Ben Who-fleck!? Last week’s SNL host and Oscar-winning actor/director gets dwarfed shortly after he introduces the evening’s musical guest, “the man you came to see,” Kanye West.
Not long after the unprecedented, global video premiere of “New Slaves” imposed on 66 building facades last week, the future of hip hop was foretold on the stages of Saturday Night Live. Set before a flickering backdrop of vicious wolves (or pit bulls?), shuffling price tags and signs declaring “Not For Sale” – not to mention controversial black hoods – Kanye’s live debut of “Black Skinhead” and “New Slaves” were both visually engaging performance art, and seemingly, a glimpse at a new, sonic chapter for Mr. West.
Grunge distortion, no-wave synths, post-punk drums and dubbed vocals all collide in a focused fury of sound as the “Louis Vuitton Don” begins to look more like hip hop’s leather-clad answer to Judas Priest’s Rob Halford… where was this Kanye West at the Met Gala last week?
Although entirely unconfirmed, Yeezy’s sixth solo album Yeezus is expected this summer with a rumored release of June 18. Watch the Kanye West SNL performance of “Black Skinhead” and “New Slaves” below.
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