Image Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage.comWhat’s happening with Kanye West and Jay-Z‘s Watch the Throne project? West first announced that he and Jay-Z were collaborating on a five-song EP back in August. Two months later, he said they were amassing enough material for a full-length album. Bits of additional information and rumor have circulated since then, culminating in West’s proclamation at a New Year’s Eve party in Las Vegas last weekend (pictured): “Watch the Throne, coming in one week!”
Those are some tantalizing words for hip-hop fans. If only they were a little more plausible. West’s promise would presumably put Watch the Throne in your headphones this Friday, Jan. 7. Putting aside the fact that albums generally come out on Mondays or Tuesdays, that’s awfully soon for a project that’s received so little formal promotion to date. West’s label, Def Jam, hasn’t said a word about Watch the Throne; a label rep had no comment for this story. We haven’t heard any official singles or seen cover artwork. Watch the Throne isn’t listed for pre-order on Amazon or iTunes. West and Jay-Z haven’t even confirmed a specific release date outside of that one party. Parachuting an album onto the market with so little advance preparation would be a risky commercial move, to say the least.
That still leaves open the possibility that West plans to surprise everyone by posting Watch the Throne for download on his website this week. Maybe he’ll even be reviving his dormant “G.O.O.D. Fridays” free giveaway series for that purpose. But are Kanye West and Jay-Z the kind of artists who would give away an entire new album online with no regard for profit margins? Bold as such a move would be, it feels out of character for both of them. A more likely version of this scenario has West posting an individual new song from Watch the Throne on Friday, or perhaps finished versions of the original five tunes from this summer — a teaser course, not the whole meal.
Of course, there’s no predicting exactly what Kanye West has up his sleeve at any given moment. Who knows! When do you think we’ll get to hear Watch the Throne? Are you looking forward to this meeting of the minds?
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More news from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Kanye West and Jay-Z announce collab EP
Kanye West and Jay-Z are making a full album together
I have been saying this since you’ve been writing about this Simon…JAy is no longer on Def Jam, and I don’t see him signing anymore papers to release any material with them, especially how they rolled out his “Hits Collection Vol. 1″ in November, but on the flipside, I slyly called it last week, that Kanye was finally releasing the “Monster” video to co-incide with the release of “Watch the Throne”. I’m interested to see if this joint album materializes, but I’m more of the school of them giving it away for free, since again I don’t see Jay giving Def Jam any money off him any longer.
Also, Kanye seems to need more good will since his album that you love lots seems to have fallen out of the top 10 quickly…but I just wish Def Jam would release “All of The Lights” to pop radio and get the smash over with.
i agree plus i loved all of the lights
“All of the Lights” is one heck of an amazing song, and my favorite on the whole album. But answering the main question, I wouldn’t be surprised if “Watch the Throne” was pushed back to fall. Just sayin’.
No one cares about these two. Kanye is a racist moron, and Jay-z, whats he like in his 50′s now? Jesus, grow up you losers.
people lik you upset me. im willing to bet that you still listen to willy nelson, garth brooks, and a whole list of washed up singers, AINT NOTHING GOOD TO SAY KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED
oh Nick and they’re still richer than you… smh
You’re right, no one care’s about those two. That makes perfect sense. Yes Jay Z is 57. You are so smart Nick. That was a really well thought out insult.
I’d say there’s a good chance it’s coming out this week or next, because Kanye’s manager contacted me to buy a domain name that I own: watchthethrone.com
Xcited to see what the two musical geniuses have on this album. Nick sweetheart you have nothing on either one of them.
Kanye was drunk(or close to it when he made the statement). Maybe Kanye was referring to dropping the first single of the Watch the Throne. album in the upcoming week. Looking forward to the album no matter the release date.
great under appreciated producers attached to this project …..excited about this fact more than anything
Can’t stand Kanye. I hope he goes away, far, far, away.
and your the loser posting on a story about an artist you hate. Get a life or a hobby dude
Very funny Z.. SMH an artists personal life doesnt change the fact that they make awesome music. Kanye shows it by being the top on every list of tob 2010 albums while tswift didnt make the top 10
wah wah
I have no respect for Kenye’ West, people who work with him, or any of his barbarian fans.
Kanye posted a picture on twitpic. The picture is of what might be an album cover, but it’s called “Ham,” not “From the Throne.” I was thinking it was going to be a humorous ripost to the Groban/Kimmel thing.
Looking forward!!
Download Full Album (Watch The Throne): HipHopSurge.Com
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