In which I save Watch The Throne from lazy-ass ledes invoking the economy, one track at a time. Part two later this week.
Jay-Z and Kanye West’s collaborative album Watch The Throne is finally in stores. August 12 also marks the day that the painter Jean Michael Basquiat died, 23 years ago. It’s an oddly appropriate time for a money-grubbing, deeply considered, pop-art rap album full of shiny, expensive message-music to drop. When it was released on iTunes Monday, with the reality of the United States’ lowered credit rating sinking in, plus the riots in England, Watch The Throne was criticized by many for being tone-deaf and out-of-step. But despite Jay and Kanye’s wealth-signifying shout-outs, their swaggering, money-burning attitude is delicately woven into an affecting, pointed exploration of success that’s freaking massive and also a lot of fun to listen to…
Are You A Serious Comic Book Reader?