"Donda," released on August 29, 2021, is Kanye West's tenth studio album and his final release with GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album's release was highly anticipated, with multiple delays and revisions occurring before its final version was made public.
The album was primarily produced by Kanye West himself, along with BoogzDaBeast, Dem Jointz, Mike Dean, and Ojivolta. Recording took place at various locations, including Bighorn Mountain Ranch in Wyoming and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. "Donda" blends elements of hip hop, gospel, progressive rap, pop, trap, and drill. The production is noted for being both minimalist and maximalist, with a darker tone compared to West's previous work. The album is characterized by a reduced use of drums and a complete absence of profanity. The album explores themes related to Kanye West’s Christian faith, personal struggles, his estrangement from his then-wife Kim Kardashian, and his late mother, Donda West, to whom the album is dedicated.
The album features a wide array of guest artists, including The Weeknd, Jay-Z, Marilyn Manson, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Lil Baby, and many others. The deluxe edition includes additional contributions from André 3000, Tyler, the Creator, and KayCyy. The lead single, "Hurricane," was released in September 2021, followed by "Believe What I Say" and "Off the Grid" in November.
The album received a polarized response from critics. While some praised its ambitious composition and thematic depth, others criticized its lengthy runtime and cohesiveness. "Donda" achieved significant commercial success, becoming Kanye West’s tenth consecutive number-one album on the US Billboard 200, tying a record set by Eminem. It also topped charts in 18 other regions and was certified Platinum by the RIAA, with Gold certifications in Canada and New Zealand.
The album's release was accompanied by controversy due to the inclusion of DaBaby and Marilyn Manson, both of whom faced allegations of homophobia and sexual abuse. The controversies sparked debates among fans and critics alike.
In October 2021, Kanye West introduced the Stem Player, a device allowing users to remix the album’s songs and add new content. This service was discontinued the following year. The deluxe edition, released on November 14, 2021, included three additional songs and extended versions of some tracks from the original album.
