‘The Life Of Pablo’ At 10: Looking Back at Kanye West’s Controversial, Ever-Changing Seventh Album

It’s mid-February in New York City and Madison Square Garden is packed to capacity with onlookers. Devotees and famous faces gather for the unveiling of Kanye West’s Yeezy Season 3 collection, which served as a listening session for his highly anticipated seventh studio record, The Life of Pablo. The duration of 2 years, 7 months, and 27 days separating that release from its predecessor, 2013’s Yeezus, represents the longest hiatus in West’s prolific career to date.

The rapper makes his way to the center of the arena much like a prizefighter entering the squared circle, accompanied by then-G.O.O.D Music President Pusha T, Travis Scott, and a host of other intimate collaborators who contributed to the project’s development. To launch what could be described as the world’s most massive house party, West connects his laptop to the venue’s sound system to unveil his next creative chapter to the world.

Despite the high-profile launch, the public wouldn't hear The Life of Pablo until the early hours of February 14, and it appears Ye worked on the material right up to the final second. In the four months that ensued, West would refine more than a dozen songs, incorporating everything from updated vocal mixes and lyrical tweaks to entirely original tracks.

The Life of Pablo reaches its ten-year milestone this week. This release signified a transformative period in the life of its creator. It was his first major project as a father and spouse, and it saw him delving more deeply into the realm of gospel music. It also emerged during a time of significant personal turmoil regarding his mental well-being. Ultimately, the album serves as a perfect summary of West: a perpetual work-in-progress.