There weren’t a lot of things that has gotten me excited in the past few months so when I heard that this project was in the works, I was nothing less than ecstatic. The mere idea of Watch the Throne was more than enough to fill in the void that got bigger and bigger each day, especially now when I could use a few more things to look forward to. I have imagined how it would be: an album so spectacular that I’d have an out-of-body experience just by listening to it, with phenomenal production and the most soulful lyrics. Yes, I have already placed this on such a high level that it would hurt me royally if it was any less… Sigh.

Though I find a certain kind of solace in the sound of their voices - after all, Jay is my current favorite MC while my love for Ye as an artist is unparalleled - I was left feeling underwhelmed after the first listen. This is it? Why am I not blown away? It’s true, everyone should leave expectations at the door, but how can you not expect greatness from these two? A hip-hop behemoth who not only runs a thriving music empire but has shown lyrical ingenuity and a musical prodigy whose overall creativity knows no limit? How can you not expect greatness?

It’s not that I think this album is wack or anything. It is just not what it should have been. I love the opening track, mostly because of Frank Ocean’s hook, and the whole album is actually something that I would listen to while working on my articles so it’s really not bad at all. Again, it’s just not what it should have been. The beats are decent (I mean, in Kanye standard, of course. I just don’t understand why I love MBDTF more) and the lyrics… Well, I learned from the past that you can’t just listen to Hov’s verses at surface level. So maybe I need to give it a few more spins (or wait for Decoded II…) before I conclude that this is just what it is - an album that’s not as majestic as promised. Royally hurt? What do you think?

I say all of this, not as a music critic (because I am definitely not one), but as a fan with so much feelings and who wants extra drama in her life.