“The Life Of Pablo,” the seventh studio album by American rapper Kanye West, was released on Feb. 14 by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. Kanye West can be considered one of music’s most polarizing figures, so it’s understandable that expectations have been set high for West’s seventh solo effort. The album was first announced in early 2015 as So Help Me God, then the title changed to Swish, then to Waves before finally landing on “The Life of Pablo.” Just over two years later, West finally released the album after many early leaks, rumors and inside info from the man himself.

T.L.O.P. isn’t as smoothly constructed with huge hits in the same way as “Graduation”  (2007) or “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” (2010) ,and isn’t wildly bold compared to his album “808s & Heartbreak” (2008), but it’s still a very well put together album. The album was executive produced by West and co-executive produced by Rick Rubin and Noah Goldstein. “The Life of Pablo” features writing, production and features from some of hip-hop’s most popular artists along with a heavy creative background and vocal samples. The final product comes off to the listener as a compilation of songs made out of fragments of beats, lyrics and samples that have been threaded into a full project that is based on the different highs and lows of West’s career.

With additional contributions from Chris Brown, Young Thug, Post Malone, Southside, Hudson Mohawke, Anthony Kilhoffer and many more influential artists, the album offers notable tracks including “Fade,” “Waves,” and “Highlights.” The uplifting song “Ultralight Beam” transitions to West’s thoughts on how the media sees him. The Andre 3000 feature “30 Hours” is a good song that might just make you reminisce on a past relationship.

“The Life of Pablo” does the perfect job of letting the listener see what makes West brilliant. With an overall excellent production mixed with many creative samples, he does a great job on the album.  West’s rapping is good, and is filled with honest and creative lyrics that keep the listener’s attention held. Overall, the album earns 8 out of 10 stars. The album can be purchased at any major retail store that sells electronics, music, etc. Stores such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Target sell the album. “The Life of Pablo” can also be downloaded and streamed online at various websites. Everyone should go out and give it a listen.

By Khaleb King