2 KINGS ON THE THRONE
ALARA ALPAY
The album, released in August 2011, is a masterpiece created in both artists’ golden era. Today marks the iconic album’s 10th anniversary.
Jay Z and Kanye West; the duo, who once considered each other brothers and shared their success, have grown quite distant over time. Especially after Kanye West started a relationship with Kim Kardashian, the ‘feuds’ and ‘drama’ between the two old pals were not falling off the agenda. But rather than the drama between them, we decry our interest in an album created by the duo that will never be forgotten, no matter what happens between them; Watch the Throne.
The album, released in August 2011, is a masterpiece created in both artists’ golden era. Along with the success and echo of Kanye’s previously released album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and the interest and praise that Jay Z’s Blueprint 3 album received, this album they created certainly emerged as a blend of the two rappers’ inner worlds and creative sides.
Listening to the album, we get a chance to get to know and learn more about the inner worlds of the duo, who were at the peak of their career and living wonderful lives. Despite having a very difficult youth, Jay Z, who never shared his grief and the weight of what he went through, talked about his depression in the song ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, and his thoughts about being a father; On the other hand, we come across many lyrics about West’s feelings about being identified as a ‘villain’ by the society and his ‘celebrity’ lifestyle in general. At the same time, most critics associate this album and the lyrics with the social and financial problems experienced by Black Americans, noting that it provides a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a successful rapper.
Consisting of Kanye’s character -usually known for expressing his emotionality and feelings- and Jay’s producing abilities, this album teaches us about the journey they’ve been on through their personal worlds and feelings. In this album; full of dramatic and impressive melodies and rhythms, Jay Z undoubtedly highlights his lyricist personality and genius and prioritizes his differences with West, while Kanye represents the emotional and mentally fired up side of the duo.
But, of course, it’s a little difficult to describe this duo’s artistic talents just by their style on this album. The success these rappers gained even though they have very different characters is probably due to Kanye’s spontaneity and character; pushing Jay Z out of his comfort zone a bit, which is why we often come across the rapper’s lyrics on emotional reflection, and that’s not something we see very often from Jay Z. So when it’s combined with Kanye’s hubris and excitement, that’s when we realize it’s really an unprecedented album.
Although their relationship is not as good as it once was, this album, produced by perhaps the two biggest names of the rap community, continues to delight as a timeless masterpiece, even 10 years later.
