Rappers / entrepreneurs Kanye West and Jay-Z were all smiles at the exclusive listening event for the highly-anticipated release of their album, Watch The Throne (Available August 8th). The event was held at the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History on Monday, August 1 in NYC.
Concrete Loop was in the house for the listening session and let’s just say it was very space aged. They confiscated all phones and cameras at the door and I spotted a couple of celebrities getting heated when they had to give theirs up too. The whole listening event was on another level and before it actually started, Kanye greeted the invited guests with smiles and hugs and seemed to be in a chipper mode. He looked excited about the whole experience and it was the happiest I’ve seen him in a minute. After awhile, we peeped Beyonce and Jay-Z stroll in with security (Julius of course) to get their seats. Following them, were singers Kelly Rowland and Solange Knowles. A lot of celebs were seated randomly inside the listening including: Q-Tip (who is featured on the album), Nas, Idris Elba, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Steve Stoute, Busta Rhymes, Teyana Taylor, DJ D-Nice and designer Tory Burch (more photos below).
After some confusion with seating, the lights started to dim and the effects started. For those of you who have never been to a planetarium, here is a little description of the set up. We were sitting in a dome shaped room and the ceiling was pretty much a movie theater screen. Our chairs were positioned so we could look up and I believe some of them even reclined but ours didn’t. LOL. Big speakers were in the middle of the room and there were also some aligned on the walls (for maximum listening pleasure). When the music started, the ceiling started showcasing stars, planets, moons, meteors and more. As the album played, each scene changed and I’m guessing Kanye was very hands on with this, because you can tell his made sure that the music matched the scenes we were observing. After the listening/viewing (keep reading below to hear my thoughts on each song), Jay-Z briefly spoke to the crowd as Kanye sat on the side smiling from ear to ear. Jay said it took them “about 9 months to complete the album” and it was a “process of three incarnations/stages”. They had to bring the musicality down a little more so it could be more cohesive. He thanked everyone and then they proceeded to usher people out for the second listening/viewing session.
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- Kelly Rowland and Beyonce attend
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- Jada Pinkett-Smith attends
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- Solange attends
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- Q-Tip attends
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- Busta Rhymes
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- Julie Greenwald, Jay-Z and Lyor Cohen
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- Tory Burch and Lyor Cohen
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- Kanye West is all smiles at the event
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- Jay-Z speaks at the event
TRACK BY TRACK NOTES/ OVERALL VIBE OF ‘WATCH THE THRONE’
Here are some of the notes and vibes I got from the songs. It was really dark in there so I wasn’t able to take that many notes, but this still gives you an idea of how dope the tracks were (to me at least).
1. “No Church in the Wild” (featuring Frank Ocean)
4/5 – Frank Ocean comes in on the song asking “…What’s a mob to a king? What’s a king to a god? What’s a god to a nonbeliever?” Kanye & Jay gives us 808s & Heartbreaks vibes on the track and it is actually a good starting point.
2. “Lift Off” (featuring Beyoncé)
4/5 – It was originally announced that Bruno Mars was going to be on the track, but I didn’t hear him. Only Beyonce was heard belting out “We gonna take it to the moon/ We gonna take it to the stars/ How many people you know take it this far?” Pretty dope track.
3. “Niggas in Paris”
5/5!!!!!! Best beat on the album. Everyone was getting out of their seats and jamming. It gave me a down south vibe. They were straight stunting on the song and both Kanye & Jay killed their verses. I wanted them to replay it.
4. “Otis” (featuring Otis Redding)
3/5 Since this song is already out, you can listen here. However, while this was playing I noticed that Beyonce & Jay-Z were really feeling it. They were smiling all over the place.
5. “Gotta Have It”
5/5 – This Nepturnes produced beat was also another crazy one. Kanye plays on the internet culture because I heard a couple of LOLs mentions on the track. Jay-Z goes in on the high price of being famous.
6. “New Day”
5/5 This song samples Nina Simone’s “Feelin’ Good.” You can hear her voice “Birds flyin’ high, you know how I feel” and Kanye and Jay-Z get personal. Both speak to about or to their unborn children and it was actually thought provoking. Kanye even puts in a jab to Amber Rose saying, “Strip club, I learned the hard way that wasn’t where to find love.”
7. “That’s My Bitch”
4/5 The guy next to me said this song leaked because he heard it before but it was new to me. The visual effects during this time were planets exploding and then it eventually turned into the moon. Pretty dope. Didn’t write any lyric notes down.
8. “Welcome to the Jungle”
4/5 Swizz Beatz is very evident on this song. Guitars and a Jay-Z mention of Axel Rose (i’m guessing that was smart because of the song title). Definite banger though.
9. “Who’s Gon Stop Me”
4/5 All I remember is Kanye saying something about the Holocaust in the chorus and even though it was dark inside the planetarium, everyone started writing hard on their paper. I was like ut oh, this is gonna turn into something if he isn’t careful. The song was pretty dope, but I think people are going to make a big heap about his ‘Holocaust’ mentioning.
10. “Murder to Excellence”
4/5 Another deep song on the album. Kanye speaks about the murder count in Chicago comparing it to the deaths of soldiers in Iraq. Jay-Z sheds light on the black on black crime / murder in an inspirational way.
11. “Made in America” (featuring Frank Ocean)
5/5 Frank Ocean’s chorus on this song was pretty dope. He sang “Sweet King Martin / Sweet Queen Coretta / Sweet Brother Malcolm / Sweet Queen Betty / Sweet Mother Mary / Sweet Father Joseph / Sweet Jesus / We made it in America / Sweet Baby Jesus / Oh sweet baby Jesus / We made it in America / Sweet baby Jesus / Oh sweet baby Jesus / We made it in America” Kanye payed homage to his mother, and Jay-Z pledged allegiance to his grandma. Another inspirational song on both Jay and Kanye’s end. This song kind of reminded me of off the “Graduation’ album. Kanye were just speaking his growth in the industry making beats and songs for people. He also compared him using his beats as ‘getting high off his own supply’. All I can remember is the Frank Ocean chorus right now. It’s stuck in my head.
12. “Why I Love You” (featuring Mr Hudson)
4/5
OVERALL, IT’S A MUST BUY!! MAKE SURE YOU SUPPORT ON AUGUST 8TH. ( PRE-ORDER HERE ).
Overall, the album was entertaining, educational, inspirational and the beats went hard. You can tell the older the two get, the more reflective they are becoming as evident in many of the songs on the upcoming release. Not to mention, they even had little dope interludes in between each song (reminiscent of Frank Ocean’s infamous mixtape) and the hip-hop heads will dig some of the mixing and samples as well. I’m excited to hear it in full again.
After reading it …I lost interest in anything else after they mentioned my babe Idris…..he’s looking a bit disheveled but its ok
Kelly’s face looks cute…glad she’s hanging out with Bey again….Maybe Bey was humbled after the fiasco with her father
Sigh…. for people to not know this by now is baffling. They’ve never fell out, always been tight, had nothing to do with Dad but their busy schedules and have nothing but love for one another in the face of all haters.
idris never has been fine..smh
@MEI…Who the fukkk ever said they werent friends anymore…and if they werent —I really dont give a dam….I said Im glad she’s hanging out with BEY AGAIN…
@ Tunta….Idris was fine to ME….smh
dam…I thought Solange was an old woman…had to do a separate up close photo…
Sounds like so much fun! You actually have me interested in hearing what everything sounds like!
If they keep their ego in check, their tour will be a huge hit!
Kelly and Bey looking cute! Excited, can’t wait to hear the album!
I just hope more than anything that Jay-Z was inspired enough to grow a little more on this album. As talented as dude is, you can’t help but notice that he’s less inspired these days. I hope Kanye and his volatile personality sparked those creative juices enough to launch Hov off of his plateau. This should be interesting. Get em boys!!!
Overall I think he stepped his game up on this album. I was surprised how hard he came on the “Niggas in Paris” song.
The song’s title alone sounds desperate “niggas in Paris” ?! what is it about ? being Somebody just ’cause he can get to Paris?
I really hope Kanye West brings something new to the table, hip-hop is shallow and boring to death these days, plus he used to make some sense with his lyrics.
Jay has done it all so what can he rap about without being reduntant? Rap is a complicated genre.
Does Solonge go out of her way to look a hot ass mess? If she’d just wear normal clothes and wear her hair normal, she’d look halfway decent…I think the reason she’s always compared to Beyonce is because of how she be looking all the damn time. With her Orlando Jones-lookin ass. Fail. Somebody needs to tell Beyonce that the hat she’s wearing is NOT cute AT ALL. Neither is her outfit and would she PLEASE lose the fukkin blonde wig! I mean REALLY? REALLY? She has ZERO versatility. Kelly looks cute but she needs to retire that wig already. What the fukk?
Change your pad!
2. wash ur hands.
3. Go sit down
LMAO @ Jane
LOL @Jane, y’all crack me up.
Thanks Angel for this because I was really curious on the album but your feedback and opinion about each song really have me interested.! I love when Jay-Z and Kanye come together in the studio or just period because you know it going to be CRAZY.! They are both musically talented and come up with the must upscale sound that makes a song DOPE.! I definitely can’t wait til August 8th now.! I’m about to pre-order.
WHEN IS THAT SOLANGE CHIC GONNA GET IT TOGETHER?????
Beyonce looks cute and fresh faced. Wish I could see the shoes she was rocking but they were probably the Pigalle platform CL’s. Love the hat and shorts!
The visuals could’ve been Jay too. He’s the king of the visual screens live and very much into visuals going with a song to set a mood.
True!
Solange’s outfit is cute.. I don’t like the hair though. Jay-Z really looks aged. Jada…. umm, it’s summer time why are you in all black plus a black leather jacket? Just looking at that makes the back of my knees sweat O.O
I agree with some of the other commenters, Jay’s music has lost its substance in recent years just shameless bragging about materialism. Then when you throw Kanye in the mix who hasn’t done a good album since college dropout, I’m really not expecting much. In addition, I still feel like Kanye doesn’t have a great rap voice and I doubt he’s trying to improve that.
I’ll definitely need to hear some of the tracks before purchasing the album.
I think you’re going to be surprised by the album then. He speaks some substance in a few songs.
I always thought that Kanye’s tone of voice and flow was wack as hell. To me, he just always sounded amateur. I hate Drake’s rap voice as well. LOL
@LondonChick Your comment about Kanye not producing a good album since College Dropout I have to disagree. You don’t seem like a fan, but his last album MBDTF was positively reviewed by many critics. I just don’t agree with your comments. Jay-Z is a grown man who has millions of dollars. What do you expect him to rap about? If he still rapped about his street life ppl would say he’s being fake because he doesn’t live that life anymore. He raps about material things now and being on top because that’s his life. I can understand if it’s not something you like, but then again you have the choice not to listen to it. But obviously you like something about them to comment on this post…..
This event sounded like a headache. All of this just for listening to music by these two?
Kelly looks amazing and she’s very pretty with beautiful skin and nice features.
Beyonce looks so washed up and tired of the damn time! She’s really not that pretty. WTH does she have on?
Jay & Kanye need to sit down already. They are old news. Their music now-a-days aint what it used to be.
Solange is one unattractive chick. She really does look like Orlando Jones and it does seem like she dresses like a fool purposely.
I agree with you and for as Kayne I thought I was the only one that thought he could not rap for shit to me he is a pop artist. But now days anybody and everybody is considered a rapper. I feel you on Ye is SUPER WHACK TO ME. But a lot of people really like him I have never been into Ye. He reminds me of Steve Urkell when I see him performing (LoL)
May have to cop that! Great review!
I’m really interested in and want to know more (lyrically) about the first song “No Church In The Wild”. Is this gonna add more fuel to the illuminati theories??
I was wandering the same thing it sound like it will and it should. The song is obviously blasphemous. I sort of stopped right their. That oceans guy that’s on the track is supposed to be a confessed atheist Satanist. So the rest was history for me. Just the title and those few lyrics said DEMONIC ACTIVITY. So I want be supporting this project@ all.
You’re fucking crazy if you said Jayz Lost his substance…Please JAYZ have been shittin on all these rappers….Jay and Kanye are the best in the game right now….
I am looking forward to getting it and the concert at the Garden !
Ugh…I am beyond sick of people and their antics…Michael Jackson never had to make songs about sex in order to be the biggest entertainer ever. Adele didn’t have to be naked or a “sex symbol” in order to sell records. Bon jovi didnt have to toy with religious or anti-religious beliefs to get their success. I’m all for creativity and being different but some things just should not be categorized as such…I swear I just wish that people would just go back to making good music for the love of music
I agree with what you said. Music is not the same; could be in part of the people above -rap is now Rock n Roll mixed with Pop…R&B is now Pop. Seems like the ones who are soulful are the non colored people.
Right! I just did a post telling Kanye off because I know his punk ass gon read it. GOD’s placing judgment on KANYE for slandering him in those songs. He’s not taking risk he’s just losing more & more white fans. Kanye listen black people don’t buy they download! You f–k up with them white people in a few years you won’t have enough cash to buy shit. Also if you want to keep it ‘real’ in your songs how bout you stop selling fantasies and influence black boys to become better men than your father was to you, you psychotic feeble-minded dumb ass.
The two lovers are back together again. How sweet!
I see b.utch azz Jada is there solo probably lurking around to see if she can bring home Beyonce or Kelly or both.
Solange looks like she rides the short bus. Always looks dumb and confused.
As usual, very miserable, don’t you get tired of being like that?? VERY SAD THAT YOU DON’T LOVE YOUR LIFE, AND THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE YOU HAPPY IS TO TALK CRAP TO MAKE YOURSELF FEEL GOOD- UR A SAD INDIVIDUAL!!!
I’m so excited it’s not even reasonable.. and everyone who attended looks great.
Thanks Angel, I really felt like I was up in that joint with you guys! I really wish that the next listening party you invite a CL reader! You know we know how to act, or at least I do.
If I could I would. lol. I’m working on some dope giveaways later this year though.
Ya’ll have me excited to hear this album. I love listening to both Jay and Kanye, so I know they won’t let me down.
My wifey Bey lookin good in them shorts! She’s so fine. I want her baaaaaadddd! Lucky ninja Jay lucky he nice on the mic.
I don’t like the fact that Kanye speaks of Christianity in the most blasphemus way. I respect real artist but let’s be clear on something; just cuz this n–ga says controversial shit to boost his career does make him ground breaking. Someone needs to tell Kanye to go get help; he can mention civil rights leaders as much as he want but he’s nothing remotely close like them. There’s not a such thing as sophisticated ignorance; you’re just a sophistacated idiot. Also stop blaming GOD 4 the death of your mother. Her getting cosmetic surgery at 50ish shows where you get a lot of your ignorance from. No offense but who’s honestly checking 4 a 50 year old with a tummytuck? Ignorance is a bliss Kanye, so stop bragging on how ignorant you are. You need help! Also I love Angel but we all know she’s a bias so subtract these by -2 and that’s the real score.
Wow, no offense? I hope YOU find the help you demand for others with your angry azz.
what up with Kelly and Bey with those fake ass smiles. They look uncomfortable next to each other
lol
So where’s Michelle?
I’m def getting this album. worth each of my penny. I’m a huge fan of Jay N ‘Yen and they always stay making that great music, so we must show the support ppl. CL did a great review on the album also, impatiently waiting on August 8th!!!
can’t wait!! love them both!!
ANGEL, great job on this one! Would have been nice to be there. A brother needs some press credentials ASAP
Check out what we doing in Charlotte, NC! ( DNC2012 in Charlotte )
AUGUST FEATURED MODEL | http://nticemusic.com/mod...ls/august-featured-model/
The listening experience sounds so exciting, such an exquisite experience… Whenever, I changed my mind about a road trip, shopping trip, club trip, all in one trip, my late best friend would always say when giving me the details, with a big koolaid smile,” Netice, you should have came gurl..” Aww I wish I was there.. I did say Jay was boring but his music is not. It is quite captivating, so much, all his albums are timeless. I am still bumping bp3. Death of Autotunes is my wake up the neiborhood, I am going to church song.. I love when the sax roar.. He never disappoint. Ye is intriquing.. I’ll just have to wait till August 8.. Bless..
What’s up with the pics! It shows one pic and then goes to the last pic when you hit next to see them individually.
This event sounded like a headache. All of this just for listening to music by these two?
This album will be no more than an ongoing collaboration of satanic symbolism mixed with esoteric lyrics. Dont waste your money on it. It’s pollution…
Can’t wait for the drop. Mad respect. But a real ‘watch the throne’ will be nas & jay. That would shut the industry down. No wayne.
Holla at me when yall get the link to the downloads..I like crazy ass Kanye but I cant give my money to Camel Joe! HEllz NO!
This is garbage, I wouldn’t waste my time with these two clowns. Beyonce and Kelly look good and glad they hanging out. Solange looks great and can’t wait for her next album.
Why didn’t Jay-Z go to Kelly Rowland listening Party but she at his and Why? Beyonce so close to Kelly Rowland all of sudden now I was just wondering I never seen Beyonce this close to her.
Thanks Angel. I am looking forward to getting the album on Monday. I was not a fan of the song thats my b**** when you guys previewed it a while back. However, I do love the song Otis. I am interested in comparing my thoughts with yours.
The camel is starting to look old in the face. You can tell that the years won’t be his friend as he ages.
I dont know how hot the album will be, sounds like it could be pretty dope! but I wont be supporting….Im turned off by the constant referencing and disrespect of Christ in Jay’z's lyrics! I love hip hop and I am hip hop but, Leave my Jesus out of the profanity driven music. That’s all
You know and these are my thoughts JayZ is starting to make me sick. I am loosing respect for him and I had already lost respect for Kanye when he pulled that stunt on Taylor Swift (at the past awards event) both of them together make my stomach turn.
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Your details following the listening party were very informative and helpful. This will def be a gotta-cop album. I am really excited to hear some introverted hip hop (makes you think).
BTW, What’s going on with all the Beyonce-Solange-Kanye-Jay haters? Dayuuuuuum! What they wear is their personal style, not yours so why expect to love everything they wear/do? Your mama should’ve told you: If you don’t have anything good/constructive to say, don’t say anything at all.
I just paid $22.87 for an iPad2-64GB and my girlfriend loves her Panasonic Lumix GF 1 Camera that we got for $38.76 there arriving tomorrow by UPS. I will never pay such expensive retail prices in stores again. Especially when I also sold a 40 inch LED TV to my boss for $675 which only cost me $62.81 to buy. Here is the website we use to get it all from, HitPenny.çom
So rumor was that jay z and kanye were not getting along was that true. I also want to know if jay or kanye plan on ever working with rakim the king of rapp anytime in the near future (added by Mobile using Mippin)
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