Album review: Kanye finally releases ‘Donda’ but… does it deliver?

Album review: Kanye finally releases 'Donda' but... does it deliver?
Donda cover art (Screen capture from Apple Music)

Love him or hate him Kanye West moves the culture.


The release of Donda has proven that Kanye‘s impact on music and culture worldwide is undeniable. West provided the world a two-month rollout on a project that he worked on in real-time for all to see.


It is easy to forget that this is about the music when you sell out three listening sessions in two cities and all of your adoring fans and even haters, are hanging on your lack of verbalization. To be clear, he neglected to speak the entire time.

All that said, what does Donda deliver to and for the masses?


Donda is Kanye’s most focused work. It is a 27-track offering and every single feature on the project feels intentional. The first track off of the album is a woman chanting Donda — a mantra. After about a minute of the redundant chant, a deep guitar strum echos and the second track, “Jail,” seamlessly blends into the soundscape. Kanye seems to be rapping about a release of emotion based on relationship issues. Jay-Z enters with a more introspective take and assures Kanye’s late mother that her son is in good hands and back on the right track.

Jigga raps:

Hol’ up, Donda, I’m with your baby when I touch back road
Told him, Stop all of that red cap, we goin’ home
Not me with all of these sins, castin’ stones
This might be the return of The Throne (Throne)

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