In Kanye West’s eighth album, Ye, he exposes a side of himself his fans have yet to see. The collection of songs highlight West’s growth and recovery from the lowest points in his career, pointing out his mistakes such as his radical political comments and financial issues and the ways he has changed because of them. I was pleasantly surprised upon my first listen to hear a more sincere and caring individual than the narcissistic West that gets portrayed in the media often. West raps about topics such as mental health and how his life has been affected after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his first song on the album, “I Thought about Killing You.” This powerful song displays the hardships he goes through with his own mental health as a person in the limelight and under constant criticism from others. It reveals the battles he fights and how he copes with hate and scrutiny. In songs “Wouldn’t Leave” and “No Mistakes,” West speaks out about his previous wrongdoings and how they have affected himself and his family. These songs act as an apology to his fans but more importantly to his family as he seeks redemption from his past. I was able see a more vulnerable person in West through his genuine and personal lyrics. By opening up further to his audience, West is allowing them to connect with him on a greater level. I also enjoyed the refreshing sound West brought to the table with this album. West brings together a mixture of electronic sounds, acoustic instruments, spoken word, singing and rapping to create an epic soundtrack with content most rappers shy away from. It is unique compared to West’s previous work and is an exciting taste of what is next for this renowned artist.