Yeezus

Yeezus is the sixth studio album by the American rapper Kanye West. It was released on June 18, 2013, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. West began recording it in 2012 and produced it alongside Mike Dean, Daft Punk, Noah Goldstein, Arca, Hudson Mohawke, and Travis Scott. West recruited Rick Rubin as an executive producer 15 days before its release to help strip down the sound for a minimalist approach. Guest appearances include Justin Vernon, Chief Keef, Kid Cudi, Assassin, King L, Charlie Wilson, and Frank Ocean.

In contrast to West's previous albums, Yeezus is characterized by an abrasive, electronic soundscape with distorted drum machines and synthesizers. It draws from genres including industrial, acid house, electro, punk, Chicago drill, and horrorcore, while continuing West's use of unconventional samples. Music critics considered Yeezus the most experimental work by West, who described it as "a protest to music" and excluded tracks deemed too melodic or similar to his prior work. Lyrical themes include drug use, racial politics, sex, and relationships.