Not a single lyric is wasted-spanning machismo, love, loss, floss, and race.

Beats expand and contract just short of music sensory overload.

Kanye West knew the album needed to be flawless and he delivered. Grotesquely beautiful, MBDTF is a lesson in efficiency. By the album’s closing credits, the overall message is clear- don't blindly idolize fame, open your eyes and really look. Orchestrating the platoon, Kanye explores issues both social and personal, and gets very honest about the stress of life on the world stage.

So he assembled a sterling squadron-from Wu-Tang Clansmen RZA and Raekwon to newer artists like Kid Cudi and Nicki Minaj-and created a modern-day masterpiece. Even his core rap fans had become skeptics, especially those who couldn’t get jiggy with his avant-garde 808s & Heartbreak. Upon the project’s 2010 arrival, the embattled superstar rapper/producer was still reeling from mainstream America’s harsh response to his infamous stage crashing at the 2009 MTV VMAs. Novemmarks the five-year anniversary of My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy - an album that represents the turning point in Kanye West’s life and career.

Kanye west dark fantasy genius