Reacting to 'Ye' by Kanye West

Ye is probably Kanye's second weakest album (I still enjoy it, Ghost Town might be a top 10 Kanye song for me). I think you might enjoy it a lot more with relistens.

Alex Cagle-Sanchez

Ghost town has always been on my rotation non stop man can’t get enough of it, even listen to both the original samples

Marco Garcia

I enjoy Ye and its not in my top 4 or 5 albums, i still enjoy it quite a bit. Kanye had a crazy last 2-3 years before this album with the Trump and MAGA hat fiasco, Kim being robbed at gunpoint in Paris, and his own mental health problems, it makes sense why the themes and music in general is all over the place. I think it attaches to TLOP (which i also like a lot but dont put as high as most of his work) in terms of him coming to terms with being a parent and family man while also having his own personal mental health issues ON TOP of being a modern rockstar. Good reaction and differing opinions in music reactions are needed

Mark Mountain

Honestly i didnt like this album at first, but it quickly became my favorite album of his.

sam

This is actually in my top 3 all time kanye albums lol

Gunnar

It's not my favorite but I feel similar that there are very special aspects to this project.

Dylan Woods

The first three songs are an exploration of the Yeezus persona. The middle song he is rescued by love. The last three songs he sheds the Yeezus persona and is only a man.

Dylan Woods

Your points resonate. Though I do think on many projects there are things to understand under the surface (e.g., suicide thoughts on Power). And how he gets featured artists to express other sides and POV.

Dave Danesh

Wonderful explanation.

Dylan Woods

He's talking about Yeezus.

Dylan Woods

I think that when he's talking about colors dripping off and lies wearing off, you are definitely onto something with the makeup but I take it a bit further. I think that he's saying the makeup or like facade of "everything is good it's all ok it's all pretty" is wearing off. Whether that be for Kanye himself and his life, or maybe the music industry, or even the world in general, as society starts to talk more about the ugly parts of our world and ourselves (maybe like the Violent Crimes we commit or horrible thoughts we have?) hidden under the "makeup". That's the feeling I get at least.

yeah

I guess you can throw this to the not my Jams hahaha. Nah honestly wasn’t a big fan of this album either when it came out. Mainly I think because I was listening to Kids See Ghost all the time, but it didn’t really click. Then in preparation for this reaction I listened to it again and for whatever reason I love it now. I don’t think I was ready for it when it came out.

Jay Dog

I see you getting some hate or at least push back for your dislike of this album, and especially you not being totally in love with Ghost Town like people wanted, but i think it's far more gratifying and engaging to see differing opinions in the reaction world, and in the world in general (as long as they're authentic opinions) so I'm sure others will try their hardest to make you "get" the album, but as a huge Kanye fan there's not a lot to "get" with Kanye's music outside of getting how he approaches music, it isn't poetic in the typical sense, it's ultimately about raw expression, feeling and aesthetic with Kanye imo, especially post 808's, you can understand the context and timelines and everything and sometimes it helps but if it doesn't "click" then it just doesn't, and it's ok, there's no great lyrical meaning under the surface, Kayne isn't big on words and lyrics anyways, he's fine with sometimes just mumbling something off and leaving it like that, or just rapping about random disjointed thoughts, because that's not where he sees (at least most of) the value in his music, and even when he's trying to convey a specific message with his lyrics they're still mostly straightforward (not in a bad way), like on Violent Crimes or Saint Pablo, so there's really nothing under the surface, I specifically agree with what you said about Kanye fans reading meanings into his own lyrics.

Christopher Bloom

I never felt that Kanye was hiding behind a character in any of his albums, Ye has always been unapologetically himself and that's one of the best things about him.

Christopher Bloom

What is the lie and waht is the truth?

Daniel Platonov

Gotta give this one more listens, all I can say, doesn't mean it'll grow on you, but this is just an album you have to give multiple listens whether you like or dislike it.

Lil Mac

Can’t believe you thought Ghost Town was just okay. That’s my #3 favorite Kanye song

Brandon Mack

Another thing is the main inspiration for the album was the mental hospital visit he had subsequently after his rant at the Sacramento Saint Pablo tour show. Which I was at. He left the concert after 4 songs and an extended 20 minute rant in which people began booing and he took off. Next day he was hospitalized. So the “hospital band a hundred bands” line is based off him really going to the hospital. And also he was relatively silent from the public eye for a year and a half before this album to focus on his recovery and etc. So this felt like a grand return at the time.

Brandon Mack

Hey Bob just so you know, the version of I Thought About Killing You available on Spotify is not the originally released version. It was changed a month after release due to a copyright lawsuit for failing to clear a sample in the song. To hear the original I believe you have to have the vinyl or CD. But I just thought I’d let you know the version you’re hearing is significantly neutered from the one we all heard on release day.

Brandon Mack

I have the same opinion as you on this. It's almost like a worse version of TLOP imo. That album captured the insanity and contrasting thoughts of Kanye better than this did. This just feels like a random collection of demos. I fucking love Ghost Town, though. I genuinely think it's one of his best songs.

Jonathan Morales

I remember everyone hating on this album relentlessly when it came out, then Fantano said it was good and everyone changed their mind lol

VeganMilk

I think with this album, CONTEXT is the MOST important aspect. Kanye was vilified by the media/ the world with his support of Trump, while going through his bipolar disorder, alsongside addictions to meds. He was at a very bad place. He retreated to Wyoming and I believe this album serves as a snapshot/ journal entry of his chaotic time. That's why its so disjointed and weird because his mind was soooo chaotic and all over the place, and that's why this is my favorite album of his. Not necessarily musically- but context wise this is as RAW and vulnerable he has ever been in any of his projects, and I relate to his struggles and the feeling of wanting to feel understood.

Ace B

I understand why a lot of people don’t like this album but I love it because it’s the most unfiltered look we get into Kanye’s mind. Like other people have said he’s not hiding behind any character here. This is him raw and unfiltered. It’s messy because he’s messy, but at the same time I think it has a connected story. The first half is showing him in a manic bipolar state. I thought about killing you could be about himself, his ego, his public persona, his career or any combination. Yikes and all mine continue into a more heightened state. With wouldn’t leave he comes back down and realizes what is really important. And in no mistakes he apologizes for his mistakes and tries to restore his relationship with his family. Ghost town is the feeling of going back to childlike innocence. You definitely still see his mental health challenges but he has shed some of the weight. And violent crimes while imperfect and hypocritical is him trying in spite of everything to protect his family.

Matt Eaton

I take the 'colors dripping' off line is referring to kids growing up with a false/sheltered painting of reality and as they get older they have to 'repaint their colors' as'the lie is wearing off' as the true reality of things that were hidden to them as children are revealed as they get older. I feel like this fits the songs themes too

Joe McKenzie

Bob, great idea to do these three in one day. I am not surprised one bit Ye is your least favorite. And you make valid points about the production, the lack of coherence, etc. Having lived with the album much longer, I see this album (and Jesus is King for that matter) as critical points in the journey of Kanye as an artist. In a way it's hard to imagine that the person who orchestrated the albums earlier in the catalogue would "evolve" to this point. I think he was really lost and in pain during this time, the falling out of the dichotomy so well on display on The Life of Pablo. Ye is raw, unpolished, scattered, messy, full of self doubt. I admire it, artistically. I can't wait to watch your reaction to Jesus Is King and Donda. The journey from Pablo to Donda is fascinating, both beautiful pieces of art, has to go through Ye and Jesus Is King. The other thing I want to say is that if you consider Daytona, Ye and Kids See Ghosts as one project...you have to be impressed. Thanks again, Bob. I love the journey you're on!

Dave Danesh

"Letting go of everything that I know" Means letting go of your mindset that you're so used to and being open to changing for the better. In the earlier tracks you see Kanye talk about only listening to himself and not wanting to change because he is what brought himself up. With ghost town its about letting all that go and finally being free to change. At least that's how I view it.

Emmanuel

Ghost Town is the best Kanye song.

Shane Harkness

Hey bob, I’m a new patron. I would love to come on convorsations with the community and defend this album with my life 😂. Jk I loved the reaction I just feel like I could write a thesis paper on the themes and structure of this album. But hey we all have to have a least favorite ye album and this just might be yours, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Isaac Robichau

Ghost Town is my favorite Kanye track. Sonically the music is cluttered and packed with great production from start to finish. Laser sounds and all! But the lyrics sway between an overthinking mind(I’ve been trying to make you love me) with the clear head (I feel kinda free). Almost implying “I don’t really care” Also, before Jesus is King, I recommend is listening to the Sunday Service version of Ghost Town. Gets you mentally prepared for that transition between albums. Also I wonder if you’re going to do Yandhi?

Artron

I enjoyed this even more on a re-listen. I think coming off of the grand sounds of Daytona the beats can seem low-key. But I think the beats and lyrics serve toward a message than just to break barriers sonically.

Josh

I definitely feel Ye is a grower after multiple listens. Ghost Town is the highlight for sure. It's a strange album, I will defend it from certain criticism as I do like the Album but at the same time the lack of cohesion makes me feel I shouldnt like it. Maybe I look at the album with Kanye tinted glasses. Who knows

RYAN J SANDERS

Maybe...but maybe he feels like a lot of folks, that this is a scatterbrained project with some of Kanye's least thought out lyrics and some mid beats.

Xavvi

Yeah, I mean if you don't care about lyrics then hip hop might be the wrong genre anyway though right? Instrumentals should suffice?

Xavvi

WHAT?? you dont like it??? Ye is top 6 kanye for me man, thats disapointing

Chris

Ye was remade about 2 weeks before release. That’s why a lot of the lyrics reference stuff that literally hapoend like a week before release. So a lot of the album was made in a really short timeframe which explains the kind of rushed feeling of the album

Oliver Hed

suprised you dont like it, its my favorite kanye album. Maybe because i dont really care about lyrics and more about the sound.

svideos

Definitely think he has to listen to it again

BrennenPS

Hè couldn’t enjoy it really because he doesn’t like kanye lately and it makes him over judging him. And it makes him rating kanye pretty low, like saying he’s not a good rapper or writer is kinda crazy. With Kanye you’ve got to be interrested in his menta state, his voice and understanding mental illness. This makes it a top 5 kanye project for me. I rate it higher then kids see ghosts.

Wout Mattens

He has a lot of young Kanye fans and this was probably the first album they heard from him so it's special to them, It happened with Donda too, plus it was positively reviewed by Fantano, and Bob (and Kanye) have a lot of fantano fans

Christopher Bloom

Ye just feels rushed, like he focused too much on the other albums at the time and didn't dedicate enough to his own one

Christopher Bloom

this album is alright, i sometimes go back to it. i never go back to Jesus is King tho... that's def his weakest album imo

snooza

Haven't watched yet but im pretty certain even though its a theory that Ye is the sequel to yeezus and tlop like its a trilogy where in ye hes battling with his old him /yeezus and thats the person his talking about in the opener. Theres more to it just cant remember rn though

wemmo

I'm surprised you said you heard a lot of people say Ye is their favorite Kanye album. As far as I can tell it's usually ranked near the bottom among fans. For example in this survey it was his second lowest rated solo project (only beating Jesus Is King): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmOOzsbxNyA

yeo

This album is kinda structured like a manic episode caused by him being bipolar. He clearly starts of depressed on 'I thought about killing you' and is talking about killing 'myself' meaning his manic state or depressed state. In the chorus of Yikes his 'calm state' is warning us that he could get 'menacing' and 'frightening' and when the last chorus comes around his manic side completely takes over and talks over this warning being all obnoxious. The song All Mine is him completely unhinged and saying all this weird stuff. From then on out he comes down from his 'high' and the narrative is pretty clear. It's also cool how in previous albums, Kanye is mostly hiding behind a 'character' (The college dropout, a monster, Yeezus, Pablo) but now the album is just called 'ye' just his name, not even capitalized. It feels very pure to me but I can understand why someone wouldn't like it.

RE

070 shake has been on both of these albums you've done so far today would love to see you check out her latest album "You can't kill me" is one of my favorite albums that's come out this year. I know you already have a full slate of music though, thanks for all the hard work!

Alex

I completely understand the confusion and maybe even frustration with the first listen of this album. In truth I think it works better as a perfect illustration of a moment in time where everything in his life turned into a whirling vortex of shit all at the same time and he just broke down. This album is like all his internal thoughts at once: Sometimes I'm suicidal, sometimes I think it's everyone else that should kill themselves, sometimes I scare myself, sometimes I think it doesn't matter because bitches still want me, sometimes I want to fuck bad bitches at the risk of my marriage, sometimes I run my mouth without thinking about my wife...does my wife even still love me? Should she? Do I deserve it if she does? Wait and didn't fuckin DRAKE diss me? Fuck him! Got em! Wait but...what if I'm done? And not just with my career...what if this is the end for me period? Could I go back to being a kid or have I changed so wholly and completely that even child me wouldn't recognize me? Nah nah I'm still that same kid and nothing's wrong and it's DEFINITELY not a red flag that all this pain just suddenly doesn't hurt anymore, no! It means I'm free...or dead. And in that death, of self, or of metaphor, or of career, or of marriage, what ends up being important at the very end, the last thought, is my babies. It's messy and it's chaotic and it's not perfectly produced and it's not well written and in the pantheon of incredible Kanye art it sits low, but as a snapshot into this man's mind while somehow producing 5 albums released in 5 weeks (everyone forgets he also did Teyanna Taylor's album during this time which ps is very good) it's very fascinating. But also, Bob goddamnit if you don't eventually fully come around on Ghost Town as a top 5 Kanye song you might become persona non grata to half your subscribers 😂

Xavvi

It’s a growing type of album, this was the case for a a lot of people

Zach Gupta

The Lonely Wolf

Something I’ve started to theorize about Track 1 is that he’s just talking about killing himself the whole time. “Ye” roughly translates to “You”, so when you translate it, the title is called “I Thought About Killing Ye”. He says you’d only care enough to kill someone you love, then says he loves himself, admits to suicidal thoughts, then says I thought about killing “you”. He’s talking to his “other personality” from his bipolar disorder.

Lil Vertical

Second behind jik

JD

Comfortably Kanye’s weakest album IMO

Justin F

Kanye – Ye (2018) Official Music Videos All Mine https://youtu.be/TrQ7w1bdNvY Violent Crimes https://youtu.be/DSY7u8Jg9c0 Bonus Song Kanye West | Ye vs. the People (feat. TI) https://youtu.be/qc_8jcHYBis Live Wyoming Listening Party https://youtu.be/qSgGzrpcVew Samples Genius | Samples https://youtu.be/iMq0l6z0HlQ Interviews Kanye West / Charlamagne Interview https://youtu.be/zxwfDlhJIpw TMZ | Office Rant https://youtu.be/IeA7lvC1ego NBC | Trump Meeting https://youtu.be/jLmQ57mEGFs Kanye West | TI Conversation https://youtu.be/dQBcpvBY6xg Video Essay The Most Unruly | The Making of “Ye” and “KSG” https://youtu.be/6mMmkDD-wBg Dead End Hip Hop https://youtu.be/f9B5povTtdk

Dylan Woods

Nah I gotta enjoy the anticipation hahaha

joe

Pov: U skipped ahead to the ghost town reaction

hlep me

I put my hand on the stove 🗣

Cullen Hendricks

YAYYYYYY

Makrel

ghost town is a top 10 ye song

Vervanta

FINALLY

Vervanta

yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

RINGER 13