Album Review: The Throne – “Watch the Throne”
Jay-Z and Kanye West Redefine the Hip-Hop Collaboration with Watch The Throne
When Jay-Z and Kanye West announced their joint effort, expectations soared. Both artists have redefined the boundaries of hip hop in their solo careers. So, a collaborative album from them promised nothing short of seismic. With the release of Watch the Throne, the duo, now branding themselves as The Throne, deliver an ambitious, luxurious, and at times emotionally raw album that sets a new bar for rap collaborations.
From H.A.M. to Otis: Building Anticipation
Initial buzz for Watch the Throne began with the early release of “H.A.M.” in January 2011, a Lex Luger-produced track that leaned heavily into bombastic production and operatic bravado. Although it received mixed reviews, it marked the beginning of an evolving soundscape. By July, the release of “Otis,” which samples Otis Redding’s soulful “Try a Little Tenderness,” shifted the narrative. Stripped of excessive effects, the track offered listeners a throwback to hip hop’s sampling roots, showcasing Jay and Kanye trading energetic bars over classic soul loops.
Recording in Luxury, Releasing with Precision
Watch the Throne isn’t just a musical endeavor; it’s a carefully engineered experience. From recording in opulent locations around the globe—including Paris, Abu Dhabi, and New York City—to exclusive digital launches through iTunes, Jay and Kanye engineered a sense of exclusivity and cultural relevance. Recording sessions at the Mercer Hotel in NYC became legend, with multiple rooms dedicated to beat production, vocal tracking, and impromptu brainstorming. The duo insisted on working face-to-face, abandoning the modern trend of emailing verses.
Lyrical Themes: Wealth, Legacy, and Self-Reflection
The lyrical content of Watch the Throne masterfully shifts between themes of wealth, legacy, black excellence, and vulnerability. “No Church in the Wild” opens the album with a moody, philosophical tone featuring Frank Ocean’s haunting chorus. Jay-Z and Kanye question power structures and morality. Therefore, setting a contemplative tone that echoes throughout the project.
Meanwhile, tracks like “Gotta Have It” and “N*ggas in Paris” revel in affluence and fame, with quotable lines that blend humor and bravado. Kanye’s iconic “That sh*t cray” and Jay-Z’s “I’m planking on a million” have become instant pop culture catchphrases, showing their keen awareness of meme-era virality.
The Production: A Marriage of Classic and Futuristic Sounds
From a production standpoint, Watch the Throne excels. Kanye, along with producers like Hit-Boy, The Neptunes, RZA, Q-Tip, and Mike Dean, weaves a rich sonic tapestry. The duo blends vintage soul samples, electronic flourishes, dubstep influences, and cinematic layers to create a sound that’s both forward-thinking and rooted in hip hop tradition.
“Who Gon Stop Me” is a prime example, fusing dubstep and trap with assertive lyricism. On the flip side, “New Day,” produced by RZA, finds Kanye and Jay delivering heartfelt messages to their future sons. It’s introspective and stripped-down, giving fans a rare look into their fears, regrets, and hopes.
Guest Features that Enhance, Not Overshadow
Unlike many modern rap albums overloaded with guest features, Watch the Throne exercises restraint. Appearances by Frank Ocean on “No Church in the Wild” and “Made in America,” Beyoncé on “Lift Off,” and Mr. Hudson on “Why I Love You” serve to elevate rather than distract. Each guest adds dimension without stealing focus, ensuring the spotlight remains squarely on Jay-Z and Kanye.
Each guest appearance helps to add to the message Jay and Kanye try to convey on each song. As a result, it creates a seamless sound, both lyrically and sonically.
Visual Aesthetics and Exclusive Releases
Italian designer Riccardo Tisci contributes both the album cover and deluxe edition artwork, emphasizing opulence and high fashion aesthetics. The visual identity of Watch the Throne aligns perfectly with its musical themes: elite, intricate, and unapologetically extravagant.
Critics have noted that the iTunes and Best Buy exclusive release windows have caused friction with other retailers, sparking debates on fair access. Still, this strategy reflects the duo’s desire to control every facet of their art—from content to commerce.
Standout Tracks and Missteps
While most of the album is tightly crafted, a few tracks fall short. “Lift Off” has star power with Beyoncé at the helm, but the execution feels disjointed. Swizz Beatz-produced “Welcome to the Jungle” offers gritty instrumentation but lacks the punch found on other tracks.
However, gems like “Murder to Excellence” carry immense weight. It transitions between two instrumentals, focusing on the duality of Black success and systemic struggles. It’s moments like these where the album reaches its emotional and intellectual peak.
Legacy in the Making
Watch the Throne isn’t just a moment in time; it’s a blueprint. It challenges the norms of hip hop collaboration albums, combining lyrical depth, sonic innovation, and cultural consciousness. Jay-Z and Kanye West are not just rapping; they’re curating an experience.
As the album rolls into its promotional tour later this year, it is expected to gain even more traction. With only days since its digital release, fan response is overwhelmingly positive. Social media is abuzz with lyric breakdowns, reaction videos, and praise for the album’s daring approach.
Through their careers, both Hov and Kanye have been known for making classic albums. Clearly, their contributions to each others’ music has led to their styles evolving. It’s obvious how each rubbed off on the other. Previously, they had notable songs they’d done together. Now, they have a classic album they’ve done together.
Conclusion: Crowns Secured
Watch the Throne stands as a testament to what happens when two of the most influential figures in hip hop decide to unite not for commerce, but for art. Despite minor shortcomings, the album is cohesive, compelling, and culturally significant. It’s more than a collection of songs—it’s a statement.
Whether you come for the quotables, the production, or the lyrical introspection, Watch the Throne delivers. And as the music industry evolves, this album is a high watermark, a challenge to others, and a celebration of Black excellence, artistry, and unity.
With its release, Watch the Throne doesn’t just meet expectations—it exceeds them. Jay-Z and Kanye West have not only watched the throne; they’ve claimed it.