- Courtesy of Def Jam
BY CASSIE BALFOUR
Daily Arts Writer
Published January 12, 2011
Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether Kanye is pulling our collective leg or not. He collaborates with Jay-Z on his new latest single “H.A.M.,” but the track is pure Kanye — that is, it’s the work of a slightly unhinged creative genius. It’s apocalyptic and stylish, complete with slick electronic beats and an orchestral grandness. Although both rappers aggressively spit about how they’re about to go “hard as a muthafucker,” it also features the vocal stylings of an eerie chamber singer.
Kanye West and Jay-Z
"H.A.M."
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Is the diabolical pair trying to be satirical? Both superstar’s rhymes are the typical cocksure fare, with Jay-Z reminding any doubtful listeners just how “hard” he is. “I play chicken with a Mack truck / Y’all muthafuckers woulda been moved.” After a satisfying beat in the beginning, the track starts to trail off when everything drops, save the angelic female vocalist serenading us, before a blood pressure-raising ending.
It’s solid and inventive, which might be attributable to the young but talented 19-year-old producer Lex Luger assisting on the track. Ultimately, “H.A.M.,” (despite the laughable acronym) offers up a delectable morsel from the upcoming album, Watch The Throne, on which Jay-Z and Kanye are collaborating. If this ridiculously epic track is any indication, the album is bound to be explosive.
