye west is a waste of life. Read his lyrics. he should be thankful for his right to free speech; because frankly it should be revoked.

People want to blame Bush for all of this. About how he gutted FEMA, but today I heard something interesting on the news. An elderly lady, I believe in her 80's, got booted out of a hotel room because apparently FEMA needed the space. The men they had on the news said that was the first time they even saw FEMA since the hurricane. That is about 8 days. I believe this was in Mississippi.

keep listening to that liberal media. it will get you places in life.

5. Finally, and I thank whoever has continued to read this masterpiece, I ask you all to consider the scenario of Beverly Hills being separated from the rest of the country and supermarkets, etc by a giant earthquake separating them from food, water, communication [THE WORKS] (as I am religious I pray this doesn't actually happen)...can you honestly say that you could imagine 48+ hours without helicopters dropping food, water, clothing, medical supplies. After the tsunami hit, aid was airlifted within 48 hours. How could 60 + hours pass before the 1st wave of supplies arrived in the Gulf?.

in our system, a state has to REQUEST federal aid before the government comes marching in. The moron governor of louisiana sat on bush's 2 plans of action for 24 hours because she "needed to consider it". Just listening to Martin Luther west's eloquent and well thought out diatribe about the war and giving them permission to shoot "us". He is exactly the kind of spokesperson I want representing the bush haters: an inarticulate fool who can't string 2 coherent sentences together. Maybe people including professor west should consider the implications of moving billions of dollars of equipment and how long it takes to get those wheels in motion. And personally if these "80% black population that no one cares about" would have gotten off of their asses and evacuated instead of waiting around for the good lootin' we wouldn't be hearing their whiney bitch asses every day on every fucking channel. Here's a thought: think about trying to help yourselves instead of waiting for the government to come and solve every little problem in your pathetic life.

Recently while on television for a Hurricane Katrina relief telethon... Kanye West did more to hurt his people by furthering unneeded and (untrue) racism in 2 minutes than most can do in 2 generations.

It's stupid statements like these "George Bush doesn't care about black people..." that help keep the stereotypes alive.

There was NO need for it during a time when money was needed to help the poor (and black) victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Think of how many people were turned off by his racist statement and decided not to give that night?

[edited]

Kanye West = Chipmunk looking douchebag who needs to get over his "Oh my God blacks are victims" crap. He is a clown and I HOPE TO GOD that Bush files a lawsuit against him for slander. Not that I am a big fan of Bush. Kanye West, although a good artist, is such a clown.

I couldn't agree more with Kanye West. From the first day of the hurricane up to now white biggots like George Bush don't give a damn about blacks. I think the bastard should be impeached.

i believe Kanye west was in all honestly correct and justified in his statements about President Bush. The majority of the people who were offended by his statements were only offended because they support bush's republican view; not by the fact that the leader of our country had been accused of being a bigot. Notice on many of the news stations, african americans were labeled "looters" and "refugees", as if this isnt their home country. But when referring to whites, republican stations like fox said that the whites were "doing their best to survive", when in all actuality, they were also 'looting'. The most interesting and disgusting fact brought up by Kanye's statement is that it got almost as much news coverage as the actual crisis itself. In a crisis that is occuring in your own country it does not take long to take action. Especially due to that fact that, thanks to modern day weather technology, the government knew the storm was coming before it hit and should have prepared the aid organizations to send help immediatly. When the tsunami hit in Sri Lanka, aid was sent to them immediatly. I believe this is due to the fact that Goerge Bush wants to improve his international relations and appeal. But when you cant help your own people ( who in the New Orleans area happen to be a majority of african- americans) there is just something wrong with that picture. Some of the comments on this board seemed to be aimed more at Kanye west in particular and at the fact that he was black, but would it have had as much effect if it would have been Mike Myers who said it instead? Take a moment to look at the entirety of the situation.

HEY KANYE WE ARE TO GURLS WHOS NAMED 2FLY WHICH STANDS FOR 2 FRIENDLY LOVING YOUNGSTERS AND WE WERE HOPING YOU COULD HELP US OUT AND MAYBE HOOK US UP WITH A RECORD DEAL

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOU HELPING US WITH YOUR BUSY SCHEDULE AND WE ARENT GONNA GIVE YOU MY PHONE NUMBER CAUSE WE ARE NEW AT THIS AND WE ARE YOUNG BUT GOD GAVE US THIS TALENT AND WERE READY TO USE DIS SINGING TALENT SO IF YOU CAN PLEASE CONTACT US AT YOUR MOST CONVIENT TIME AND IF YOU RITE BACK WE WILL GET IT AND OUR PARENTS ARE BEHIND US 100% THANK YOU SINCERLY 2FLY