Kanye West’s Audacious Musical Offering in 2016
2016 witnessed a groundbreaking addition to the music world when Kanye West, synonymous with innovation and creativity, unveiled his seventh studio album, ‘The Life of Pablo’. Celebrated by critics, the double-platinum album not only scooped up five Grammy award nominations but firmly anchored itself as one of the standout releases of the year. A culmination of the genius from the ‘Donda’ hitmaker, the 19-track ensemble epitomized Kanye’s signature style, fusing his past successes with contemporary hip-hop undertones.
While the initial album titles like So Help Me God, SWISH, and Waves created a buzz, it was the final choice, ‘The Life of Pablo’, that piqued public curiosity. Among the plethora of hits, one song, in particular, stands out, establishing its dominance on Spotify even years after its release.
A Record-Setting Collaboration: Kanye and Kid Cudi
Undoubtedly, Kanye West has sculpted the hip-hop terrain, and his collaboration with Kid Cudi on the track ‘Father Stretch My Hands pt 1’ stands as a testament to this statement. As reported on X (the platform previously known as Twitter), this infectious song has garnered over 800M streams on Spotify. A noteworthy feat, marking it as Kanye’s seventh song to achieve this milestone. This particular track from ‘The Life of Pablo’, a joint venture with Kid Cudi, has been spotlighted as one of the colossal hits of the album, further enhancing the appeal of the entire compilation.
Father Stretch My Hands Pt 1 by Kanye West featuring Kid Cudi has surpassed 800M streams on Spotify!
It is Kanye’s 7th song to reach this mark now! pic.twitter.com/e1DifXlQ2j
— Ye Streams (@kanyestreams1) October 5, 2023
A star-studded ensemble, the album paraded a galaxy of renowned artists like Chance the Rapper, Desiigner, Rihanna, The Weeknd, Ty Dolla Sign, Post Malone, Kendrick Lamar, Sia, Vic Mensa, Chris Brown, and Young. Kanye’s musical relationship with Kid Cudi is extensive, spanning over 21 tracks. However, turbulence hit their collaborative journey, leading to an infamous public fallout.
The Tumultuous Rift between Kanye West and Kid Cudi
While their musical camaraderie spanned years, the longstanding alliance between Kanye West and Kid Cudi hit rocky terrain, especially with Cudi’s departure from GOOD Music in 2013. But the rift’s epicenter manifested when Kid Cudi’s close association with ‘Saturday Night Live’ star Pete Davidson led to his ouster from Kanye’s 11th studio album, ‘Donda 2’. The issue stemmed from Davidson’s romantic involvement with Kim Kardashian post her split from West.
Taking to social media, Kanye expressed his displeasure with a flurry of anti-Cudi messages. Retaliating, Cudi, in his Esquire interview, stated his “zero tolerance for the wrong energies.” Furthermore, Cudi clarified that Kanye doesn’t hold the reins to his success, emphasizing his longstanding camaraderie with Davidson, who credits Cudi’s 2009 album for being a beacon during his darker phases.
Legacy Beyond the Controversy
Amidst the chaos and controversies, the undeniable fact remains that ‘The Life of Pablo’, with its potent mix of eclectic tracks, has solidified Kanye West‘s position as a trailblazer in the music industry. The album, its hits, and its ongoing legacy in the Spotify charts echo the timelessness of Kanye’s artistry, even as the personal dynamics with his collaborators continue to evolve.
