Album: The Life of Pablo by Kanye West (2016)
Genre: Hip-Hop | Style: Urban/R&B | Mood: Confrontational
Record Label: Def Jam Recordings
Format: Album

Description: The Life of Pablo is the seventh studio album by American recording artist Kanye West. It was released by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings on February 14, 2016. The album was initially available exclusively through the streaming service Tidal, following a lengthy series of delays in its recording and finalization. Recording of the album dated back to recording sessions for West's fifth album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), and took place in various locations.

West began working on his seventh solo album in November 2013. The album was originally titled So Help Me God and slated for a 2014 release. This version of the album, which never materialized, included several tracks which were released such as "God Level" (released as part of an Adidas World Cup promo), "Tell Your Friends" (later given to The Weeknd), "3500" (given to Travis Scott), "All Day" and "Only One". In February 2015, the only tracks from this version appearing to make the final cut for The Life of Pablo were "Famous" (formerly titled "Nina Chop") and "Wolves", which West performed on Saturday Night Live's 40th anniversary episode, with American recording artists Sia and Vic Mensa.

In May 2015, West renamed the album SWISH but clarified that it still could be subject to change. On January 26, 2016, West posted a supposed finalized track-listing on his Twitter account, along with another tentative title for the album, Waves. On February 4, West confirmed on Big Boy's Neighborhood radio show, that he still did not have a final album title. On February 9, West tweeted that the acronym of the album title was T.L.O.P. It was revealed the next day via Twitter that the album was titledThe Life of Pablo. West tweeted the album cover on February 11, 2016. West also debuted a portion of the album during his Yeezy Season 3 event on the same day, which West intended to be the album's official release day.

West revised the track-list on multiple occasions, ultimately modifying it on February 12, from ten tracks to seventeen. However, the release was delayed in order to include one final track, "Waves", which was initially removed from the original track-list. On February 15, 2016, Chance the Rapper annotated one of his lyrics from "Ultralight Beam" on Genius, explaining that the track was originally supposed to be the album's outro, rather than the opener on the version made available on Tidal.

Artist Background: Kanye Omari West (born June 8, 1977) is an American hip hop recording artist, songwriter, record producer, former singer, fashion designer, and entrepreneur. He is among the most acclaimed musicians of the 21st century, attracting both praise and criticism for his work and outspoken public persona. Raised in Chicago, West briefly attended art school before becoming known as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records in the early 2000s, producing hit singles for artists such as Jay Z and Alicia Keys. ... Part of the Chicago, Illinois, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Hip-Hop movement. Known for Urban/R&B style.

Related Artists: KIDS SEE GHOSTS, ¥$

Music Scene: Part of the Chicago, Illinois, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Hip-Hop movement. Known for Urban/R&B style.

Tags: Hip-Hop, Urban/R&B, Confrontational, 2010s, Album, Def Jam Recordings

Additional Context: Based on 3 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


The Life of Pablo is the seventh studio album by American recording artist Kanye West. It was released by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings on February 14, 2016. The album was initially available exclusively through the streaming service Tidal, following a lengthy series of delays in its recording and finalization. Recording of the album dated back to recording sessions for West's fifth album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), and took place in various locations.

West began working on his seventh solo album in November 2013. The album was originally titled So Help Me God and slated for a 2014 release. This version of the album, which never materialized, included several tracks which were released such as "God Level" (released as part of an Adidas World Cup promo), "Tell Your Friends" (later given to The Weeknd), "3500" (given to Travis Scott), "All Day" and "Only One". In February 2015, the only tracks from this version appearing to make the final cut for The Life of Pablo were "Famous" (formerly titled "Nina Chop") and "Wolves", which West performed on Saturday Night Live's 40th anniversary episode, with American recording artists Sia and Vic Mensa.

In May 2015, West renamed the album SWISH but clarified that it still could be subject to change. On January 26, 2016, West posted a supposed finalized track-listing on his Twitter account, along with another tentative title for the album, Waves. On February 4, West confirmed on Big Boy's Neighborhood radio show, that he still did not have a final album title. On February 9, West tweeted that the acronym of the album title was T.L.O.P. It was revealed the next day via Twitter that the album was titledThe Life of Pablo. West tweeted the album cover on February 11, 2016. West also debuted a portion of the album during his Yeezy Season 3 event on the same day, which West intended to be the album's official release day.

West revised the track-list on multiple occasions, ultimately modifying it on February 12, from ten tracks to seventeen. However, the release was delayed in order to include one final track, "Waves", which was initially removed from the original track-list. On February 15, 2016, Chance the Rapper annotated one of his lyrics from "Ultralight Beam" on Genius, explaining that the track was originally supposed to be the album's outro, rather than the opener on the version made available on Tidal.

The Life of Pablo

Kanye West

Track List

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