So Appalled by Kanye West
Rolling back to “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” (2010), “So Appalled” is just…chef’s kiss. The track enlists the following:
- CyHi the Prynce
- Jay-Z
- Pusha T
- Swizz Beatz
- The RZA
Together, the artists create a layered, complex narrative that tackles success, disgust, and the entanglements of fame and wealth. This is a classic Kanye paradox, showing the allure and the curse of opulence and recognition. It’s a track that manages to boast and criticize all in one breath, offering a dark, intricate commentary that sticks with you.
General Facts:
- Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
- Release Date: The album was released on November 22, 2010.
- Record Label: Roc-A-Fella Records, Def Jam Recordings
Artists Involved:
- Featured Artists: Jay-Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz, and The RZA are featured on the track.
- Producers: Kanye West and No I.D. co-produced the track, with Mike Dean contributing as well.
Musical Composition:
- Genre: The track belongs to the hip hop genre.
- Length: It runs for approximately 6 minutes and 38 seconds, making it one of the longer tracks on the album.
- Sample: “You Are – I Am” by Manfred Mann’s Earth Band is sampled in the track.
Lyrics and Themes:
- Lyrical Content: The lyrics express frustration, disdain, and anger toward various aspects of society, including the economy and ostentatious lifestyles.
- Recurring Theme: The term “f***ing ridiculous” is repeated throughout the chorus, emphasizing the artists’ disillusionment and irritation.
Reception and Impact:
- Critical Acclaim: “So Appalled” received acclaim from many music critics for its gritty content and production style.
- Chart Performance: Despite being packed with star-studded features, it didn’t chart as highly as other singles from the album, but it did peak at number 97 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Noteworthy Moments:
- Collaboration: The track is notable for the diverse assembly of artists, each bringing a distinct style and flow.
- Political and Social Commentary: The lyrics delve into societal issues, financial struggles, and reflect personal battles.
- G.O.O.D. Fridays: “So Appalled” was part of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Fridays series, where he released a new song every Friday leading up to the album’s release.
Live Performances:
- The song has been performed live a few times and the collaborations during live shows make it a standout moment, especially considering the artists involved.
