The Christianity rate just grew by 100000% once Kanye released his anticipated album "Jesus is King." This hip hop/rap album is completely different from all other songs and albums that Ye has released since his start to fame.
This album is his first project that is centered around Gospel music, but with a hip hop twist.The inspiration for this album roots from his weekly Sunday services with his family and his consistent public preach about love for Christ that started earlier this year.
This album is his first project that is centered around Gospel music but with a hip hop twist. The inspiration for this album roots from his weekly Sunday services with his family and his consistent public preach about love for Christ that started earlier this year.
I've always supported Kanye and his music, despite his controversial statements that he has tweeted from time to time, because he is always genuine with his creativity and I respect him for that.
As soon as "Jesus is King" was available to play on Apple Music, I literally blasted the whole album throughout my apartment and had a jam session to each of his song. I am sure that my neighbors appreciated me sharing the music for everyone.
Anyways, I have to say that I am quite surprised that I had a liking to Kanye's Gospel music. I am not really a fan of Christian songs, but because Kanye was creating his own version, I had to give it a try.
Of course, Kanye makes another masterpiece that I think will be remembered forever.
While all of the songs in the album are marvelous, I am going to focus on three songs that I think best represents his whole project and are songs that I think you should all listen to first.
1. Closed on a Sunday
This song was probably the most talked by everyone online because of what the song references – Chick-fil-A.
For those who aren't Chick-fil-A eaters, the food place has always been closed on Sundays because of the owner's Christian's faith. On Sundays, Christians do not work. They rest and worship. The owner has decided to apply this tradition to the restaurant and has been this way since the first opening of Chick-fil-A.
Kanye's song Closed on Sundays references the religious tradition Chick-fil-A tradition by rapping about how Sundays is the day that everyone should go to Church and pray. He even mentions the food place a couple of times throughout the song.
Closed on Sunday, you're my Chick-fil-A Closed on Sunday, you my Chick-fil-A Hold the selfies, put the 'Gram away Get your family, y'all hold hands and pray
This is my favorite song from the album because the tune reminds me of Christmas with a hint of rap. While Kanye raps and sings the lyrics, there is guitar playing, choir singing and humming with weird siren sounds as the background music. His voice goes higher as he sings and lower when he raps.
Luckily, Kanye has already performed this song live, and I might I say that the song sounds so much better live. The whole setting for the song and the way Kanye and his choir sing is on a whole other level. I suggest you watch his live performance for yourself to really understand how awesome this song is performed live.
2. Water
Water is one of my top favorites because the tune is similar to his songs from The Life of Pablo, which is one of my favorite albums of all time.
This song is about getting cleansed from the Holy Water of Jesus Christ. What I love about this song is the auto-tune used in the song mixed with Kanye's singing voice. It's not too much auto-tune but just the right amount.
There is more choir singing in this song, but the way the group sings with the laid-back beat is what really ties the whole song together.
My favorite part in the song is when Kanye non-stop raps in a monotone voice while the choir sings in the background in different moments throughout his rap.
Jesus, flow through us Jesus, heal the bruises Jesus, clean the music Jesus, please use us Jesus, please help Jesus, please heal Jesus, please forgive Jesus, please reveal Jesus, give us strength Jesus, make us well Jesus, help us live Jesus, give us wealth Jesus is our safe Jesus is our rock Jesus, give us grace Jesus, keep us safe
What's interesting about this song is that he still manages to keep his own style of music. The only difference is that the lyrics are about Jesus, which I think is a great compromise for those who are into a rap and those like songs that are about Jesus.
3. Selah
Selah is probably one of the most intense songs in the album. The lyrics itself are about Kanye's past history of getting judged and criticized for his ideas that were about music or clothes.
I ain’t gotta peak over Keepin' perfect composure When I scream at the chauffeur I ain't mean, I’m just focused I ain't mean, I'm just focused
The meaning of "I ain't mean, I'm just focused" refers to the countless meetings that Kanye has had with corporations about potential ideas. Unfortunately, Kanye hasn't won that many people over with his ideas, which is why he was always frustrated with many people. As he raps these lyrics, you can sense his anger behind his voice and the intense tone he uses.
Although, if I had to choose a section in the song that definitely makes me feel a certain way, it would be the very end of the song. There aren't any lyrics in this section, instead, there is a male voice gasping for air and screaming while making weird monkey-like noises. In the background, the sound of gunshots is played, which of course intensifies the entire section.
Now that I've explained the meaning and tone for the three songs, I urge you to listen. Kanye has gone through many tough situations in his life and the impact that his issues have had in his past has influenced this Gospel album tremendously. The direction in music that Kanye has taken is a new one for all of us. Not many artists have popularized Gospel the way Kanye has.
Comment down below on your thoughts on "Jesus is King" or on Kanye's new transition in life.
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