Kanye West's massive, well-received new album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, dropped Monday (November 22), and on it, Yeezy shares the limelight with a number of artists, from fellow MCs Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross to singers from a variety of genres, including Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and John Legend. And this is most apparent on his track "All of the Lights."
West's decision to share the spotlight on the song speaks volumes about the rapper, according to La Roux's leading lady, Elly Jackson. Rihanna, Alicia Keys, John Legend, The-Dream, Fergie, Kid Cudi, Elton John (on piano), Ryan Leslie, Charlie Wilson and Tony Williams all appear on "All of the Lights."
"What I really liked was the aspect of his idea of using all the best people you have at your fingertips, that people don't seem to do that ... and I think that was kind of his point with this record," Elly explained to MTV News. "You know, amongst a lot of other points ... I think he wants to create something really amazing with the people he admires the most, and he's done that and I think that's a really brave thing to do.
"It's a big, bold thing to do," she added. "But isn't that what pop music and big music is about? It's definitely going to be an amazing record. ... It's massive. It is just huge. It's a great hip-hop record."
Jackson said that while some may hesitate to share the scene with other stars, West does not, and it just proves how much of a star he really is.
"I think it makes him shine more," she said. "I definitely think it makes him shine more and it shows the clout as well. He just goes, 'I want this and this and this,' and he gets it. He's definitely getting what he wants."
What's your favorite track on MBDTF? Tell us in the comments!