“It ain’t how it used to be / This the new me, so get used to me / It ain’t how it used to be / This the new me, so get used to me / Lookin’ in the mirror, it’s the truth of me / Lookin’ at my kids, it’s the proof of me / Devil get behind me, I’m loose, I’m free / Father, Holy Spirit, let loose on me / Father, I’m Yours exclusively / Devil get behind me, I’m loose, I’m free / Father, Holy Spirit, let loose on me / Father, I’m Yours exclusively / Devil get behind me, I’m loose, I’m free / Devil get behind me, I’m loose, I’m free.”
On the morning of August 29, I learned from Yolande (W+G E.I.C) that Kanye West’s widely anticipated DONDA album was finally released. I didn’t know whether to dive in immediately or wait until I could listen to the full orchestration of each track with GOOD headphones (true fans will get this pun). I decided to dive in with my iPhone while I got ready for that day’s church service. I started with “Hurricane” as it was her favorite tune at that point and let the experience begin.
There are many tracks on the DONDA album that took me back to the Sunday mornings of my youth. The one day of the week when I wore my best dresses and sat on pews or cushioned chairs playing tic-tac-toe or hangman when the sermon went too long. The choir singing refrains on “24” and “Lord I Need You” gives me the memory of ushers helping those late for service find a seat as the pastor prepared to take the pulpit. The nostalgia is real and vivid.
At the same time, this album sends me back to that good hip-hop era I grew up in the ’80s and ’90s.
This album has LEGENDS on it with LEGEND verses. Verses that make me want to explore and take in more hip-hop artists as hip-hop speaks to the conscious. Hip-hop is music that makes me think. Music that makes me google lyrics to learn bits of history and understand what is being talked about.
“They say I’m a product of my environment, I tell them nah I’m ‘God-produced”
“Off The Grid” sent me down a few rabbit holes. This track is pure fire. I want the instrumental version. A simple, easy beat with solid, thought-provoking, passionate lyrics.
The “Jail” track follows “Donda Chant”, and I must say it was refreshing to hear Kanye’s mother’s name spoken so profoundly. There is something beautiful about speaking the names of our loved ones who have transitioned. It keeps them with us and present.
“Hol’ up, Donda, I’m with your baby when I touch back road / Told him “Stop all of that red cap, we goin’ home”
It was refreshing to hear Jay-Z’s verse as the album continues to open. I got a bit emotional when he talked to Kanye’s mother in a way that a big brother would.
With “Junya” to “Jesus, Lord”, the catchy phrases stay with me. The chords that introduce “Junya” come in heavy and immediately call you to focus. And then “Jesus Lord” continues the church service that the orchestration of “Junya” started eight tracks before.
Can we talk about the Lauryn Hill sample? Not only does “Believe What I Say” take me back to my college days when “The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill” was released, but the beat added to the original chorus is the perfect combination. The ending spoken word piece by Buju Banton adds the mandatory texture that I didn’t realize was needed to close out the song. It was a pleasant surprise that complemented the song well.
“We gon’ praise our way out the grave, dawg, Livin’, speakin’, praise God, Walkin’ out the graveyard back to life; I serve, follow your word, see with new sight, into the night”
Upon first listen, I enjoyed “Praise God” and specifically enjoyed the words in the beginning by Kanye’s mother, Dr. Donda West. When I listened to this track again, I noticed that the chorus is West’s mother speaking “into the night.” It’s easy to miss, but headphones don’t lie.
The piano piece on “Come To Life” caught all of my attention. As you take it in, the beauty of it is startling and creates an entire experience. This track, the music, the orchestration truly paired quite lovely with his transparent, emotional lyrics about his family.
“I don’t think there’s nothing I can do now to write my wrongs, I wanna talk to God but I’m afraid cause we ain’t spoke in so long.”
It’s been fascinating to watch Kanye’s career explode. I want to go back to “College Dropout”, Kanye’s debut project, for a moment. This album has been a long-time favorite. I will never forget the powerful moment when Kanye West performed at Madison Square Garden in August 2008. He had the entire arena singing “JESUS WALKS, JESUS WALKS WITH ME.” It was breathtaking, honestly. It was a deeply powerful moment for me, as a hip-hop aficionado and a Christian. A time I will always remember.
As I re-listened to “College Dropout,” I took in one of my favorite tracks on the album, “Last Call” and I couldn’t help but smile a bit and think of all he has accomplished with his music. In “Last Call”, the album’s outro, he discusses the journey to his first record deal. He mentions his mother’s support and the roles he worked all while trying to prove he could rap in addition to produce music.
Since then, he has done a variety of albums discussing numerous issues and themes, but just as with “Jesus Walks”, he continues to discuss his faith in his lyrics and music. In speaking loudly about his beliefs, his audience is hopefully compelled to do the same. Or at least think about God and sit in gratitude for your blessings. And maybe contemplate who God is to you.
Kendolyn Walker is a creative based in Harlem who serves as producer and founder of The City Love Collective: City Love on the Radio, City Love NYC and the City Love Picnic.
