Watch the Throne
by Kanye West
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Aug 12, 2011
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 766 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 625 out of 766
  2. Mixed: 71 out of 766
  3. Negative: 70 out of 766
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  1. Skeledon
    May 22, 2023
    8
    Crazy good collab album, some misses tho I still love it. Favorite song: New Day
  2. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    8
    这张在关于kanye的讨论中貌似存在感很低，但我觉得这张很优秀。凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数凑字数
  3. hiphopplatinum
    Oct 2, 2022
    7
    this had the potential to be a near-perfect album and even though it is a great album with many great songs like dudes in Paris, Otis, no church in the wild & ham but I feel they didn't use all the power they had between both of them and were kinda sloppy with their work here
  4. JamesJennings
    May 9, 2022
    8
    Not much to say about it, one of my favorite collaboration albums ever. No church in the wild, Otis, Two dudes in Paris, Murder to Excellence, and gotta have it are all great tracks. Welcome to the jungle is a total miss though just skip that one.
  5. narolo
    Mar 30, 2022
    8
    goodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgoodgood
  6. garfield7081
    Mar 25, 2022
    8
    feels like the rap version of fall out boy's american beauty/american psycho: amazing music connected by mediocre filler
  7. SaintPablo32
    Sep 22, 2021
    9
    This is just too much fun to listen to. No skips but Lift Off and Gotta Have It are a little repetitive. Still good tracks they just don't hold up to Murder To Excellence and New Day, they best emotionally charged tracks. And this album is full of bangers that are great to bump in the whip. This albums makes me fell like a braggadocios rich man.

    9/10
  8. Mshad23
    Aug 31, 2021
    10
    This album is pure “black excellence, opulence, decadence”. Kanye goes bar for bar with Jay Z and cements his status alongside his contemporary as a hip hop great, not only as a producer but rapper. This album is second only to MBDTF in Kanye’s discography. Brilliant.
  9. njeggers1
    Aug 30, 2021
    10
    Criminally underrated score on here. This album is Kanye's 2nd best piece of work after MBDTF. An insanely fun listen.
  10. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    7
    this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7 this album is a 7
  11. clem666
    Mar 13, 2021
    8
    Electric record! There are amazing varied samples used (dubstep on 'Who Gon Stop Me', electro/pop on 'Why I love You' and I am not even speaking about Otis' sample and Curtis Mayfield's presence in here). On that point Kanye and Jay-Z definitely managed to demonstrate that they can rap over any beat and rhythm. It is a pleasure not the hear them rhyme on every single beat and measure. TheElectric record! There are amazing varied samples used (dubstep on 'Who Gon Stop Me', electro/pop on 'Why I love You' and I am not even speaking about Otis' sample and Curtis Mayfield's presence in here). On that point Kanye and Jay-Z definitely managed to demonstrate that they can rap over any beat and rhythm. It is a pleasure not the hear them rhyme on every single beat and measure. The fact that they managed to let the music breath makes it way better. This allows us to enjoy more the amazing samples. Because yes, production is incredible. Kanye West and Mike Dean did an amazing job as leader producers on this. Tracks follow each other almost perfectly. Chill tracks like 'New Day', 'Made In America' , 'Primetime' and 'No Church In The Wild' (at some point) are definitely lovable and do bring some peace and variety in that monster self-centered record.

    The deluxe version surprisingly adds way more than expected to the project even if I found that the three-minute silence on 'The Illest Motherf*cker Alive' was kind of weird and destabilising.

    However it is way too much about Kanye's and Jay-Z's so-called dominance on the rap game. 'Watch The Throne' appears as a huge dual ego-trip.    … Expand
  12. Wrong_Opinions
    Dec 25, 2020
    7
    Very good album. Some tracks are better than others. Favourite track is “n****s in Paris”.
  13. OlegSunbeam
    Dec 19, 2019
    8
    I'd like to think even more casual rap fans (like me) can appreciate the production on here, it's just so refined and confident. I would just love this album, featuring two masters, two geniuses, to perhaps have a bit more weight and just a little less bling. Imagine a sequel today with both of them in powerful and less self absorbed mode, we can but hope, perhaps an impossibility now. AllI'd like to think even more casual rap fans (like me) can appreciate the production on here, it's just so refined and confident. I would just love this album, featuring two masters, two geniuses, to perhaps have a bit more weight and just a little less bling. Imagine a sequel today with both of them in powerful and less self absorbed mode, we can but hope, perhaps an impossibility now. All told, a compelling collaboration that we will be grateful for decades from now, but one that left room for important improvement around the edges.… Expand
  14. SITBR1995
    Aug 8, 2019
    8
    Brilliant production and Jay Z and Kanye both bring their A game. While the album isn’t perfect (Lift Off, Illest **** Alive), it’s a damn good one.
  15. wavy
    Apr 25, 2019
    9
    This is lyrically possibly Kanye's best album. But, the production is mediocre. That isn't needed though. Kanye and Jay-Z make a great team hope they make another collab soon.
  16. AKthaBeast
    Mar 25, 2018
    8
    The collab album between Jay-Z & Kanye West. A good album overall.

    1. No Church In The Wild feat. Frank Ocean & The-Dream - A 2. Lift Off feat. Beyonce - B 3. **** In Paris - A+ 4. Otis feat. Otis Redding - B 5. Gotta Have It - B 6. New Day - B+ 7. That's My **** - B 8. Welcome To The Jungle - B 9. Who Gon Stop Me - A+ 10. Murder To Excellence - B+ 11. Made In America feat.    The collab album between Jay-Z & Kanye West. A good album overall.

    1. No Church In The Wild feat. Frank Ocean & The-Dream - A
    2. Lift Off feat. Beyonce - B
    3. **** In Paris - A+
    4. Otis feat. Otis Redding - B
    5. Gotta Have It - B
    6. New Day - B+
    7. That's My **** - B
    8. Welcome To The Jungle - B
    9. Who Gon Stop Me - A+
    10. Murder To Excellence - B+
    11. Made In America feat. Frank Ocean - B
    12. Why I Love You feat. Mr. Hudson - A    … Expand
  17. MoneyMaker101
    Feb 8, 2018
    10
    Absolutely incredible album by this legendary rap duo. The world should be happy and privileged we got an album from these two. This project is masterfully produced,but that's understandable when you know who did the production. Kanye West obviously,in collaboration with The Neptunes,Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Mike Dean,Q-Tip etc. The only tracks I wasn't a fan on this project wereAbsolutely incredible album by this legendary rap duo. The world should be happy and privileged we got an album from these two. This project is masterfully produced,but that's understandable when you know who did the production. Kanye West obviously,in collaboration with The Neptunes,Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beatz, Mike Dean,Q-Tip etc. The only tracks I wasn't a fan on this project were That's My B*tch and Welcome To The jungle,rest of the tracklist is absolutely unbeliveable. The only criticism I have on this album is that it could have had more conscious records and topics rather than so many braggadocious tracks but other than that this album is a masterpiece. Thank you Kanye and Jay for putting out this unforgettable project.… Expand
  18. FruitJuice
    Jul 17, 2017
    7
    good album............................................................................................................................................................
  19. Fib3r
    Jul 7, 2017
    8
    This is the best hip hop collab album out there, still its not perfect. The production is great, both kanye and jay delivers on most songs. But some tracks feels out of place (Mostly Made In America). Still a super great project with some of hip hops most timeless tracks.
  20. Mesmerize
    Aug 12, 2016
    8
    8.5 z
  21. lisiak
    Dec 20, 2015
    9
    Watch the throne is the best album 2011. **** in Paris', 'Otis', 'Who gon stop me', 'Gotta have it', 'That's my **** and 'Primetime' are my favourite tracks.
  22. carnevaler
    Oct 23, 2015
    8
    Kanye West is known for his notorious ego, and yet not a lot know about his motivation. His parents divorced when Kanye was three years old and could have led him to his later development of his music. His father was a Black Panther and had to express himself with non-violent tactics. However, his mother was an English teacher at Clark Atlanta University which made “Kanye West” Kanye WestKanye West is known for his notorious ego, and yet not a lot know about his motivation. His parents divorced when Kanye was three years old and could have led him to his later development of his music. His father was a Black Panther and had to express himself with non-violent tactics. However, his mother was an English teacher at Clark Atlanta University which made “Kanye West” Kanye West as we know him. The interlacing of a non-violent protest plus an English teacher made Kanye a threat to the rap game. Kanye West has created his first album after getting into a car accident which is crazy to think but most certainly possibly. His previous songs are mostly about his struggles in his life. Now he is able to talk about his success.
    In Watch the Throne, Kanye West has an interesting collection of songs. He contrasts from someone who is preparing for a performance like “Ni**as in Paris,” “H.A.M,” “Gotta Have It,” and then goes to something personal which was interesting. His songs “ Murder to Excellence” explains his hatred against racism which is very personal and has a lot of meaning. Kanye West's song “Lift Off” seemed to be misplaced in this album. It has nothing to do with the theme of his album.
    I give this album an 8/10 because of the song “Lift Off”. At the same time the song “H.A.M,” is easy to remember, the acronym hard as a motherf**ker. Also, “Made in America” is so easy to remember because he does not stop saying “Oh, sweet baby Jesus”. It has anger that keeps you motivated, but as you go further into the album you notice that Kanye's motivation had almost disappeared. It’s like he has ADHD and forgot what he was thinking about. At the same as if you listen to a radio station with one artist, his or her songs will be boring around fourteen minutes in. Kanye West has a lot of influence from classic R&B. He has influence by music concrete: he mixed R&B and blues together and his childhood experiences together. Can you judge an artist’s personal character based on his or her music? Most people see him as living extravagant, but in this album you understand: no his life was not originally extravagant which explains his ego.    … Expand
  23. lado22
    May 20, 2015
    10
    Perfect Album! Highly recommended. All the songs are nice, even the one most of the people hate ( "Lift Off") sounds great. Jay is on another level, TOP of the Game, Kanye is great with his beats and his lyrics and his flow is good too. Even the bonus tracks are ridiculously good.
  24. MitchReviews
    Jun 4, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This album is one of the best I've heard, there are some some songs I like and don't like, but Kanye West and Jay-Z are a good rap duo. Also, the production of the album was awesome, it was some of the best beats I've heard.… Expand
  25. Sergio2008
    Mar 20, 2013
    8
    Jay Z & Kanye West prove that they are Hip Hop royalty. A very good album. Not the greatest but a much needed collaboration. Nice piece of work with Jay & Ye being very ambitious.
  26. stfuadam
    Mar 2, 2013
    8
    Not normally into rap, but this is great. Highlights are: No Church In The Wild, Lift Off, Nigg*s In Paris, Otis, and Who Gon' Stop Me.
  27. Methylenedioxy
    Aug 20, 2012
    9
    I'm neither a Kanye fan nor a Jay-Z fan, but I appreciate that these guys "act their age" instead of pandering to 14-year olds like so many of their peers. "Throne" is reminiscent of early-'90s R&B/Rap, which was truly the golden age of hip hop. No over-produced assembly line crap, just clever (mostly) lyrics over energetic, funky beats. Highlights include "No Church in the Wild",I'm neither a Kanye fan nor a Jay-Z fan, but I appreciate that these guys "act their age" instead of pandering to 14-year olds like so many of their peers. "Throne" is reminiscent of early-'90s R&B/Rap, which was truly the golden age of hip hop. No over-produced assembly line crap, just clever (mostly) lyrics over energetic, funky beats. Highlights include "No Church in the Wild", "That's My **** "Murder to Excellence" and "Niggas in Paris".… Expand
  28. TwistedFantasy
    Aug 1, 2012
    8
    A really good rap album, brought down by a large amount of 'little things' that bothered me, like annoying interludes, songs that just randomly end, poor mixing. Jay-Z surprisingly outshines Kanye.

    Lift Off could have been amazing but Jay-Z's verse was meh, and Kanye's was... bad. The auto-tune didn't work out so well for the song. The songs I enjoyed more on the album are: No Church In    A really good rap album, brought down by a large amount of 'little things' that bothered me, like annoying interludes, songs that just randomly end, poor mixing. Jay-Z surprisingly outshines Kanye.

    Lift Off could have been amazing but Jay-Z's verse was meh, and Kanye's was... bad. The auto-tune didn't work out so well for the song. The songs I enjoyed more on the album are: No Church In The Wild, Lift Off, Otis, Who Gon Stop Me, Murder To Excellence, & Why I Love You.

    Get The Deluxe: Illest M Alive, HAM and The Joy are all great.    … Expand
  29. cloudxchamber
    Jul 19, 2012
    7
    Sure, it's neither Jay-Z's nor Kanye's strongest album, but perhaps the best thing about Watch the Throne is even after having the unfortunate job of following an album as incredible and critically adored as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, it doesn't have to be. It's a quick album, and by that I mean one where the boundary-shattering ambition and perfectionism seen in a few of theirSure, it's neither Jay-Z's nor Kanye's strongest album, but perhaps the best thing about Watch the Throne is even after having the unfortunate job of following an album as incredible and critically adored as My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, it doesn't have to be. It's a quick album, and by that I mean one where the boundary-shattering ambition and perfectionism seen in a few of their past albums is put second to catchy songwriting and above all, you know, just having fun. This is evident from lead singe "Otis": here, Jay and 'Ye exchange verses over a ludicrously expensive sample of Otis Redding's "Try a Little Tenderness" to make an egoistic little snippet of colourful pop (and one of the few rap songs a friend of mine will tolerate!) Elsewhere, layers of Logic synthesised brass underlay one of the most strikingly energetic vocal performances Beyoncé has ever recorded in "Lift Off," the oddly catchy hook "sweet Jesus, sweet baby Jesus" accompanies euphoric synths, piano and rap verses in "Made in America," and dramatic strings empower closer "Why I Love You," which sits among the best tracks on the record. Sure, the album has its missteps: the beat that kicks off "New Day" sounds awkward and meandering, for example, but for the most part Watch the Throne is as luxurious and gold-studded a listen as its ridiculous album art. Recommended for all fans of either rapper, or anyone looking for a place to start exploring hip-hop.… Expand
  30. charliew1820
    Jun 2, 2012
    9
    By no means one of the greatest rap albums of all time and probaly pusing nearer 8.5 than 9, but this is an extremely good album. West and Jay Z come off eachothers lyrics and verses superbly setting up a good harsh rythm to all the song. The production is great with many songs almost sounding like an epic fo music, e tone of the album and theme is spot on, with basically all songs havingBy no means one of the greatest rap albums of all time and probaly pusing nearer 8.5 than 9, but this is an extremely good album. West and Jay Z come off eachothers lyrics and verses superbly setting up a good harsh rythm to all the song. The production is great with many songs almost sounding like an epic fo music, e tone of the album and theme is spot on, with basically all songs having the same beat and tone, but this actually works well.On the other hand, some songs have a confusion in beat and slow pacing, partiularly lift off with a fantastic chrous from Beyonce, but the song is almost confused in how e rap compliments the tune, present in a few of the songs albums. To conclude, Defintely one of the greatest collaboration albums of all time, with brilliant lyrics and superb rapping, but not one of raps greatest and finest moments.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed Album of 2011
39
#39 Most Shared Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 42 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 42
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 42
  3. Negative: 0 out of 42
  1. Magnet
    Nov 11, 2011
    80
    They turn out to be pretty good influences on one another. Jay sounds generally reinvigorated: good-humored, full of nimble, intricate wit and atypically emotionally revealing, and if Kanye's rhymes occasionally remain as clumsy and crass as his personal life choices, he drops far fewer boners than usual. [#81, p. 56]
  2. Q Magazine
    Sep 21, 2011
    80
    Hip hop heavy weights stop squabbling for long enough to justify their star billing. [Oct 2011, p.116]
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Sep 12, 2011
    67
    That Jay and 'Ye have the courtesy to stop rapping about their money and start attacking real issues--black-on-black crime in "Murder to Excellence," raising children on "New Day"--is icing on a very expensive cake.
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