Review: Kanye West incredible in his element

EVEN before he married independent filmmaker Kim Kardashian, rapper Kanye West was a divisive figure in music.

Kanye West concert at Rod Laver Arena, Tue Sep 9. Picture: Jason Edwards.

EVEN before he married independent filmmaker Kim Kardashian, rapper Kanye West was a divisive figure in music.

However on stage, in front of those who worship him (including his wife, who had her Kardashian Kouch ready down the back if she wanted to watch) West is in his element.

He is also an incredible live performer.

Almost single-handedly West has raised the artistry of live hip hop.

Each tour has had a distinct theme and aesthetic — all from West’s brain.

KANYE SURLY AT KIMYE’S SOUTH YARRA STREET MOB

KIM AND KANYE ROCK INTO MELBOURNE

For the latest, Yeezus, the rapper is virtually alone on a state-of-the-art stage, aside from a DJ, who also plays guitar and piano when needed, and a backing singer.

The singer was redundant - nearly the entire crowd know every word as well as West does and the whole night is a rap-a-long.

The Yeezus album is deliberately uneasy listening, but is surprisingly anthemic booming out of an arena.

Kanye West performs at Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Jason Edwards.

With discordant live guitar, Black Skinhead sets the tone, delivered by West wearing a mask and still commanding full attention.

Soon the show morphs into a hitfest: with added masks. West has created a string of diverse, intelligent hip hop classics — Stronger, Touch the Sky, Heartless, Run This Town, Gold Digger, Power, All of the Lights, Jesus Walks and the masterpiece Runaway.

It’s not only about the music at a Kanye West show — he tells us he has an angel on one shoulder and devil on the other pulling him at the same time.

He also pointed out, “I don’t want to bring no negative energy to the world whatsoever”, before dissing someone who upset his and his wife’s publicist.

Kanye West plays Rod Laver Arena again on Wednesday.

Originally published as Review: Kanye West incredible in his element