Kanye West new rap album is anything but conventional. “808s and Heartbreak,” is the fourth studio album released by the rapper which hit stores last Monday. West takes traditional hip-hop by surprise by singing ballads over non-traditional tribal beats. The album features eleven singles that explore relationships lost.     West is no stranger to hard times himself. This past year he lost his mother due to complications of cosmetic surgery and split from his long time fiancé. The struggle and frustration he’s endured can be found on the track “Amazing.” With the help of Young Jeezy he reveals, “I’m a monster, I’m a maven,” to let listeners know he is not normal. West also has an inner battle with women in the album’s featured track, “Love Lockdown.”      Despite the positive feedback from critics, this album is no classic like “College Dropout.” It does however free the hip-hop community from the monotony often-voiceless tracks and Fruity Loops beats. “Robocop” has edgy track lyrics, “I know she kinda crazy but it turns me on,” revealing West preference to women who are a bit irrational.  “Heartless,” the second released single from the album is arguably the best. The lyrics are thought provoking while the piano thumps hard in the background.  As a whole the album is solid. Kanye West isn’t one to be insecure of himself. “808s and Heartbreak” shows that he can push the envelope while simultaneously bringing along his fans to seal the deal.

• Alexandria Harper