Sometimes you need to separate the man from the music to appreciate that music. Not so easy as Kanye West delivers the line "I am a God" on the track of the same name - featuring God, no less.
He seems such an easy figure to hate that it would be easy to dismiss his sixth album, Yeezus, as the ravings of an egotist. But it's so much more than that. It's an exhilarating yet bumpy ride through a hip-hop wonderland. West challenges his listeners with experimental music and vulgar lyrics (don't play I'm In It with your parents in the car) in his trademark lazy rap drawl.
Blood on the Leaves is the most compelling track, whacking you round the ears as it samples Nina Simone's version of Strange Fruit and delves into the politics of abortion.
Hold My Liquor descends into delightful electronica. Exciting stuff.
Kanye West, Yeezus
Rating: 4.5 / 5