My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
by Kanye West
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Nov 22, 2010
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 3765 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,245 out of 3765
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 3765
  3. Negative: 448 out of 3765
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  1. Andremax
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    No doubt MBDTF is a mark in hip-hop's history. It's a truly class of sampling and textures. Tracks are granious and has a pop appeal necessary to be acessible
  2. Aoi
    Oct 12, 2013
    10
    Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time. Greatest album of all time.
  3. Moshi
    Oct 28, 2013
    10
    The best hip-hop album ever. Took me by surprise if I'm honest. Was blown away when started to listen to it and I just can't get enough. It will probably never get old. Perfect forever.
  4. GavinGrohowski
    Nov 3, 2013
    10
    My all-time favorite album. The deterioration of a man (Kanye), but with a hopeful tone. This album is life. If there is ever such a "perfect" album, this is it.
  5. augdawgg
    Feb 24, 2016
    10
    I can't say anything about this album that hasn't been said before.

    This is the culmination of Rap music. It is 2016 and 6 years later every song still feels fresh and current.
    Each song meticulously places, start to finish, this is an album.
  6. TChustz3
    Nov 11, 2013
    10
    Once you dive into this album, you'll grasp why he holds the label "musical genius." This album is a culmination and a bringing together of everything Kanye has accomplished as a rapper and a producer. "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" is an epic mixture of "Late Registration," "Graduation," and "808's and Heartbreak." Kanye raps with some of his best verses to date, produces unrealOnce you dive into this album, you'll grasp why he holds the label "musical genius." This album is a culmination and a bringing together of everything Kanye has accomplished as a rapper and a producer. "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" is an epic mixture of "Late Registration," "Graduation," and "808's and Heartbreak." Kanye raps with some of his best verses to date, produces unreal beats, and truly brings out the best of all the features he brings in. Truly a hip hop classic, a game changer, and his best album to date.… Expand
  7. SamuelP
    Nov 15, 2013
    10
    Great album. Amazing display of music. Lyric wise it's still a great album and every song is a hit. Not for one second did I not enjoy listening to this album with songs like gorgeous, power, monster and runaway it's hard to not enjoy it. It's no a super long album either, you don't get bored half way through.
  8. nickychan
    Dec 27, 2013
    10
    First CD I bought with my own money. Classic! Yep... I have no idea why you would want 150 characters to explain this CD. This is a great release from Yeezy. OH YES finally, now I can post this :D Thank you Kanye, please make more stuff like this
  9. bfoore90
    Mar 29, 2014
    10
    For everyone joking around Yeezus, I simply point to this album as a true example of Kanye's gift of making music. This album, to this day is pure brilliance with great beats and a powerful messages that convey the artist that Kanye West truly is.
  10. spencertherobot
    May 3, 2014
    10
    If someone told me to play a single rap album for them, I would play them this.
    This album sort of defines the rap genre for me similar to how Dark Side of The Moon defines rock and roll. So Appalled, Devil in a New Dress, and Runaway may be my favourite three song streak of all time.
  11. anorton23
    Feb 27, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. You can listen to it straight through. not one bad track. closest album to perfection. maad city is the only album even close. Filled with hits like power, all of the lights, runaway. Yet it is filled with some of his best songs EVER including dark fantasy, all of the lights, monster.… Expand
  12. AquaCulina
    May 3, 2014
    10
    Kanye West does everything right on this album.

    The incredibly luscious and grandiose production combines the greatness off all his previous albums. The soulfulness of his early work and the electronic influences of the Graduation- and 808s & Heartbreak-eras. Lyrically Kanye explores the contrasting juxtaposition between self-aggrandizement, and self-doubt and self-loathing.    Kanye West does everything right on this album.

    The incredibly luscious and grandiose production combines the greatness off all his previous albums. The soulfulness of his early work and the electronic influences of the Graduation- and 808s & Heartbreak-eras.

    Lyrically Kanye explores the contrasting juxtaposition between self-aggrandizement, and self-doubt and self-loathing.

    Adding to that, Kanye brings in a number of guest-features with incredible features (bar Swizz Beats - I'm sorry buddy, but you should stay behind the board).

    This is a musical masterpiece.    … Expand
  13. TEM
    May 21, 2014
    10
    The best album of all time hands down. This proves that Kanye is a genius. The song Runaway is enough to give this album a 10/10 but, every other track is just pure perfection.
  14. comebackkid12
    Dec 8, 2014
    10
    This classic stands at Mr. West's greatest work so far, as his sonic abilities and witty lyricism has raised the bar on a genre that already had a high bar to begin with. Easily the greatest hip-hop record I've ever listened to, and my favorite album to boot, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is unbelievable in every single aspect. The greatest track is his nine-minute emotional rollerThis classic stands at Mr. West's greatest work so far, as his sonic abilities and witty lyricism has raised the bar on a genre that already had a high bar to begin with. Easily the greatest hip-hop record I've ever listened to, and my favorite album to boot, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is unbelievable in every single aspect. The greatest track is his nine-minute emotional roller coaster midway through the album, "Runaway."… Expand
  15. Bobtinin
    Sep 28, 2018
    10
    Not only is this one of Kanye's best albums, or one of the best hip-hop albums around... this is one of the best albums of all time.
  16. karansjet
    Oct 1, 2014
    10
    One of the best hip-hop records of all time without a doubt.
    And the entire controversy around the album art and the lyrics are a freaking joke sparked by misguided feminists and trolls.
  17. calljohno
    Oct 27, 2014
    10
    I have not yet given an album a 10/10, simply because I believe that sets a standard for everything else I will rate. I gave MBDTF a 10 because I find it is worthy of being that standard. Some people may dislike Kanye West, in fact many hate him, but it is undeniable that the man is a great artist. I believe this album has the ability to resonate with absolutely anyone, so long as theyI have not yet given an album a 10/10, simply because I believe that sets a standard for everything else I will rate. I gave MBDTF a 10 because I find it is worthy of being that standard. Some people may dislike Kanye West, in fact many hate him, but it is undeniable that the man is a great artist. I believe this album has the ability to resonate with absolutely anyone, so long as they listen to it. Not only that, but a listener will be graced with a glimpse into the mind of the artist himself. This is a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. And a masterpiece that may be more appreciated in the future than it is now.… Expand
  18. MoneyMaker101
    Mar 8, 2016
    10
    I remember hearing Power and All of the Lights on radio stations couple of years ago and I liked them instantly.Production is absolutely magnificent,lyrics are unbelievable,the bars,the wordplay...astonishing!I wanted to listen to the whole album couple of weeks ago but Im stuck on first three songs because they are too dope.I don't know how will I be able to move on from DarkI remember hearing Power and All of the Lights on radio stations couple of years ago and I liked them instantly.Production is absolutely magnificent,lyrics are unbelievable,the bars,the wordplay...astonishing!I wanted to listen to the whole album couple of weeks ago but Im stuck on first three songs because they are too dope.I don't know how will I be able to move on from Dark Fantasy,Gorgeous and Power but I will try lol.Gorgeous has INCREDIBLE Instrumental.That guitar omg!!!!… Expand
  19. amirdf
    Dec 10, 2014
    10
    greatest album of all time gcfgfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
  20. darnell150
    Mar 18, 2015
    10
    You don't even have to be a hip hop fan to like this album. His ability to mix so many elements into his music is powerful. He even manages to have great guest appearances and substantial and honest lyrics. Kanye West has achieved his greatest work with "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy". It is truly a MASTERPIECE!!!
  21. ajarias96
    Jan 8, 2015
    10
    Kanye West is called many things by many people but at the end of the day he is an incredible artist and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is just brilliant. What takes real talent and what makes you a great artist is when you know what real talent sounds like. On tracks like Lost in World, Runaway, and Monster, West allows for younger upcoming talent to truly prove why they belong on thisKanye West is called many things by many people but at the end of the day he is an incredible artist and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is just brilliant. What takes real talent and what makes you a great artist is when you know what real talent sounds like. On tracks like Lost in World, Runaway, and Monster, West allows for younger upcoming talent to truly prove why they belong on this album. At times they even out do the man whose name is on the cover the album. West tells us about love and what it's like going through a relationship and it's one of the main reasons why I love music. This album not only proves that West is genius but it also proves why rap is a true art form and is something that can truly mean something. West has created one of the greatest albums of all time and will forever keep the name Kanye West in the music world as someone who simply knows and makes good music.… Expand
  22. BrandonTrotter
    Jan 17, 2015
    10
    Kanye West does it again and this album shows that after the Taylor Swift incident and made a big comeback. The production on the album showcased Kanye's ability to outshine on the boards and it also showed me that Kanye is truly great
  23. ester1507
    Dec 19, 2019
    10
    Fabulous. The best rap/ hip-hop album of de last decade. Kanye mixed everything that doesn't had nothing with hip-hop and turned into it.
  24. padrah_
    Mar 7, 2015
    10
    I was a Kanye hater until I listened to this album for the first time, back in 2014. I thought "he's not talented, what a gay fish", until I listened to this album. This album revived my interest in Hip-Hop, and mvoed me away from listening exclusively to metal so I could expand my musical tastes. It's like a breath of fresh air, this album.

    Kanye's one of, if not, the most influential    I was a Kanye hater until I listened to this album for the first time, back in 2014. I thought "he's not talented, what a gay fish", until I listened to this album. This album revived my interest in Hip-Hop, and mvoed me away from listening exclusively to metal so I could expand my musical tastes. It's like a breath of fresh air, this album.

    Kanye's one of, if not, the most influential rap artist of the 21st century. He took a genre which was desperately in need of a re-vamp, and successfully pulled it off with the release of four albums before "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy".

    MBDTF is dark, unforgiving, grand, and uses imagery which only Kanye West could pull off. It's a culmination of all of his frustrations in the 21st Century. Themes include celebrity, consumerism, the culture surrounding hip-hop, fidelity, and West's career.

    The album features appearances from Raekwon, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, and John Legend, each of the tracks they feature on are highlights for me.

    This is just a perfect album. One of few I've ever listened to.

    A clear 10 for me.    … Expand
  25. michaeljrmj
    Mar 20, 2015
    10
    THE GREATEST ALBUM DEFINING THE DECADE (2010s). The milestone of this album impeccable feat cannot be reached. It is not a simple mathematical rap album. You cannot compare it to any usual rap phenomenon. I speak as a fan of MUSIC when i say this, Kanye West has blessed the world with excellence. Geniuses have a right to be arrogant, "egotistical". Each song is a perfect example of hardTHE GREATEST ALBUM DEFINING THE DECADE (2010s). The milestone of this album impeccable feat cannot be reached. It is not a simple mathematical rap album. You cannot compare it to any usual rap phenomenon. I speak as a fan of MUSIC when i say this, Kanye West has blessed the world with excellence. Geniuses have a right to be arrogant, "egotistical". Each song is a perfect example of hard work, art, and creativity. Anyone who studies music, architecture, and modeling, can hear it in this sound. The album is a body of work that tells you its going to be better from now on, Who will survive in America?… Expand
  26. bruhfromthela
    Apr 10, 2015
    10
    Perfectly album, elevanting hip hop to another plane.
    Cohesive innovative equilibrate, very well produced, nice raps.
    rfectly album, elevanting hip hop to another plane.
    Cohesive innovative equilibrate, very well produced, nice raps.
    rfectly album, elevanting hip hop to another plane.
    Cohesive innovative equilibrate, very well produced, nice raps.
  27. Urbanlistener
    Apr 28, 2015
    10
    An instant classic, this album his Kanye's best work along with College dropout. A masterpiece in Kanye's unique style of hip-hop, the album will be hard to beat for any artist in the years to come.
  28. Ajjivani
    Apr 23, 2015
    10
    Basically this is a model of a perfect album, as far as showcasing talent Kanye West once again fails to disappoint. I'm not a critic, just a listener, and this was one of the only albums where I loved each and every song. Every single one of them, it was just awesome. From start to finish Yeezy did amazing, proving he is the greatest Rap Musician to ever live. 10/10 Album and a mustBasically this is a model of a perfect album, as far as showcasing talent Kanye West once again fails to disappoint. I'm not a critic, just a listener, and this was one of the only albums where I loved each and every song. Every single one of them, it was just awesome. From start to finish Yeezy did amazing, proving he is the greatest Rap Musician to ever live. 10/10 Album and a must listen. My favorite album of all time.… Expand
  29. PerilousPanda
    Jan 31, 2016
    10
    Kanye West's 35-minute super-video, Runaway, peaks with a parade. Fireworks flash while red hoods march through a field. At the center of the spectacle is a huge, pale, cartoonish rendering of Michael Jackson's head. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy's gargantuan "All of the Lights" soundtracks the procession, with Kanye pleading, "Something wrong, I hold my head/ MJ gone, our **** dead."Kanye West's 35-minute super-video, Runaway, peaks with a parade. Fireworks flash while red hoods march through a field. At the center of the spectacle is a huge, pale, cartoonish rendering of Michael Jackson's head. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy's gargantuan "All of the Lights" soundtracks the procession, with Kanye pleading, "Something wrong, I hold my head/ MJ gone, our **** dead." The tribute marks another chapter in West's ongoing obsession with the King of Pop.
    West's discography contains innumerable references and allusions to Jackson. His first hit as a producer, Jay-Z's "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)", sampled the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back". For many, his first memorable lines as a rapper came during 2003's "Slow Jamz": "She got a light-skinned friend look like Michael Jackson/ Got a dark-skinned friend look like Michael Jackson." And when West's recent interview with Matt Lauer on the "Today" show went awry, he took to Twitter, writing, "I wish Michael Jackson had twitter!!!!!! Maybe Mike could have explained how the media tried to set him up!!! It's all a **** set up!!!!" Like most everything else, Kanye may exaggerate the kinship, but it's real. And it's never more apparent than on Twisted Fantasy, a blast of surreal pop excess that few artists are capable of creating, or even willing to attempt.

    To be clear, Kanye West is not Michael Jackson. As he told MTV last month, "I do have a goal in this lifetime to be the greatest artist of all time, [but] that's very difficult being that I can't dance or sing." He ended the thought with a laugh, but you get the impression he's not kidding. Unlike Michael, he's not interested in scrubbing away bits of himself-- his blackness, his candidness-- to appease the masses. And while Jackson's own twisted fantasies of paranoia and betrayal eventually consumed him whole, West is still aware of his illusions, though that mindfulness becomes increasingly unmoored with each newspaper-splashing controversy. The balance is tenuous, but right now it's working to his advantage. On Twisted Fantasy, Kanye is crazy enough to truly believe he's the greatest out there. And, about a decade into his career, the hardworking perfectionist has gained the talent on the mic and in the control room to make a startlingly strong case for just that.

    Kanye's last album, 2008's 808s and Heartbreak, was heavy on the Auto-Tune and stark synths, but relatively light on grandiose ideas. It was a necessary detour that expanded his emotional palette; a bloodletting after a harsh breakup and the passing of his mother that manifests itself in Twisted Fantasy's harshest lows. But musically, the new album largely continues where 2007's Graduation left off in its maximalist hip-hop bent, with flashes of The College Dropout's comfort-food sampling and Late Registration's baroque instrumentation weaved in seamlessly. As a result, the record comes off like a culmination and an instant greatest hits, the ultimate realization of his strongest talents and divisive public persona. And since the nerd-superstar rap archetype he popularized has now become commonplace, he leaves it in the dust, taking his style and drama to previously uncharted locales, far away from typical civilization.

    He's got a lot on his mind, too. After exiling himself for months following last year's infamous Taylor Swift stage bomb, the rapper made some of his first comeback appearances at the headquarters of Facebook and Twitter in late July. Videos of West standing on a table in tailored GQ duds while gesticulating through new rhymes (sans musical accompaniment) quickly made the rounds. The Silicon Valley visits seemed like a stunt, but they were prophetic. Forever an over-sharer, Kanye was looking for an outlet for his latest mirror-born musings. He found that platform with Twitter, and proceeded to dictate his own narrative in 140 character hits. Whether showing off exotic purchases, defending himself against the press, or going on stream-of-consciousness rants, Kanye finally had the middleman-free, instant-gratification platform he'd always wanted.

    Juiced on the direct connection, he began releasing weekly songs for free online, the generosity of which would be moot if the songs didn't deliver. But they did, over and over, eventually building up the same type of superstar goodwill Radiohead pulled off with their pay-what-you-want In Rainbows release plan and Lil Wayne's free mixtape barrage leading up to 2008's Tha Carter III. So while Kanye can't sing or dance like Michael, he's making meaningful connections in a fresh, oftentimes (ahem) naked way. "When I used to finish an album I would be so excited for my mom to hear the final - final!" he wrote on November 11. "The final - final is what we used to call the... completed album with all the skits!!! I made songs to please one person... MY MOM!!! I would think... would my my Mom like this song!" - Pitchfork    … Expand
  30. nikoziko
    Feb 4, 2018
    10
    This album is a masterpiece from kanye and it's still the best album of the decade so far , the production is stunning and kanye's way of mixing up different genre of music is amazing i mean this is still a hip hop record but even if your'e not a fan of hip hop i'm sure you'd still enjoy it
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2010
1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2010
1
#1 Most Shared Album of 2010

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. Uncut
    Sep 19, 2012
    80
    West is far from rap's deftest lyricist but his neurotic grandstanding is compelling and often pretty funny to boot. [Feb 2011, p.84]
  2. Consequence
    Sep 17, 2012
    100
    There is no question that this album is a game changer. It's Kanye West's greatest work.
    Read full review
  3. Mojo
    Apr 20, 2011
    100
    My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is genuinely a great record. [Feb. 2011, p. 108]
See all critic reviews »