The Atlanta-born emcee, lyricist, record producer and fashion designer Kanye West’s fifth studio album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was released 12 years ago today. The 14-track LP – which was released on 22nd November 2010 – is considered to be one of the finest records in Hip-Hop which changed the genre forever and elevated Ye’s stature in global performing arts to an unprecedented scale.
The star-studded album featured guest appearances from Kid Cudi, Raekwon, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz, the de factor leader of Wu-Tang Clan RZA, John Legend, Bon Iver and more. Notably, RZA, Mike Dean, No I.D., Plain Pat and DJ Frank E assisted West in producing the album.
My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy was released through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records and served as the follow-up to West’s 808s & Heartbreak. The LP went on to win the Best Rap Album at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards and debuted at the top spot on the Billboard Top 200 at the time.
A riveting commentary on self-aggrandizement, American consumerism and amusing sexual underpinnings, MBTDF still remains one of the finest records by Kanye West and a Rap Classic.
Watch the avant-garde full-length film from the album to truly understand the iconic LP.
‘Runaway’ Full-Length Film (Directed by Kanye West)
Runaway (Video Version) ft. Pusha T
Since you’re here, watch the visuals for ‘Power’, ‘Lost In The World’ featuring Bon Iver & ‘All of the Lights’ featuring Rihanna & Kid Cudi below if you haven’t yet.
‘Monster’ by Kanye West featuring Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj & Rick Ross never made it to a master cut and was taken down from West’s YouTube account. Watch it below.
Stream ‘My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy’ here if you haven’t yet.
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