It’s finally here! Kanye West finally dropped his highly-anticipated studio album, YE, on June 1. The new LP features appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, Young Thug, Charlie Wilson and more.
The rollout surrounding the album was unusual to say the least, but appropriate for Kanye. The rapper previously announced the new project in a single tweet in April. 2018, along with the release dates for several other albums he was contributing to within G.O.O.D. Music. There were no pre-released singles or music videos.
THE ALBUM IS HERE #YE
— neom (@alexneom) June 1, 2018
The Chicago native did invite a select group of journalists, friends, and family to a private listening of the album in Wyoming, where Chris Rock introduced the new project. He also streamed the session on the WAV app for viewers at home. “Welcome to the world premiere of the latest opus of Kanye, entitled, Ye,” Rock said, shouting ou Nas, Ty Dolla $ign, Pusha T and Big Sean.
Ahead of the album’s release, G.O.O.D Music’s Malik Yusef regarded the project as “our best s**t 2 date,” and it seems that many would agree. Fans have been buzzing on social media for the last few hours about the project. “No man has taken more advantage of his freedom than Kanye West,” Rock said as he introduced the album at the listening party.
Critics were trying to cancel Kanye a few weeks ago after his controversial statements about slavery and Donald Trump. That didn’t last long. Livestream Kanye West’s YE here.
CHILLS #YE
— The Wests (@kuwthewests) June 1, 2018
YE ALBUM ALREADY SLAPS
— Warren (@WhoIsXavier) June 1, 2018
Ye is back
— ??BIG ELLY?? (@KpDat) June 1, 2018
This Ye track sounding nice now
— Post Alone (@_YoungCR7) June 1, 2018
Ye is baaaaaack pic.twitter.com/vjenq5glIK
— Jermaine M. (@MFJERMS) June 1, 2018
This article originally appeared in Vibe.