Watch the Throne, a hip-hop/rap album released on August 8th, presents the collective genius of Kanye West and Jay-Z. The album is comprised of 16 tracks written and performed in a creative, albeit arrogant style, displaying the talents of two renowned rappers. The album’s overall theme revolves around the ideas of wealth, power, success, and how those ideas alter the lives of people on different social levels. The simplistic, gold album art emits a grandiose aura, boasting the high status of the rappers.
The CD opens with “No Church in the Wild”, a song discussing the role of religion in modern society. The ominous bass line builds up the track as Frank Ocean’s high-pitched voice enters. The line “What’s a God to a non-believer who don’t believe in anything?” suggests that even divine beings can be overpowered by mere individuals. The combination of the bass line and the lyrics makes a bold statement involving the escalation of power.
“Friends in Paris”, an aggressive, pump-up song, epitomizes the prowess of West and Jay-Z. Each line is thrown at the listener to pack a great punch. The first 2 minutes and 20 seconds of the song feature excessive orchestration along with conceited lyrics to flaunt the rappers’ rise to success. The down tempo outro presents an intimidating image as West sings “You are now watching the throne…” implying a dramatic rise to authority.
“New Day” is a regretful piece where the rappers’ acknowledge their arrogance through their perspectives on parenting. The piano chords played throughout the background set a gloomy mood. In the first verse, West discusses, in an apologetic manner, his plans to raise his son with caution of his own mistakes. (“And I’ll never let my son have an ego…”) In the latter half of the song, Jay-Z outlines the negative effects of his fame on his future child.
“Made in America” details West and Jay-Z’s overcoming of struggles that typical African-Americans face in their integration into society. The hook references various civil rights leaders, most notably Martin Luther King, to place racial trials in a historical perspective. The main message that West and Jay-Z have “made it in America” despite their origins is made known to listeners.
Listeners may interpret Kanye West and Jay-Z’s egotistical display throughout Watch the Throne as flashy and arrogant at first. However, after closer analysis, the songs use the themes of status and power as tools to reveal deeper ideas on a larger scale.
