There’s a specific and sharp kind of frustration felt when confronted with this disheartening realization: the great parts of the movie were shown in the previews. Listening to Kanye West presents Cruel Summer, by G.O.O.D Music, I empathize. Deeply.
Cruel Summer was as highly anticipated as new Nike Jordans on a Saturday morning. The name of the album indicated a summer release date, which ended up being pushed back to mid-fall. A “Cruel Fall” album title would better describe the songs that weren’t released as singles.
G.O.O.D. Music, West’s record label, is comprised of artists such as 2 Chainz, fun-sized Big Sean, John Legend, Teyana Taylor and Kid Cudi, as well as a number of other well-known artists, some of which appeared on this album.
The group released one half of the project as singles before it dropped the entire record, all of which were energy-filled and poignant, garnering excitement from hip-hop fans everywhere.
Singles like “Mercy,” “Don’t Like,” “Clique” and “Cold” seemed to promise a number of anthems for the back-to-school season. But alas, apart from Kid Cudi’s “Creepers” and the enchanted, soulful duet “Bliss,” by John Legend and Teyana Taylor, what’s left for listeners are the studio scraps that do nothing but grant the project the status of disappointing album rather than an extraordinary LP.
However, cameo appearances from artists such as Marsha Ambrosius, Mase and The-Dream give more of a reason to listen.
MTV streamed an interview on Sept. 30 where rapper Q-Tip indicated his absence on Cruel Summer hinted there may be a “cruel winter” on the way.
Hopefully, this springs G.O.O.D. Music back on its feet, and they meet the auto-proclaimed expectation of, well, good music.
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