Can Kanye West be Artist of the Year if He Never Releases an Album?

photo by Sean Edgar

He’s certainly trying. So far this year, our buddy has released at least six great collaborative tracks, all of which are guest spots on somebody else’s records. Who says he’s self-centered? The man loves to share his gift! Act now and Kanye will perform at your wedding, bar mitzvah or funeral!

For real, though: These songs all rule. Point, click and enjoy.

Song 1: “Make Her Say” 

Collaborators: Kid Cudi, Common

Why We Love It: Mr. West covers a lot of ground here, referencing Rosa Parks, Asher Roth, oral sex and the medulla oblongata. Also, great use of a Lady Gaga sample.

Song 2: “Knock You Down” 

Collaborators: Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo

Why We Love It: This supertrack feels like a meeting of equals thanks to killer performances by R&B bad girl Hilson and a playing-above-his-level Ne-Yo. West’s verse is an epic confrontation between emo and ego. Caveat emptor: Do not download the single version. Go whole hog for the 5:26 album version.

Song 3: “U Ain’t Neva Gotta Ask”

Collaborators: Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, T.I.

Whey We Love It: A defiant Kanye describes himself as “the muh-fucka you love to hate, but cain’t, because you love what I make.” And later: “They don’t wanna turn they speakers up, they claim I ain’t deep enough / All that talkin’ I feed off of, keep it up.” It’s the cockiest verse on this list, and arguably the best. Too bad it's recycled from his guest spot on Rhymefest's 2005 single "Brand New." Damn. 

 

Song 4: “Kinda Like A Big Deal” 

Collaborators: The Clipse

Why We Love It: A focused Kanye announces that he’s “spittin’ fire,” and he pretty much does. Rare is the MC who can quote “A Milli” and “More Than A Feeling” in the same verse, while also mentioning teenage pregnancy, T.J. Maxx and his pajamas.

 

Song 5: “Supernova” 

Collaborator: Mr. Hudson

Why We Love It: The lead vocal does sound like Sting—not usually a plus—but somehow the epic blue-eyed ballad works even before Kanye comes in. And then when he finally does, crooning in unrepentant Auto-Tuned glory, the song gets even huger and better. Bonus points for the fake British accent at the 1:54 mark!

 

Song 6: “Gifted” 

Collaborators: N.A.S.A., Santogold, Lykke Li

Why We Love It: The track is less than the sum of its parts, but West squeezes fun double meaning from “beheaded.”