The production was handled by West and a variety of other producers, including co-executive producers Rick Rubin and Noah Goldstein. During the months before release, the title and tracklist of the album went through several publicized changes. An early version of it was premiered by West at Madison Square Garden on February 11, , as part of his Yeezy Season 3 fashion show.
After several additional sessions and alterations, the launch occurred exclusively for streaming on Tidal three days later. Following the official streaming debut, West continued to make changes to The Life of Pablo. A largely updated version of it, including alternate mixes and other changes, was made available on other streaming services and for digital purchase on his website on April 1, The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, with particular attention being drawn to the fragmented, unfinished nature of the composition and release.
It was named one of 's best albums by multiple publications. The Life of Pablo received five nominations at the Grammy Awards , including Best Rap Album , though the Album of the Year rejection was deemed as a snub by numerous publications. Following Tidal's initial disclosure of its streaming data and release to competing streaming services, the album debuted at number one on the US Billboard , becoming the first to reach the summit primarily through streaming, and was ultimately certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America RIAA.
In November , West began working on his seventh studio album, [1] [2] under the working title of So Help Me God for a release date. In the weeks leading up to the album's release, West released several changing iterations of the track list, while he became embroiled in several Twitter controversies. Several days ahead of its release, West again changed the title, this time to The Life of Pablo on February 9, In April , during an interview with Self-Titled , English electronic music producer Evian Christ explained that despite West not always being musically clear, he just seemed "interested in pushing aesthetic boundaries as far into the Avant as possible.
Kanye is the one dude who's like, 'This is not experimental enough. This is too poppy. Make something else. Anything but a rap beat.
