Kanye West & Jay-Z: 'Watch The Throne' - Album review

Published Aug 9 2011, 11:01 BST  |  By Robert Copsey

From the moment Kanye West revealed that he was working on a collaborative project with Jay-Z, it was obvious it would never be a humble affair. Our assumptions were confirmed over the coming months when an EP of material was extended into a full-length album, followed by the announcement of its opulent title and ending with the unveiling of the extravagant artwork. Suddenly, the pet project of two pals became one of most anticipated releases in hip-hop history - but given both are also the most powerful, controversial and chart-friendly of today's rapping royalty, did they honestly expect anything less?

Thankfully, the results more than live up to the hype. Opening with the plodding, tribal beats of 'No Church in the Wild', Hova dispels any notion that he may have lost his touch after 22 years in the game with an impressive opening skit, while the interior is lined with Yeezy's textured and luscious production. Such is the case for the Beyoncé-assisted 'Lift Off' and latest single 'Otis' - the latter sampling Otis Redding's raspy classic 'Try A Little Tenderness'. While the rest deviates between the risk-free and commercial on the broody 'New Day' to the head-spinning and egotistical 'That's my B**ch' - featuring West's new BFF Elly Jackson - the biggest surprise here is that in spite of their inflated egos, Watch The Throne is a solid team effort.

Tracks to download: 'No Church in the Wild', 'Lift Off' 'N**gas in Paris', 'Otis'
If you like this, you might like: Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross

Listen to 'Otis' below: