Controversial artist Kanye West’s newest album receives criticism at Catlin Gabel

By Hazel Walrod, ‘22

Kanye West’s album drops are often an ordeal, and this was especially true for his long-awaited 10th studio album, “Donda” which had a delayed and controversial release. However, the album did not live up to the hype for two Catlin Gabel School (CGS) seniors. 

Kanye West is a popular rap artist and producer, with some of his most famous tracks including “Runaway,” and “Gold Digger.” 

Donda Timeline based on Vox, created by Hazel Walrod

According to Vox, “Donda” has been in the works since March 2020. It was scheduled to release on July 23 of 2020, but after several delays, track changes, and multiple high-profile listening parties, it finally came out on August 29, 2021. 

Donda debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, according to Billboard, breaking records its first week. The album is a mix of gospel and rap, and the name “Donda” is after Kanye’s mother. 

Felipe Rueda, a senior at Catlin Gabel School (CGS), said he stood in line for hours in middle school for Kanye merch. 

“I do like Kanye, as an artist and a person...I respect him,” Rueda shared.

Despite being a fan of Kanye, Rueda voiced that he was disappointed with Donda. 

Instagram post, now deleted, on @kanyewest. 

“It was definitely not worth the hype,” Rueda admitted, citing his anxiety waiting for the album after Kanye delayed its release multiple times.

Rueda described the album as “lazy” and “repetitive.” 

“I guess I am less of a Kanye fan now,” he said.

According to Kanye, his record label, Universal Music Group (UMG), released the album without his consent. This news sparked turmoil in his fanbase, but Rueda was unsympathetic to the musician. “Good for the record label; the thing needed to come out.”

Sophia Fields, another senior at CGS, is also a follower of Kanye’s music.

“I really liked it, but it felt a little bit unfinished.” 

Fields also said that she believed the album was what West intended -- an ode to his mother and his religion -- but the album did not hit the way she had hoped. 

Listen to Donda here.