Article Is Kanye’s Heartbreak Mission Failed Or Accomplished?

Black Superman · 12-08-2008, 01:19 PM

I still cop CDs from artists I like every now and then. In ‘Ye’s case, I usually get my free album from Def Jam and still buy my own copy to show support. And whenever I support an artist, I reserve the right to criticize he/she all I want. It’s never gratuitous or malicious. I give credit when it’s due, but on the flip side, I’m not gonna blindly agree with everything an artist does just because I typically like their music. I do really like 808, though. I’m not sure I agree with Billy X. Sunday calling it a classic, but it’s a fine piece of work. “Street Lights” is my joint. Yeezy always speaks about Coldplay, Radiohead and trying to make music that sounds like Portishead. I personally don’t hear it, but “Street Lights” may be the closest he’s come to that sound yet.

As much as I’m digging the album, I can’t stand Kanye’s reasoning for it. He’s always made bold statements for his first three records. I remember him saying that any publication that didn’t give The College Dropout a classic rating was lowering the credibility of the magazine. He just knew he had classics on his hands, and for the most part, media outlets and fans alike agreed. But 808 is pretty much the first time Ye’s material is being met with mixed reviews and he seemingly doesn’t know how to handle it. While he’d previously dare listeners not to like his LPs, he’s now pretty defensive -seemingly making excuses for recording an album that isn’t being as widely embraced as its predecessors.

I’ve yet to see an interview where he doesn’t seem to be copping pleas- anything to get the public’s mind off the fact that nearly the entire record features him singing through Auto-Tune. First he said 50 would rap over 808’s production. Maybe not 50, but Rick Ross, Drake and Novel have already tackled 808 tracks.I’ll give him that. But then, as emo as the record is, Ye said it’s still “real nigga shit.” I won’t give him that one, though. I mean, is it “real nigga shit” or does it sound like Portishead? Let’s no t get it twisted, I’m pretty sure self-proclaimed “real niggas” mess with heartfelt love songs, emo rap, not so much let alone some Portishead. Plenty of my homies have Dummy on the iPod, none of them are on some “real nigga shit.”

When queried about his mixed reviews, ‘Ye often responds that he just wants to make “good art.” So, College Dropout wasn’t art? What makes 808 any more artistic than Graduation? Kanye is also fixated on this dog on “stadium status” thing. Apparently, “Flashing Lights” still couldn’t reach 60-year-old women, so he’s hoping “Heartless” does the trick. In a nutshell, 808 is Kanye’s latest attempt at expanding his fan base. But while he may have gained a few soccer moms here and there, the excessive Auto-Tune use alienated all the hood cats he finally won over with “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.” Heartbreak sold 451,395 units in its first week, roughly 500k less than Graduation sold last year. Sure, the industry’s in the toilet, but he’s Kanye West. T.I., who still isn’t as big an artist as Kanye, sold 568k in his first week. Had Ye released an actual rap album, I’m ready to bet he would have sold upwards 700k in the first week.

So, how is Kanye reaching more people, if he’s alienating a significant amount of fans? How is he reaching more people by selling less records? I’m sure he’d argue that the 450k doesn’t reflect the project’s international impact, but has Heartbreak made Ye that much of a bigger global star? Does his record really sound like Portishead? Let’s be fair, 450k is no flop in any way, shape or form, but considering what he set out to do, is Kanye’s Heartbreak mission failed or accomplished?-Jackpot

xxl

13ubba · 12-08-2008, 01:27 PM

failed....

Black Card Era · 12-08-2008, 02:14 PM

100% fail....

chickenwings · 12-08-2008, 03:45 PM

fail. dude lost his damn mind thinking making a whole cd of nothing but singing with autotune was gonna be a hit when hes a fuckin rapper.

..: Hunter :.. · 12-08-2008, 04:54 PM

Accomplished.

It's a solid album, and he sticks to the theme of heartbreak and emotion very well.

Antonio Montana · 12-08-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ..: Hunter :..

Accomplished.

It's a solid album, and he sticks to the theme of heartbreak and emotion very well.

what he said

Mr Wavez · 12-08-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ..: Hunter :..

Accomplished.

It's a solid album, and he sticks to the theme of heartbreak and emotion very well.

^^^^^^^^^^

G-Unit/DaTest · 12-08-2008, 05:37 PM

I think he failed................He makes it seem like hes gonna be worshiped because he made a different style of music than hes used to. Thats like just like NORE going to reggae ton, that switching side shit dont make you a renaissance man. He wants people to think hes special cause he could fucking sing on AUTOTUNE. He failed. Album and songs sucks and for a star of his caliber, he flopped. And I like Kanye, His first 3 albums were good but this shit is wack, if i wanted to hear an R&B dude, I would listen to one.

Re Up · 12-08-2008, 05:53 PM

Extra Fail...,

jondoejondoe195 · 12-08-2008, 08:15 PM

I think its a failure b/c its not I dont like the cd (but then again for the it not being good, and trying to tap a new fan base/genre the #'s really are pretty damn good).

Hunger4More · 12-08-2008, 09:09 PM

Success .

robby84 · 12-08-2008, 10:02 PM

Failed.
.
.
.
.
.

younggun11 · 12-08-2008, 11:22 PM

You're not the voice of the generation of this decade.. in fact with all the auto-tune in your records you're barely the voice of your own album
\

get a tin can and put it on a pacman machine to your ears.

Its pretty clear that nigga got owned. and Faild

W3STCOASTRYDA · 12-08-2008, 11:38 PM

success. sold 500k+ his first week. if kanye would have sold.. lets say.. 115k.. he would have failed. and he didnt need any beef or showdowns to sell

younggun11 · 12-09-2008, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W3STCOASTRYDA

success. sold 500k+ his first week. if kanye would have sold.. lets say.. 115k.. he would have failed. and he didnt need any beef or showdowns to sell

he sold 440 000 first week, how is that anywhere near 500k? not to mention u said 500k+?

Are u thinking of T.I maybe?

He sells 150k second week and 80k third week, he willonly go 1 platinum, when his shit was probably 7-10 mils Album budget.

he said he needed to recoup of Late Leg after 3 million sold.

chickenwings · 12-09-2008, 01:33 AM

lol @ kanye thinkin hes the voice of a generation. i dont know a single nigga that agrees. jayz couldnt even agree when he got asked that question.

kanye: you dress like peewee herman, have a fetish for teddy bears, made a whole cd of autotune singing and put a red balloon heart on the cover, and now want to become a world renouned fashion designer. you might be the voice of fags who listen to rap but you damn sho aint no voice of the generation!

xPaperPlanes78x · 12-09-2008, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ..: Hunter :..

Accomplished.

It's a solid album, and he sticks to the theme of heartbreak and emotion very well.

word...i'd rep you...but you know how it is.....you say kanye better then 50 around here and you get neg repped....

Essincy · 12-09-2008, 11:31 AM

This album made me love Kanye. Before, I placed him with all the other standard rappers.

I think what he's done is absolutely brilliant. I rate him for that.

Furthermore, he's rich and successful, so he can do what he wants.

Feature87 · 12-09-2008, 01:03 PM

100% failed...unfortunately I've been wrong when I thought we only got one T-Pain.
Then there have been Weezy aka T-Pain 2 and now Kanye aka T-Pain 3.

PeteG · 12-09-2008, 02:08 PM

failure hate him for doing that shit
College Dropout was the shit

Obey Me · 12-09-2008, 02:24 PM

successs of course ..!

ez4menyou · 12-09-2008, 03:49 PM

for stepping out of his lane and doing something different is a success for him even if the numbers don't say it fans are just so damn picky these days i will say this this album did alienate him from his core fan base sometimes trying to get new fans isn't a good idea

SluGSlinGa · 12-09-2008, 10:15 PM

Its a success. the album is great and the production is incredible.

rap is not the only thing i listen to so i like this album, yall niggas need to open your fucking mind and experience more shit.

Hunger4More · 12-09-2008, 10:33 PM

quit hatin .

PhillyThug · 12-09-2008, 10:53 PM

i give him props in the sense that he tried something new and stuck to a theme that actually matters, but i'm just not feeling all the autotune. kinda gets annoying after a while.

12-08-2008, 01:19 PM	#1
Black Superman Show Time Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,588 Repped: 259 Repped 5,423 Times in 619 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 11 Times in 9 Posts	Is Kanye’s Heartbreak Mission Failed Or Accomplished? Is Kanye’s Heartbreak Mission Failed Or Accomplished? I still cop CDs from artists I like every now and then. In ‘Ye’s case, I usually get my free album from Def Jam and still buy my own copy to show support. And whenever I support an artist, I reserve the right to criticize he/she all I want. It’s never gratuitous or malicious. I give credit when it’s due, but on the flip side, I’m not gonna blindly agree with everything an artist does just because I typically like their music. I do really like 808, though. I’m not sure I agree with Billy X. Sunday calling it a classic, but it’s a fine piece of work. “Street Lights” is my joint. Yeezy always speaks about Coldplay, Radiohead and trying to make music that sounds like Portishead. I personally don’t hear it, but “Street Lights” may be the closest he’s come to that sound yet. As much as I’m digging the album, I can’t stand Kanye’s reasoning for it. He’s always made bold statements for his first three records. I remember him saying that any publication that didn’t give The College Dropout a classic rating was lowering the credibility of the magazine. He just knew he had classics on his hands, and for the most part, media outlets and fans alike agreed. But 808 is pretty much the first time Ye’s material is being met with mixed reviews and he seemingly doesn’t know how to handle it. While he’d previously dare listeners not to like his LPs, he’s now pretty defensive -seemingly making excuses for recording an album that isn’t being as widely embraced as its predecessors. I’ve yet to see an interview where he doesn’t seem to be copping pleas- anything to get the public’s mind off the fact that nearly the entire record features him singing through Auto-Tune. First he said 50 would rap over 808’s production. Maybe not 50, but Rick Ross, Drake and Novel have already tackled 808 tracks.I’ll give him that. But then, as emo as the record is, Ye said it’s still “real nigga shit.” I won’t give him that one, though. I mean, is it “real nigga shit” or does it sound like Portishead? Let’s no t get it twisted, I’m pretty sure self-proclaimed “real niggas” mess with heartfelt love songs, emo rap, not so much let alone some Portishead. Plenty of my homies have Dummy on the iPod, none of them are on some “real nigga shit.” When queried about his mixed reviews, ‘Ye often responds that he just wants to make “good art.” So, College Dropout wasn’t art? What makes 808 any more artistic than Graduation? Kanye is also fixated on this dog on “stadium status” thing. Apparently, “Flashing Lights” still couldn’t reach 60-year-old women, so he’s hoping “Heartless” does the trick. In a nutshell, 808 is Kanye’s latest attempt at expanding his fan base. But while he may have gained a few soccer moms here and there, the excessive Auto-Tune use alienated all the hood cats he finally won over with “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.” Heartbreak sold 451,395 units in its first week, roughly 500k less than Graduation sold last year. Sure, the industry’s in the toilet, but he’s Kanye West. T.I., who still isn’t as big an artist as Kanye, sold 568k in his first week. Had Ye released an actual rap album, I’m ready to bet he would have sold upwards 700k in the first week. So, how is Kanye reaching more people, if he’s alienating a significant amount of fans? How is he reaching more people by selling less records? I’m sure he’d argue that the 450k doesn’t reflect the project’s international impact, but has Heartbreak made Ye that much of a bigger global star? Does his record really sound like Portishead? Let’s be fair, 450k is no flop in any way, shape or form, but considering what he set out to do, is Kanye’s Heartbreak mission failed or accomplished?-Jackpot xxl __________________ HH Board's Top 5 or Better... Who Hotter Than Me? HIT DA REP OR CLICK THE GREEN

12-08-2008, 02:14 PM	#3
Black Card Era Veteran Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: UK, Reading Posts: 5,663 Repped: 2,187 Repped 1,146 Times in 358 Posts Neg Reps: 69 Neg Repped at 72 Times in 50 Posts	100% fail.... __________________

12-08-2008, 04:54 PM	#5
..: Hunter :.. Philip Neville = Red Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Park Ji-Sung Road Posts: 958 Repped: 223 Repped 84 Times in 44 Posts Neg Reps: 13 Neg Repped at 9 Times in 8 Posts	Accomplished. It's a solid album, and he sticks to the theme of heartbreak and emotion very well. __________________ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - A True Living Legend...

12-08-2008, 09:09 PM	#11
Hunger4More BLACK PRESIDENT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,262 Repped: 194 Repped 555 Times in 126 Posts Neg Reps: 6 Neg Repped at 9 Times in 8 Posts	Success . __________________ R3LAPS3

12-08-2008, 10:02 PM	#12
robby84 Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queenz Bred, livin life in Y.O. Posts: 8,581 Repped: 3,246 Repped 13,909 Times in 1,126 Posts Neg Reps: 12 Neg Repped at 8 Times in 8 Posts	Failed. . . . . . __________________ Most loved/Hated Moderator "Stop Bitchin" - Robby

12-08-2008, 01:27 PM	#2
13ubba Veteran Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: canada Posts: 3,403 Repped: 468 Repped 1,503 Times in 357 Posts Neg Reps: 442 Neg Repped at 159 Times in 114 Posts	failed....

12-08-2008, 03:45 PM	#4
chickenwings Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4,598 Repped: 608 Repped 677 Times in 403 Posts Neg Reps: 505 Neg Repped at 224 Times in 166 Posts	fail. dude lost his damn mind thinking making a whole cd of nothing but singing with autotune was gonna be a hit when hes a fuckin rapper.

12-08-2008, 05:37 PM	#8
G-Unit/DaTest *Gang Green* Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Miami 305 Posts: 5,698 Repped: 1,842 Repped 522 Times in 74 Posts Neg Reps: 5 Neg Repped at 4 Times in 4 Posts	I think he failed................He makes it seem like hes gonna be worshiped because he made a different style of music than hes used to. Thats like just like NORE going to reggae ton, that switching side shit dont make you a renaissance man. He wants people to think hes special cause he could fucking sing on AUTOTUNE. He failed. Album and songs sucks and for a star of his caliber, he flopped. And I like Kanye, His first 3 albums were good but this shit is wack, if i wanted to hear an R&B dude, I would listen to one.

12-08-2008, 05:53 PM	#9
Re Up SERiAL KiLLER hhBoard OG Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: ☆New York☆ Posts: 1,376 Repped: 224 Repped 48 Times in 24 Posts Neg Reps: 7 Neg Repped at 14 Times in 3 Posts	Extra Fail...,

12-08-2008, 08:15 PM	#10
jondoejondoe195 Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,327 Repped: 98 Repped 139 Times in 21 Posts Neg Reps: 1 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think its a failure b/c its not I dont like the cd (but then again for the it not being good, and trying to tap a new fan base/genre the #'s really are pretty damn good).

12-08-2008, 11:22 PM	#13
younggun11 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: CLV Posts: 658 Repped: 0 Repped 193 Times in 78 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 204 Times in 110 Posts	You're not the voice of the generation of this decade.. in fact with all the auto-tune in your records you're barely the voice of your own album \ get a tin can and put it on a pacman machine to your ears. Its pretty clear that nigga got owned. and Faild __________________ I cannot stand Eminem and His Fans, I hate Wiggaz and if I see ya on the streets, i am beating your for real, been like since in 2002, and still like that, Ya all corny as fuck!

12-08-2008, 11:38 PM	#14
W3STCOASTRYDA Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 47 Repped: 0 Repped 13 Times in 4 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 2 Times in 2 Posts	success. sold 500k+ his first week. if kanye would have sold.. lets say.. 115k.. he would have failed. and he didnt need any beef or showdowns to sell

12-09-2008, 01:33 AM	#16
chickenwings Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 4,598 Repped: 608 Repped 677 Times in 403 Posts Neg Reps: 505 Neg Repped at 224 Times in 166 Posts	lol @ kanye thinkin hes the voice of a generation. i dont know a single nigga that agrees. jayz couldnt even agree when he got asked that question. kanye: you dress like peewee herman, have a fetish for teddy bears, made a whole cd of autotune singing and put a red balloon heart on the cover, and now want to become a world renouned fashion designer. you might be the voice of fags who listen to rap but you damn sho aint no voice of the generation!

12-09-2008, 11:31 AM	#18
Essincy The Bear Jew Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Tea and crumpets Posts: 285 Repped: 6 Repped 23 Times in 10 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	This album made me love Kanye. Before, I placed him with all the other standard rappers. I think what he's done is absolutely brilliant. I rate him for that. Furthermore, he's rich and successful, so he can do what he wants. __________________ let's keep it 100%

12-09-2008, 01:03 PM	#19
Feature87 Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 994 Repped: 338 Repped 19 Times in 11 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	100% failed...unfortunately I've been wrong when I thought we only got one T-Pain. Then there have been Weezy aka T-Pain 2 and now Kanye aka T-Pain 3.

12-09-2008, 02:08 PM	#20
PeteG Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 159 Repped: 31 Repped 24 Times in 10 Posts Neg Reps: 12 Neg Repped at 6 Times in 4 Posts	failure hate him for doing that shit College Dropout was the shit

12-09-2008, 02:24 PM	#21
Obey Me Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: *Right Here* Posts: 1,490 Repped: 201 Repped 724 Times in 278 Posts Neg Reps: 0 Neg Repped at 35 Times in 27 Posts	successs of course ..! __________________

12-09-2008, 03:49 PM	#22
ez4menyou Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: va all day baby Posts: 870 Repped: 165 Repped 27 Times in 11 Posts Neg Reps: 7 Neg Repped at 4 Times in 4 Posts	for stepping out of his lane and doing something different is a success for him even if the numbers don't say it fans are just so damn picky these days i will say this this album did alienate him from his core fan base sometimes trying to get new fans isn't a good idea

12-09-2008, 10:15 PM	#23
SluGSlinGa Ur wOrsT NiGhtMaRe... Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Killadelphia, Pistolvania Posts: 2,968 Repped: 38 Repped 132 Times in 58 Posts Neg Reps: 45 Neg Repped at 72 Times in 46 Posts	Its a success. the album is great and the production is incredible. rap is not the only thing i listen to so i like this album, yall niggas need to open your fucking mind and experience more shit.

12-09-2008, 10:33 PM	#24
Hunger4More BLACK PRESIDENT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,262 Repped: 194 Repped 555 Times in 126 Posts Neg Reps: 6 Neg Repped at 9 Times in 8 Posts	quit hatin . __________________ R3LAPS3

12-09-2008, 10:53 PM	#25
PhillyThug King of Philly Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philly Posts: 779 Repped: 139 Repped 17 Times in 10 Posts Neg Reps: 1 Neg Repped at 0 Times in 0 Posts	i give him props in the sense that he tried something new and stuck to a theme that actually matters, but i'm just not feeling all the autotune. kinda gets annoying after a while.

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