After months of anticipation and delays, the time for bold statements is finally over as the self-proclaimed “greatest rockstar alive” has finally released his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo. Continuing down the experimental path that birthed Yeezus, T.L.O.P is a superior record that acts as both a next step and a homage to the past in the tenacious rapper’s career.

The result is an album which feels alien. Musically the album is everywhere; it lacks the previous albums’ pop sensibilities as well as their focused coherence that turned each of them into a musical journey. Trap inspired joints (‘Facts’ and ‘Feedback’) are placed next to the lyrically cerebral (‘No More Parties in LA’). While the albums suffers for this, the sheer strength of the variety of material stops T.L.O.P from becoming a rambling mess.

Intro track ‘Ultralight Beam’ is shrouded in epic grandeur that is only enhanced by a prodigious cameo from Chance the Rapper. The Madlib produced ‘No More Parties in LA’ features jaw dropping tag-team lyricism between Kanye and Kendrick Lamar, as well a ferocious 90-bar verse from Ye that will leave hip-hop heads drooling; while tracks like ‘Famous’ are tinged in controversial dark comedy and bring in the rapper’s famous attitude.

Thematically the album is a more personal, darker journey then what the rapper has released before; with a world-weary Kanye wrestling with family, faith, and vices. But rather than softening him, Kanye is fiercer here than ever before. Throughout the album rapid-fire shots are fired at rivals past and present; with savage insults aimed at Ray J and Taylor Swift, done so with a nonchalant disregard for good taste.

Despite a weak finish to the album in ‘Facts’ as well as an inferior structure, The Life of Pablo ultimately prevails due to its powerful lyrical themes, immense production, and variety of styles.

Tim Wilson