We’ve been piling up with Yeezy updates, a deviation from the mastermind’s off-the-grid M.O. While headlines have been revolving around Kanye West’s forthcoming tribute to his late mother, his long-awaited tenth studio album Donda has yet to materialize. Now, the 44-year-old is hosting a second listening event ahead of its Aug. 6 *release.* After a slew of delays, we’re eyeing the plausibility of this premiere.
In a cryptic post to his Instagram, West uploaded a snapshot of a white screen with a buffering symbol and the inscription “Donda 8.05.21” across the bottom. The concert production company Live Nation later confirmed exactly what was loading for the artist’s rapturous base.
Returning to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where fans recently gathered for the first listening affair, the public even will take place on Aug. 5 at 9:00 p.m. EST. In a presumably effort to appease throngs of fans to return to the stadium, West has hired Balenciaga’s Demna Gvasalia to act as creative director.
After a private listening party leaked covert snippets of the record, West first debuted the record on July 22 to a sold-out crowd at the Atlanta stadium, slating Donda to be on platforms the following day. The trade-offs of Ye’ roaming across the white tarp with no live performance? A jaw-dropping reunion between himself and Jay Z and an always-welcomed appearance from his ex-wife Kim Kardashian.
The live-streamed affair followed the announcement of West’s former release date during a Beats by Dre commercial that aired during the NBA finals. The ad, scored and edited by West, featured slow-motion footage of track titan Sha’Carri Richardson as “No Child Left Behind” — a track off the album — lilts in the background.
However, when fans departed from the ceremonious event in late July, West reportedly turned the stadium into his temporary residence to put some finishing touches on the album. In a tweet, Justin Laboy, the host of Respectfully Justin on REVOLT, seemingly wrote on behalf of West, “Thanks for your patience.” He continued, “He wants to give his fans the best possible product without rushing anything. He loves yall with all of his heart. God bless.”
Though no official track list has been released, songs played during the first listening session featured appearances by Lil Baby, Travis Scott, Pusha T and more. While everything is in limbo, it still seems that this second round will be met with as much fanfare as the first.
