watch the throne

Kristopher Smith

Capsule 2

"Watch the Throne" is a compilation album from hip-hop legends Kanye West and Jay-Z. The album is diverse in a sense that it sounds different than a typical rap album. Between the two artists creativity, the beats are abstract and expensive sampling everything from techno songs, to jazz, to classic hip hop songs. The lyrics and entendres give for a second or third listen before the clever, witty lines are understood. Although there are minor flaws in some songs and some other songs that seem rushed and amateur like, overall the album is a great listen. As well, the only feature is pop singer Frank Ocean. With little features on the album Kanye and Jay really want the rap throne to them and no one else. 

1. No Church in the Wild ( ft Frank Ocean):  The intro of the album and the most popular song known off of it. From heavy radio play to being featured in numerous movie soundtracks, it is safe to say that the interesting title, snares in the beat, Frank Oceans soothing melodies and Kanye West and Jay-Z's verses makes it appropriate to say that thing song was properly and cleverly placed as the intro. 

2. Lift Off (ft Beyonce):  You would think that these 2 rap legends with the queen of RnB would produce such an epic record; but unfortunately this is not the case. The song seems rushed due to the verses by both artists. Kanye's sounds freestyled (which he isn't good at) as well as him mumbling something which makes nonsense during the conclusion of his verse. Jay-Z's verse was super short and simple;  a verse that someone who doesn't even rap could have done. Beyonce did sing her heart out on the chorus but that was short as well. The only decent thing about it all was the creative beat. This album could have prospered without this song but it was probably only added because of the Beyonce feature. 

3. Ni**as in Paris:  Most hip-hop heads would say that they like an ignorant track here or there in their albums and this is the perfect one. Being the first radio single (and eventually hitting number one on the charts) made people excited to listen to the rest of the album since the song is upbeat that one can't help but dance and/or rap along too. As well, this seems like it can be the only "club banger" on the album which is has proven by dj's. The sample taken from the movie "Blades of Glory" is hilarious since it comes out of nowhere. Plus, who doesn't find Will Ferrel hilarious?

4. Gotta Have It: There is nothing bad that I can say about this song. Instead of single verses, the two artists went back and forth between lines somewhat challenging each other, finishing each other’s statements and answering the other's questions. If you really listened, the beat sounds simple but it still sounds complex due to the random Indian sounding voice harmonizing in the background complimenting the hard-hitting base.

5. New Day: Easily my favorite song on the album. This is simply because it shows a mature side of both rappers. Jay-Z speaks about how his father was absent in his life and how he would be a better dad than his was, "my dad left me; I promised to never repeat em'". Kanye West ESPECIALLY shocks listeners in this song by admitting that he isn't a fan of his arrogant and obnoxious ways and that he wishes his unborn son will be the opposite of him; someone that everyone loves and doesn't think is a bully. He mentions his "George Bush doesn't like black people" rant and states how Kanye himself was seen as a racist: “and I might even make him a republican, so everybody know he love white people". The mellow mood of the song leaves listeners no notice but to sit and emphasize with the two rappers who speak on their personal lives and flaws. 

6. That's my B*tch: You would think by the title that the song will be ignorant and message- less. Well, if you guessed this you would be somewhat correct. Kanye babbles about how his women only want the expensive material things in life but he doesn't blame them because so does he. Jay-Z sheds some knowledge in his verse when he states that how come there aren't any black figures in history that represent sexy such as ladies like Marilyn Monroe. The beat and voice over in the chorus to me is annoying. The song doesn't make or break the album so keeping t or trashing it would have had the same effect of me always skipping over it. 

7. Welcome to the Jungle (ft Swizz Beatz): Squabbly, mnemonic guitar forms the backdrop here. Great twist on an already worn theme: Jay-Z's "Rest in peace to the leader of the Jackson 5."

8. Otis: A song that samples jazz legend Otis Redding. The song is fun and leaves you no choice but to bob your head and maybe even follow the obnoxious that powerful scream at the end of the song. Good idea of whoever decided to sample Otis Redding. 

9. Who Gon Stop Me?: This song....wow where do I start. First, this song samples a dub-step hit by Flux Pavilion. It samples the beat with a twist of a hard hitting beat when the music stops

10.  Prime Time: Throwback time! The scratched-in "ba-bada-you" from Public Enemy's Brothers Gonna Work It Out, the Incredible Bongo Band's Apache conga break, and a chorus that is late-80s like. Well of course it is since it’s sampled from La Roux.

11. Made it in America (ft Frank Ocean) : Soft, soothing song. The chorus, sang by Frank Ocean mentions unimportant black figures in history and ends its by repeating "we made it an America". Kanye’s verse sums up how he became a famous music producer after he struggled for years and how people make fun of his clothes then eventually follow his trends and wear the same things. Jay's verse focuses on how he used to cook drugs in his oblivious grandmothers kitchen until he got his record deal. Then, correlates the drug business to the music business. Nonetheless, great song besides the repetitive piano in the background. 

12. Why I Love You: No this record has nothing to do with a female. Instead, with little interruption from Kanye, Jay takes over the song by stating that he doesn't owe anything to any of his rivals who used to be best friends. Instead, in an obnoxious, sarcastic but clever way apologizes for being such a great friend in the past and in fact he is owed something. The song abruptly ends and reaches the conclusion of the album. 

Above is the original version of "Watch the Throne." The deluxe version has about 4 more songs which some may actually be better than some of the tracks on the original. Overall, I would give the album a 4/5 only because I expected much more from the two superstars during the first listen. The album didn't grow on me until about the 3rd go-round. After then it is the only thing I listened to for a whole summer.