So it’s official, DONDA has dropped!
With an unexpected, middle of the night drop for many US listeners, us in the UK were hype to see the album released on Sunday afternoon. With as many twists and turns as an M Night Shyamalan movie, there were a few high-profile appearances missing, most notably the Da Baby verse that Kanye West said was blocking the release.
The 27 song, 1 hour 48 minute long album is packed full of incredible features, with production standards at the usual standards Kanye is known for. Boasting an array of production from Kanye himself, other notable names include 88 Keys, Dem Jointz, Mike Dean, Ojivolta, Sean Solymar, Allday, Arrow, E.Vax, 30 Roc, AyoAA, David & Eli, Sloane, BoogzDaBeast, DJ Khalil, Ronny J, Zen Tachi, Audi, DrtWrk, Boi-1da, Digital Nas, Roark Bailey, FNZ, Cory Henry, Warryn Campbell, Cubeatz, Wallis lane, Gesaffelstein, Swizz Beatz, Mia Wallis, Bastian Volkel, Fyaman, Shuko and Sucuki.
On the vocals side, we can hear glimpses of many familiar artists, including Playboi Carti, Fivio Foreign, Baby Keem, Travis Scott, Lil Durk, Lil Yachty, Young Thug, Don Toliver, Conway The Machine, KayCyy, Westside Gunn, The LOX, Jay Electronica, Swizz Beatz, Syleena Johnson, Francis and the Lights, JAY-Z, Vory, The Weeknd, Kid Cudi and more.
With a unique roll-out which saw the album streamed live in multiple formats at three stadium listening parties, many were wondering what ‘DONDA’’s final format would be, with many surprised to hear Da Baby’s verse on ‘Jail’ switched out for Jay Z’s. Chris Brown was pissed about his removal, writing on his IG story that Kanye is “a hoe” and “nah he tweakin.”
Many notable moments came from the latest listening event in Chicago’s Soldier Field, including Kanye’s wife Kim Kardashian appearing in a wedding gown while Kanye sang to her. The moment led to speculation that the pair may no longer divorcing.
As the album was expected to drop August 6th, heavy delays recently led industry insiders and fans to question whether Kanye’s attempting to release the same week as Drake’s highly anticipated ‘Certified Lover Boy’ – now set to drop September 3rd. Competition between the duo has reached an all time high, however Kanye’s on track to potentially set records with ‘DONDA’. If the album hits number one this week, then Kanye is set to break the record for the most number one albums this century.
With the album’s merch engineered by Balenciaga, it was bound to be desirable, take a look in our gallery, which includes a black cap, a mask and “2024” long-sleeve T-shirt, suggesting a presidential run???
