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Yes. I said it. Watch The Throne is a good album. Not classic. Not phenomenal. Not earth shattering, but nonetheless, a good album. This isn’t a review of the pros and cons of the album, the deeper look into the lyrics, subliminal messages or content but a different perspective on the “what if†factor. This is in the same sense as, what if Portland would’ve selected Kevin Durant in the 2009 NBA draft or what if Tupac doesn’t get shot in Quad Studios. Nevertheless, sit back, relax and just imagine that we’re in 2006 again.
1. Kanye’s Prime Producer Catalog
He just finished his second classic album, Late Registration and came right back and revived Common’s career with Be. Not taking anything away from Common, but Be isn’t a classic today if it wasn’t from the help of Mr. West. Plus, Common isn’t as revered as he is today without Kanye’s vision. Now, imagine Watch the Throne with Late Registration and Be production. Lord have mercy.
2. Jay-Z Isn’t A “God MC” (yet)
Let’s be honest, in 2006 Jay-Z was still trying to make a good argument for Greatest Rapper of All-Time title. Therefore, his effort on a 2006 Watch The Throne would’ve been more storytelling, less black elite. Nas was in his rearview mirror as well, Jay-Z would’ve gave everything he had.
3. Kanye West’s Relationship Status
In 2006, Kanye was still involved with ex-fiancee Alexis Phifer and has yet to meet Amber Rose. In 2011, Kanye is still rapping about being heartbroken and bitter from the break up of Amber Rose(Listen to “New Dayâ€). Take away Kanye’s sour heart towards Amber and he’s in a better place with his woman. Album is better, period.
4. Jay-Z’s Retirement/Kingdom Come Era
We all like to not say it, but it’s the chink in Hov’s armor. Just like Jordan on the Wizards or Brett Favre on the Jets, real fans try to forget it, but can’t. The retirement was eh because he never truly “retired.†Then, coming out with Kingdom Come really gave Nas fans something to scream about. Scratch off Kingdom Come and replace it with Watch The Throne in 2006, Nas fans won’t be barking one bit.
5. Donda West is Alive
We all know Kanye’s inspiration from the jump was his mother. She was the one who pushed him to the next level as a producer and rapper. One can even argue that his best music was made while she was alive (College Dropout, Late Registration, Graduation vs. 808 & Heartbreaks, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy & Watch The Throne). Now imagine the vibe of Kanye then compared to now. It’s amazing.
Have I convinced you yet? Are you ready to hop in the time machine back to 2006 yet? Man can only wonder, what if. Some may say, “What about 2003?” In 2004, Kanye was still a pup in the rhyming game and Jay-Z was set for retirement. Some may say, “What about 2009?” Did you not read about Amber and Kanye’s mother? For now, let’s be happy this album came to life. All dreams don’t come true. Hopefully, I’m not writing this same article in 2016 about Lil Wayne and Drake.
Interesting points but I have to disagree and here is why… In 2006 Kanye is only 2 albums in and the concept of WTT is basically 2 of raps elite teaming up to showcase exactly why they are at the top. Coming off of Late Registration Kanye had reached a new level of fame but not enough to be claiming that level of greatness. If your point was that if Jay and Ye made an album together in 2006 and not titled it WTT then that could be a valid argument.
Oh and in my opinion Jay had reached "God MC" status after the Black Album. Kindome Come was sub-par when it comes to Hov's standards, American Gangster was great and BP 3 was solid but I think even without those his resume is impeccable.
I agree with Mel that WTT is suppose to be about 2 of the games elite and in 06 Kanye wasnt elite yet, he was still up and coming, a diamond in the rough type.
I think WTT is a good album but like most artist once they get money they have a hard time relating to the majority of their fan base. Take reasonable doubt, hands down most Jay fans will tell you thats their fav album and thats becasue he was still in a comin place with his fans. His skill hasnt changed but the content of what he saying has. And now that he has millions, he talks about different things and people dont feel as connected with him as they once did. Like honestly how many of his fans know about maybachs, owning a club and having your own color (Jay-z Blue).
Thanks for the comments guys.
Watch the Throne isn't named watch the Throne in 2006, but if the same concept were made then isn't it a better album, right?
I can understand the God MC claim after Black, but that's debateable. Nas fans were still talking trash. Ha.
I think the what if is always possible as with anything. To me WTT isn't a great album but full circle is a great production. Can't agree with Kaz that Jay has lost touch witht the fans, I'd say if anything his lyrics would be motivation to climb the ladder of success and stop living to acheive hood dreams. All in all we don't get WTT in 2006 because they were not thinking about it at that point period. All music that we got from Jay & Yeezy from 06 to now has been what they wanted to put out, not what we speculate.
I see where you coming from, but I disagree a little bit. Watch the Throne declares a sense of establishment for Jay and Kanye. More so Kanye. In 2006, I'm not sure if Kanye would have ever been close to the THRONE.("Prime example: Diamonds remix.") Jay killed Kanye. I think 2011 gave Kanye time to catch up. Here's the funny thing, if Watch the Throne would have dropped in 06 it would be ahead of its time. Hands down this album is for today. Who talks about Purple money or planking on a million? lol
And another note, this album is classic. Beats are unreal. The concept is insane. Lastly, not trying to sound corny, but Watch the Throne consist of 12 tracks. I know some want to add the four bonus tracks which i think turns the album from classic to good. So I'm looking at the concept of the 12 tracks and giving my grade.
Nice article tho