Kanye West debuts new songs
The singer spoke as he previewed his new album Yeezus, his sixth, out on June 18
New York: Kanye West says his new album is all about giving.
The multiplatinum rapper held a listening for “Yeezus” late Monday in New York City, where Beyonce was one of the few hundred attendees.
West says his sixth effort will showcase his growth over the last two years and that “he had to learn about giving.”
Adds West: “I feel like I know who I am.”
“Yeezus” is out June 18. It has a dark, moody vibe that expands beyond his last two solo efforts, 2010’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and 2008’s “808s & Heartbreak.” It’s also a departure from his first three albums, which featured a plethora of radio hits.
On Sunday, West closed the three-day Governors Ball on Randall Island with a set that featured his familiar hits as well as a batch of new, darker tracks from his upcoming album.
West kicked off his set with the song Black Skinhead, with flashing visuals in the background, including the words “not for sale”. He later performed “New Slaves” and the dark vibe of his songs was matched by his stage lighting and style.
Both tracks will appear on Yeezus, his sixth album, which comes out June 18.
The crowd responded nicely to some of those songs, but it was lukewarm compared with West’s performances of his well-known hits. There was a loud roar from the thousands in the crowd — bunched up tightly and standing on the muddy ground — when the beat of Mercy dropped. He followed that with Cold and earned more cheers.
West’s set also included Stronger, Good Life, Jesus Walks and All Falls Down. The rapper — who turned 36 on Saturday and is expecting his first childm with girlfriend Kim Kardashian — also sprinkled new tracks in between those jams.
Guns N’ Roses headlined the Governors Ball on Saturday. Kings of Leon was to headline on Friday but pushed their performance to Saturday because of the bad weather.
The Lumineers, the xx, Gary Clark Jr. and the Avett Brothers also performed on Sunday.
