s
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.
