Between a new album (Dark Twisted Fantasy), a weekly song series (G.O.O.D. Friday), and an upcoming mini-movie (Runaway), Kanye West is one the busiest artists in the industry today. And based on recent quotes from singer MIA and producer Flying Lotus, Kanye is getting more high-powered help to assist in completing his 2010 artistic vision.
Last week, M.I.A. confirmed via Twitter that she was in the studio working with Kanye and also discussing Mark Twain quotes. West continued the quip later on his Twitter, joking about how Twain would adjust his quotes if he had a Twitter account.
On Sunday (September 19), Flying Lotus also confirmed his working relationship via Twitter. The electic producer revealed the news by asking if Kanye would still be making their scheduled studio session.
M.I.A. and Flying Lotus have both released full-length albums this year in Maya and Cosmogramma, respectively. It’s unconfirmed whether West’s work with the pair will end up on his upcoming album Dark Twisted Fantasy, or be released before Christmas through the G.O.O.D. Friday series. To date, the latter weekly series has featured appearances from Jay-Z, Mos Def, Raekwon, Justin Bieber, Charlie Wilson, Nicki Minaj and others.
Dark Twisted Fantasy is due out on November 16. Kanye West’s next big appearance will as the music guest for Saturday Night Live on October 2.
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A few days ago reports were circulating that Def Jam has allegedly spent three million so far on the album.
At first that may sound absurd to think ofany label in 2010 fronting that kind of cash. But when think about all the hands that are contributing, and that ‘Ye doesn’t have the outside promotional resources of a Jay-Z, it is very possible. Just on production, you have No I.D., DJ Premier, Pete Rock, The RZA, DJ Toomp, Lex Luger, Bink, Madlib and Swizz Beatz. On the rhyming side, West has enlisted Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Drake, Eminem, T.I., Rick Ross and Beyonce. That’s an incredible lineup that has to be compensated.
Thankfully, that is and issue of the label and others behind the scenes to be worried about. Our only concern should the quality of the music. From the G.O.O.D. Friday series, you can hear ‘Ye experimenting with melodies and our expectations of Hip-Hop song structure.
There’s been some exceptional albums to drop this year, but I have a hunch Kanye’s latest will be in the running for the best of the year.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 
Sounds like Kanye’s got something massive brewing and I like it. I’m looking forward to this one as I’m big fans of Flying Lotus and M.I.A.