Donda appears to be a mixed bag for many mainstream critics. Even Pitchfork, a publication that has mostly heralded Kanye’s music (including issuing My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy an elusive 10.0 rating) was not feeling it.I have to wonder though how much that has to do with the album rollout.

Kanye's life-defining relationship with his mother has me thinking more about my own life and my understanding of motherhood, both as a son and now as a new parent. Though I will examine the album from a musical standpoint, I also aim to explore my personal connection to Kanye as one of my favorite musical artists.