Send It Up by Kanye West
“Yeezus” (2013) was a trip, wasn’t it? And “Send It Up” is no exception. It’s aggressive, abrasive, and kinda in-your-face with that siren running through it. King Louie’s opening verse hits with a certain nonchalance, talking Chicago and street life with a detached kind of braggadocio.
The electronica and industrial hip-hop vibe that pervades the whole album is especially jarring here, but in a way that’s meant to unsettle and provoke, you know? Ye’s always been one to push boundaries and “Send It Up” does just that – it’s defiant, chaotic, and makes no apologies for its brashness, and whether you love it or hate it, it leaves an impression, doesn’t it?
The General Details:
- Album: “Yeezus”
- Release Date: June 18, 2013
- Featured Artist: King L
About the Track’s Vibe and Sound:
- Edgy and Experimental: This track is another showcase of Kanye’s experimental phase, blending industrial and electronic music with hip-hop.
- Contrast Vibes: It’s dark yet club-ready, with its pulsating, abrasive synths and aggressive beat, quite emblematic of the whole “Yeezus” vibe.
Writers and Producers:
- Collaborative Creation: Kanye never shies away from collaborative efforts; for “Send It Up,” he worked alongside various writers, including King L, Beenie Man, and Mike Dean, to name a few.
- Varied Influences: The track sees contributions from producers like Gesaffelstein, Brodinski, and Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter, infusing it with a distinctive electronic and industrial sound.
Lyrics and Themes:
- Rebellious Narratives: The lyrics boast themes of fame, excess, and past relationships, all embedded with Kanye’s classic self-aggrandizing style.
- Iconic Lines: Remember “Yeezus just rose again”? Classic Kanye!
Noteworthy Moments:
- Beenie Man Sample: Kanye uses a sample from Beenie Man’s “Stop Live in a De Pass,” which becomes a memorable outro, providing a contrasting reggae vibe against the otherwise industrial track.
- King L’s Presence: Chicago rapper King L’s verse adds a distinctive, hard-hitting flow that complements Kanye’s style well.
Reception and Impact:
- Polarizing Album: “Yeezus” as an album was divisive for fans and critics, yet it was widely recognized for its audacious, forward-thinking production style.
- Resonating Themes: “Send It Up” was no exception, reflecting the album’s abrasive and unapologetic nature, it’s not just a track, it’s an experience of the Yeezus ethos.
Live Performances:
- Raw Energy: The track brings frenzied, raw energy during live performances, embodying the rebellious and intense nature of the “Yeezus” era.
Trivia and Additional Tidbits:
- Gesaffelstein Collaboration: This French producer’s involvement introduced a dark techno undertone to the track, merging seamlessly with Kanye’s abrasive aesthetic.
- Tactile Experience: “Send It Up” is not just something you listen to; it’s something you feel. It’s a track that makes the floor shake when the bass hits in the clubs.
Wrapping Up:
“Send It Up” is a window into an era where Kanye was unapologetically pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories in hip-hop, showcasing his innovative and progressive approach to music creation.
