Def Jam and GOOD Records

Cover art for Jesus Is King by the artist Kanye West. Photo owned by Def Jam and GOOD records.

Perhaps the most polarizing figure in the music industry, Kanye West has adopted yet another persona–one of godliness–in his latest album: “Jesus is King.”

But his attempt to distract his audiences by using Christianity as a platform doesn’t succeed in masking the album’s shortcomings.

Since the early 21st century, West has had a place in the music industry. With his outlandish comments about slavery and controversial lyrics, West turns the tables with his latest album, “Jesus is King.”

West’s album begins with a gospel chorus in “Every Hour,” setting the tone of the rest of the album. Christianity, he claims, has hit him and heavily influenced the way he thinks. West claims to have changed for the better in hopes of “getting into the gates of heaven.” 

Musically, his repetitive use of church style chorus is one of the few highlights of the album. Every song follows a new cadence with different styles, which are all tied back together by his devotion to Jesus. Junior Akash Pradeep listened to the album and was disappointed with what he heard. “I think that Kanye tries too hard to be someone different,” said Pradeep. 

While West’s messages may have drastically changed in this album, his basic lyrics make the audience question his authenticity. In his track “Closed on Sunday,” West raps, “Closed on Sunday, you my Chick-fil-A.”

Sophomore Kris Basnet listened to much of West’s music prior to his latest album. “I think that Kanye should go back to his old styles because they fit his music better,” said Basnet. Mixing his lyrics with the powerful gospel chorus only makes the world think how West has not changed at all. His attempt to connect with God is only an attempt to create publicity, as can be seen by his tours to churches and prisons. 

Many artists have expressed their devotion through their music. Instead of using Christianity authentically, West seems to be using Christianity just for the sake of his sales. His exploitation of religion seems to be nothing more than a money stunt, as can be seen in his song “On God.” He states, “That’s why I charge the prices that I charge.” 

His album merchandise once again tries to show his changed ways. His sweatshirts have a basic design, looking as though someone had just learned how to use Photoshop. However, their absurd prices only highlight that West is still the same. “Kanye has done this for a long time, especially with his shoe brand, Yeezy, costing upwards of $300 at the minimum,” said Basnet.

Claiming he has written a “gospel album,” West falls short of being genuine in his faith and has only solidified what many thought about him. Other artists, like Chance the Rapper, have shown their sincerity by singing about their own shortcomings and problems in their own lives.

West only makes a mockery of himself in his attempt to show his changed ways.