Kanye West has reportedly recruited another hit-making superproducer to assist in last-minute changes to his upcoming album, Yeezus. The New York Post’s, “Page Six” gossip column claims that West has tapped legendary producer Rick Rubin to aid in the album over the last few days. Rubin is now reportedly an executive producer of the project, which is due to be released next week.
West has worked with numerous other super producers in the past, including Jon Brion, RZA, Q-Tip, DJ Toomp, Mike Dean and more. Rubin has recorded seminal hip-hop albums and songs over the years, beginning with classic 80s albums like LL Cool J’s Radio, Run-D.M.C.’s Raising Hell, and the Beastie Boys’ Licensed To Ill. He’s also produced tracks for the Geto Boys, Jay-Z and Lil Jon as well as several seminal rock albums from acts like Slayer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The report comes on the heels of several sources claiming that press listening sessions for Yeezus have led to mixed reactions; one song in particular, called “On-Site” which is said to be a source of concern for legal reasons. The song samples a Chicago, Illinois children’s choir called, The Holy Name of Mary Church Choir. Def Jam is still working to clear the song’s rights and Kanye reportedly recorded a new version in New York City this past weekend.
The haggling and last-minute changes have been driving Def Jam executives “crazy” says one label insider. “Even by Kanye West standards, this is pushing it,” the source told the Post.
