By: Nilam Mukherjee By: Nilam Mukherjee | August 6, 2021 | culture,
Only one day until Kanye West’s highly-anticipated 10th studio album Donda officially releases (or so they say), and fans are more than eager after yesterday’s second listening event at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Named after his late mother, Donda West, Kanye has truly taken his time polishing the record to perfection. Donda was originally scheduled for release on July 23, but after an itial listening party at the stadium, the release was unceremonsiouly pushed back to August 6 instead. The album is now set to release on August 7, according to iTunes.
The 24 track album features a slew of big name hip-hop icons, including features from Young Thug, Lil Yachty, Lil Durk, Jay Electronica, Kid Cudi and The Weeknd, some of whom performed with West at the event.
West's soon-to-be-ex-wife Kim Kardashian and Zé Taylor, among many others, took to Twitter and Instagram in support of West, expressing their excitement for the thrilling concert-style event.
West has been living in the Mercedes Benz Stadium since the debut Donda performance, crafting the album in a makeshift studio in the halls of the building. Taking the second listening event to a whole new level—and heights—West went all theatrical in an intense and invigorating performance.
.@kanyewest doing push-ups on the #DONDA livestream tonight. (8.5.21) pic.twitter.com/a2bHUkq1TE
— Photos Of Kanye West (@PhotosOfKanye) August 5, 2021
On the day of the event, West's fans got a personal and unique sneak peek into the finishing touches of the album. The day-long livestream titled "Countdown to Donda" showed several aspects of Kanye's creative process, including everything from naps and push-ups to recording room sessions with Vice Mensa, The Lox and more, according to Billboard. Preparing the audience for the big event, Kanye West sure knew how to keep an audience on their toes.
THE WEEKND & LIL BABY LIVE AT KANYE WEST'S DONDA. THE EXPERIENCE IS AMAZING! #DONDA pic.twitter.com/9QK46Zezed
— Dave HoopsBTV (@DaveTechz) August 6, 2021
Kanye West and Chris Brown Duet Is Way Too Perfect! #DONDA pic.twitter.com/tMjUvGwyAj
— Dave HoopsBTV (@DaveTechz) August 6, 2021
The event included a shocking performance by The Weeknd and Lil Baby, and also featured Kanye's duet with Chris Brown. From the eccentric set to the hyped-up tone of the show, Kanye was certainly able to establish his vision for the soundtrack through each of the performances.
Last night #DONDA pic.twitter.com/RLBcMM9qIU
— Modern Notoriety (@ModernNotoriety) August 6, 2021
#DONDA pic.twitter.com/55tmitK7ha
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) August 6, 2021
CHILLS!!! pic.twitter.com/5vcTh70wqr
— Zé Taylor (@FATHERBONNET) August 6, 2021
In a chillingly dramatic finale, Kanye West shocked everyone by levitating hundreds of feet in the air. Ascending to the heavens during the track "No Child Left Behind," West made jaws drop throughout the crowd and online. Fans screamed and cheered as the exhilarating finale set off a sensational chill throughout Kanye's fanbase.
Though delayed, Kanye's performance ensured his audience that it was all worth the wait. A new masterpiece is on its way.
Donda is set to release on August 7 and is available for pre-order via Apple Music.
Photography by: BFA/Yeezy