In preparation for the craziest election in United States history, Kanye West is coming at the throats of Donald Trump and Joe Biden under the slogan “Write-In Kanye West”. In excitement from the projected polls in Kentucky that have him marginally beating out both major candidates, West released a brand new single titled “Nah Nah Nah” to represent his campaign. While this seems steered away from his highly anticipated DONDA album, Yeezy’s new single may just lead him into the oval office.
Working with frequent Dr. Dre collaborator Dem Jointz, he and Ye co-produce a pulsing instrumental that is brought to life with a few simple notes from a flute. Erupting onto the seen in flames, Kanye’s excessive autotune filled screaming creates a feeling of delusion off the rip. While lyrically being chicken scratch, the few thoughts he does get out are pretty powerful and inspiring. Whether he is looking upon his doubters saying, “Boy we wasn’t never no joke” or foreshadowing his systemic takedown with “Overthrow, send the drones in”, hearing such organic subject matter is refreshing in today’s industry. On the song’s core verse, Yeezy pushes the same themes as he showboats his success and vaguely hints at some of his ideas for the “West Wing”. The line “I know you think Obi-Wan gettin’ tired now, Don’t jump, Anakin, I got the higher ground” refers to the iconic scene from Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, and West uses its climatic power to mere perfection. As the song rages on, the energy stays the same, but a quick bridge raises the steaks as an angelic choir starts to sing in the background, verbally healing West’s wounds. On the second verse, West wraps most of his lines around the phrases “Do you want me” and “All the”, which both pose questions and yet honor his achievements. Closing the record, the same hook plays out along with its instrumental.
While not being as impactful as his June released “Wash Us in the Blood”, “Nah Nah Nah” is still a solid song that shows the fun side of Kanye West. The instrumental was super creative and intuitive, and while most of the song feels incomplete lyrically, West makes up for it with his above-average song structuring. Still, his delivery could of sounded better as the autotune doesn’t blend well with the screaming, and for that reason, I think this track is undeniably held back. Putting it in perspective, I think this is just a standalone single similar to the likes of 2018s “Lift Yourself” and “Ye vs. the People”, and in that measure, it’s not that bad.
Rating: 6.0/10
