Big-event albums rarely work out as well as everyone hoped. (See Lou Reed and Metallica as Exhibit A). Watch the Throne is clearly an exception. Jay-Z and Kanye West, the two biggest rap superstars on the planet, teamed up for an album that, while not equaling their best individual efforts, was an entertaining and creative success. Consider it the best tag team of two heavyweights in their prime since Hulk Hogan and Macho Man Randy Savage.
Like the bombast of pro wrestlers, Jay-Z and Kanye rap about their egos, wealth, and fame--the braggadocio knows no bounds. While many have criticized the social implications of the pair's so-called luxury rap, the content certainly makes for some enjoyable lyrical swagger: I'm the Hermes of verses, sophisticated ignorance, I write my curses in cursive. Where Jay-Z often sounds like the stable breadwinner, Kanye relishes his role as hip-hop's playboy, even though he often laments the hollowness of his pursuits. This conflicted self-awareness, in the midst of overwhelming narcissism and materialism, is part of what makes Kanye such an intriguing lyricist and pop-culture phenomenon.
One critic called Watch the Throne rap's first stadium album. When the Jigga Man and Ye visit audiences from Madison Square Garden to the Staples Center, there will be no one in the crowd doubting the record's arena-filling possibilities. Sure, there are a couple misses (never again, Beyonce), but several tracks will easily transform to en masse delivery. "Church in the Wild," "N***** in Paris," "Otis," "New Day" (me and the RZA connect!), "Welcome to the Jungle," "Murder to Excellence," and "Made in America" are all worthy of throwing down hard-earned cash to see the best in the business do their thing. (If you were wondering, clean versions of the album are available--this is a family-friendly site, yo!)
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