"Yeezus" is the sixth studio album by Kanye West, released on June 18, 2013, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. Known for its experimental and abrasive sound, the album marked a departure from West's previous works in terms of style and production.
West collaborated with a variety of artists and producers for "Yeezus", including Mike Dean, Daft Punk, Noah Goldstein, Arca, Hudson Mohawke, and Travis Scott. The album also features guest vocals from Justin Vernon, Chief Keef, Kid Cudi, Assassin, King L, Charlie Wilson, and Frank Ocean.
In a notable move, West brought in producer Rick Rubin just fifteen days before the album's release to strip down its sound, resulting in a more minimalist approach. This decision emphasized raw, aggressive production elements drawn from industrial, acid house, electro, punk, and Chicago drill genres. West's use of samples was unconventional, as seen in tracks like "Blood on the Leaves", which samples Nina Simone's rendition of "Strange Fruit".
The album's physical CD edition was minimalist, featuring a clear jewel box with only a strip of red tape and sample credits. Promotion included worldwide video projections of the music and live television performances. Two singles were released: "Black Skinhead" in July 2013 and "Bound 2" the following month.
Critical reception to "Yeezus" was polarized among listeners but garnered widespread acclaim from critics, who praised its bold direction and innovative production. The album debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200, selling 327,000 copies in its first week. It also topped charts in several other countries and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
Over time, "Yeezus" has been recognized as one of Kanye West's standout works and a defining album of the 2010s. It has been certified double platinum by the RIAA and continues to be regarded highly in retrospective analyses of contemporary music.
