XTCY

Listening to "XTCY" by Kanye West is a disorienting experience, not merely because of its provocative subject matter but due to the raw, confessional nature of the track itself. Post-Graduation, Kanye's music has increasingly centered around unfiltered self-indulgence, fully aware of his ability to say anything without repercussion. The vulgarity and excess on "The Life of Pablo" push the album to a nearly indefensible critical standpoint, and "XTCY," released two years later, is perhaps the most revealing product of this trajectory. It fits seamlessly with themes from both "Pablo" and "Ye," representing Kanye's ideology as genuinely as tracks like "Violent Crimes" or "Wolves." His lecherous tendencies are no longer veiled; they are laid bare for all to scrutinize, a spectacle that is both terrifying and, in a way, admirable. Musically, "XTCY" creates an unsettling sense of limbo, akin to "30 Hours" but far more lurid, intertwining the throbbing pain of a headache with the euphoria of a psychedelic. The minimalist yet hypnotic beat and Kanye's manic, introspective delivery amplify the confessional tone, evoking a visceral response that blurs reality and intoxicated fantasy. This track is not just a song; it is an auditory journey into Kanye's psyche, confronting listeners with the raw, unfiltered truth he presents, making it a significant, albeit controversial, piece in his discography.

KANYE WEST - XTCY

RATING - 6.1/10

GENRE - Hip-Hop