Kanye West-808's and Heartbreak

Kanye West's 808's and Heartbreak is a rare concept album devised by one of hip-hop's most innovative and unpredictable young talents. Recorded in just three weeks in Hawaii, West's 808's is a severe departure from what fans of the former College Dropout are used to. Kanye goes straight pop on every track with simple electronica inspired tracks that don't contain Kanye's now legendary flow, but feature 'Ye pouring his heart out through melodramatic lyrics and song. Kanye has created a masterpiece by blurring the line between hip-hop and pop, constructing each song on the back of a bass beat courtesy of an "808" drum machine. He takes the vision for his sound even further with the use of Auto Tune, made popular by the likes of T-Pain and being used by almost every mainstream rap act to add digital texture to otherwise average vocals.

Kanye is known for taking risks-something he does often with his music, his wardrobe, and even his public remarks. In other instances, Kanye's penchant for flair has been his Achilles, revealing a spoiled over ambitious, and sometimes even egotistical rap star. 808's presents Kanye from a vastly different perspective. In his lyrics and his music you see a maturity and a self discovery that was not evident previously.  This albums strength lies in its sheer vulnerability-here West is presented as a raw nerve, exposed, vulnerable. For anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak, 808's is a real and moving piece of work, you can't help by be engulfed by. Dark hypnotic production, heard most fully on tracks like "Amazing", "Say You Will, and "Heartless" transport you to a front row seat to loss and pain as told by Kanye.  Scaled back this time around is the cover art which features a solo crumpled heart. Inside the album are solo shots of Kanye, not smiling or flossing, but facing the camera dead on, expressionless and alone. A second shot shows mom, Dona West, whose untimely death in November of last year, unquestionably influenced many of the creative choices Kanye brought to this, his fourth studio release.
 
Beyonce-I am Sasha Fierce
 
There is a thin line between Beyonce and Sasha Fierce. Walk it on her latest release, self titled after her onstage alter ego.
Beyonce, as Sasha, leads off with a classic empowerment song, known in the industry as anthems.  Whether for the streets or the ladies, they have been the foundation her career.  The jam "Single Ladies", is yet another prototype. Think of when Fantasia released anthem "Baby Mama" on 2004's Free Yourself finally single mothers had a song. Now all the married gals and those who intend to be, have a club joint they can bounce to. It seems very reflective of where the singer is personally. Any happily married woman will tell you there is an angry man somewhere, mad he couldn't close the deal. Tell 'em B.

On "Radio" a fusion of futuristic beats opens the tune. Interwoven are Beyonce's musical influences, rock, funk, evidences of her Houston, Texas roots are clear. However, the end project comes together as a sampling of classic pop beats matched with her skilled vocals and lyrics resulting in a solid cut. Very, very radio.
On "Diva" Beyonce gets her swag on, resulting in a frightening MIA impersonation. Hubby Jay-Z's brand of hustler mentality is visible in her claim that a "Diva is a female version of a hustler." Guaranteed, this song will be on heavy oration at the strip club. Dollar dollar bill y'all.

Track "Sweet Dreams" arguably the strongest on the entire album. A love song sung in electronica is a nice extension for Beyonce, who has nailed Italian opera and broadway belters with her amazing vocals. "Video Phone" was way less impressive. A tremendous let down-are we talking about making mobile porn on this track? Not that there is anything wrong with it. But the subject matter seemed very narrow. Seduction is something Beyonce also excels at musically and she fails here.
As a serious veteran, the $80 million dollar mama, can opt for retirement at any time. I Am Sasha Fierce is hopefully, just the latest project from B, and she will continue to record.  As a fan, it is interesting to see where she will go next in music. Three albums deep as a solo artist, it’s likely Mrs. Carter will want to explore where she can go as a singer.

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