Over the years, Kanye West has established himself as one of the most influential and controversial figures in the music industry. His sound and style have evolved constantly, from his early days as a soulful rapper to experimenting with electronic and pop influences. However, it seems like his youngest child, North, may have sparked a return to his electropop era.
For those who may not be familiar, electropop is a genre that combines electronic music with elements of pop and rock. It first gained popularity in the 1980s and has since seen a resurgence in recent years with artists like Lady Gaga and The Weeknd. Kanye West himself dabbled in this genre during his 2008 album, “808s & Heartbreak,” a project that was met with mixed reviews but is now considered a cult classic.
Fast forward to 2021, and we see Kanye’s daughter, North, taking center stage in his musical journey. At just eight years old, she has already made her mark as a fashion icon, appearing on the cover of various magazines and attending the biggest fashion shows around the world. However, North’s influence goes beyond fashion; she seems to have a significant influence on her father’s music as well.
It all started with Kanye’s most recent album, “Donda.” Named after his late mother, the album was highly anticipated, with fans eager to hear what Kanye had been working on. The album was released in August 2021, and it did not disappoint. It was a masterpiece that showcased Kanye’s musical versatility and growth. However, what caught the attention of many was the album’s sound, which seemed reminiscent of his “808s & Heartbreak” era.
Listeners were quick to point out that tracks like “Remote Control” and “Jail” had strong electropop influences, with heavy use of synthesizers and auto-tune. In an interview with Vogue, Kanye revealed that it was North who introduced him to the music of Billie Eilish, an electropop powerhouse. He also mentioned that he allowed North to curate the songs for the album, and she played a significant role in shaping its sound.
But it’s not just “Donda” that has a touch of electropop. Kanye’s recent collaborations with other artists also show a clear influence of the genre. His feature on Pop Smoke’s posthumous album, “Faith,” saw him experimenting with electronic beats and auto-tuned vocals, reminiscent of his “808s & Heartbreak” days. He also produced the song “Praise God” on Travis Scott’s highly anticipated album, “Utopia,” which has a distinct electropop sound.
Some may argue that Kanye is just trying to stay relevant by jumping on the electropop bandwagon, but those who have been following his career know that he is not one to follow trends. He has always been ahead of the curve, setting new trends and shaping the music industry. So, it’s safe to say that his return to electropop is not a mere coincidence or a desperate attempt to stay relevant. It’s a calculated and deliberate move that only someone like Kanye can make.
Moreover, Kanye’s ventures into fashion also reflect his return to his electropop roots. His Yeezy brand has always been known for its streetwear aesthetic, but in recent years, it has taken a more futuristic, cyberpunk approach, with a heavy use of metallic and neon colors. The brand’s latest collection, which debuted at Paris Fashion Week, featured models dressed in head-to-toe silver metallic outfits, complete with matching face masks. This aesthetic perfectly aligns with the electropop genre, further solidifying Kanye’s return to it.
In conclusion, it’s safe to say that North has played a significant role in taking her father’s music back to his electropop era. Her young and fresh perspective has inspired Kanye to experiment with new sounds and push the boundaries. And while some may criticize Kanye’s constant evolution and experimentation, it’s this fearlessness and willingness to take risks that have made him a trailblazer in the music industry. As fans, we can only be excited to see where his collaboration with North and his return to electropop will take him in the future.
