We must follow with Kanye West. His life, his escapades, his delusions, his marketing and ultimately… his music. On arrival, it is she who excites the most. Never mind the chaotic paths to get there. This is once again the case with "Donda", a new album that the star of American hip-hop finally released this Sunday. The day of the Lord for the 44-year-old artist who regularly summons God, religion, faith in every way. Before that, the musician played with the nerves of his fans announcing then rejecting this new disc on several occasions, object of dantesque presentation evenings in particular at the Atlanta stadium where the rapper has taken up residence for several weeks.
Thursday night, the release of "Donda" was relaunched as Kanye West gave a presentation concert in Chicago.
But as often, the interest in his new songs was swept away by his disturbing outbursts.
First the presence of two bulky guests at his side: the gothic rocker Marilyn Manson who is the subject of several accusations of rape and sexual assault and DaBaby caught up with homophobic remarks.
Then the improbable appearance in wedding dress of Kim Kardashian, his wife, who nevertheless filed for divorce a few months ago.
We get lost… like in this disc that we can finally listen to.
A disc like a labyrinth
So what is this “Donda” worth, a gargantuan recording of 27 tracks and nearly 1 hour 50 minutes? We fear the worst during the painful introductory piece of 52 long seconds where an a cappella voice tirelessly repeats "Donda, Donda, Donda ...". Have we already lost Kanye West? Phew, it comes back to him and us a few minutes later with the impressive “God Breathed”, a creepy hip-hop that immediately reminds us that the cover of “Donda” is just… a black square.
Then, we dive into this disc as in a labyrinth, where it is sometimes difficult to find our way, where there is food and drink. An epic and melancholy work inspired by the musician's mother, Donda West, who died in 2007, the album evolves between experimental rap, potential hits and stunning productions. As he always has, Kanye West explores, seeks, sometimes finds, sometimes gets lost, but never lands. Like the imposing “Jesus Lord”, a bravery piece of over 8 minutes for the first part and 11 minutes for the second, co-produced with the French Gesaffelstein, close to Daft Punk, who also co-signs “No Child Left Behind ".
It will take time to tame this record in its entirety, as it is full of accidents that shake up songs a priori obvious like "New Again" or "Pure Souls".
But from the first listen, "Donda" is crossed by a palpable emotion, not feigned, which illuminates jewels like "Hurricane" with The Weeknd, "Jonah" or the magnificent "Moon", "Come To Life" and "Lord I Need You ”, far from the megalomaniac delusions of their author.
For that alone, we are ready to forgive Kanye West everything.
EDITOR'S RATING: 4/5