Song of the Day 2/22/2022

Alright first things first, apologies on the lack of Song of the Day and blogs in general, as I have been wildly busy the last week, and the fact that there's no income to be made off these posts (and I think I'm the only one reading them) is it a bit hard to find motivation to do them after a long day. I digress, today's song of the day is "All Falls Down" by Kanye West. Kanye is currently going crazy on Instagram, attacking Pete (Skete) Davidson (fuck that guy) and Peppa Pig (not sure how that beef started), dropping fake release dates for his new album Donda II, and promoting a streaming device called StemPlayer, where he claims will be the only way to listen to his new album. The device has "groundbreaking" technology, allowing users to isolate drums, bass, lead, vocals, and listen to the song as a whole. Uhh Kanye, you know you can youtube an isolated section of literally any popular song? Because of all this recent Kanye drama, and the first episode of his documentary dropping (which, if you like hip hop/old Kanye, you gotta check this doc out), I decided to bend the rules to song of the day and rather than hit shuffle on my playlist, I hit shuffle on every Kanye song I have saved (52 songs to be exact) and one of my favorites came up. "All Falls Down" was the third single from West's debut album The College Dropout, peaking at number 7 on the billboard hot 100, and was nominated for a Grammy (which is not really saying much, because all my homies hate the grammys).

The song contains an interpolation of "Mystery of Iniquity" by Lauryn Hill from her live album MTV Unplugged No. 2.0. West originally attempted to acquire legal clearance to sample the recording but due to various complications, the permission was withheld. West then called upon Syleena Johnson to re-sing the relevant vocal portions of "Mystery of Iniquity" which ended up in the final track. The album is notable for containing complex societal issues, which West strives to advertently cover in ways relating to the Black American community. These thematic concepts, prevalent through the entirety of the album, are omnipresent within this specific song. West in "All Falls Down" decides to vulnerably share his own imperfections. This shines through his divulge into chronic issues with personal insecurities, which he recognizes as a problem that relates to the greater population within society than just himself. Within the concept of insecurities, West makes the decision to specifically hone in on the continuous, dividing matter of excessive materialism, or a desire of it, in attempt to pertain to an affluent appearance. While focusing on this topic, he admits that although being subject to this affair, he knowingly understands the mindset contradictory to such a lifestyle pertaining to short-term, consumerist happiness. Yet, he still finds himself to be a participant in this way of life.

This song is FILLED with memorable lines, but this one is verse is hands down the best and probably one of my favorite verses ever.

But I ain't even gon' act holier than thou

'Cause fuck it, I went to Jacob with 25 thou

Before I had a house and I'd do it again

‘Cause I wanna be on 106 & Park, pushin' a Benz

I want to act ballerific like it's all terrific

I got a couple past-due bills, I won't get specific

I got a problem with spendin' before I get it

We all self-conscious, I'm just the first to admit it

After shitting all over the college dropout girl in verse 1, (she named her daughter Alexis), and the rich in general in the 2nd verse, Kanye finally admits that he loves spending on jewelry, cars, and trying to look cool just as much as the next guy.

We all self-conscious, I'm just the first to admit it

True Ye', we're all self conscious and even though that's very Soulja Boy of you to say you were the first to do something, you're right. Rappers at this time strictly rapped about Money, Clothes, Hoes, and Gangster shit. Which is cool, but I've always enjoyed the songs where artists make themselves vulnerable and open up a bit, because everyone is insecure. Even the most confident people have insecurities, and the sooner people realize that everyone else in the world is just trying to figure it all out the same as them, the happier people will be. Take it from someone who is currently a 22 year old senior in College, surrounded by a healthy mix of people who are becoming adults and trying to find careers, houses, extc. and then people who are still trying to find themselves, spending money on designer clothes despite using loans to live in a dorm, and drinking rubinoff out of water bottles on weekends because they can't afford drinks at the bar. And I'm not attempting to shit on those people, we all find ourselves in different ways, and style/fashion is a great way to express yourself, but if you for some reason are reading this blog while contemplating buying an expensive, watch, shirt, pair of shoes, but are also making ramen noodle for dinner, reconsider it. - (Advice from a guy who's bought a lot of dumb shit to try to be cool)

OR, say fuck it we ball and buy whatever you want. Worked out for Kanye.