Jesus Is King 2 A Kanye West and Dr. Dre Collaboration Reshapes the Narrative

Kanye West’s music has often leaked, but the month of September brought an unprecedented deluge, unveiling hundreds of files dating back to 2008. Among these leaks, the standout is “Jesus Is King: The Dr. Dre Version,” a collaborative remix with legendary producer Dr. Dre. Originally teased in 2019, the album reworks West’s 9th studio album, offering new production and rearranged tracks. The remix introduces changes to familiar songs, presenting a rearranged tracklist and swapping out some for new additions. “Intro/Every Hour/Selah” stands out as an improved blend of the first two songs from the original, setting a livelier tone for the album. Dr. Dre’s production breathes new life into the once sluggish “Selah,” creating an almost reinvigorated vocal take.

Many consider “Jesus Is King” as a low point in West’s musical career, marked by lackluster verses and a perceived disinterest in music. However, the remix surprises with West’s energetic delivery on “Water,” reminiscent of his earlier work. “Closed on Sunday” also receives a new verse, offering glimpses into his struggles with alcohol addiction. The album raises questions about where this version of Kanye West has been for the past few years. The Dr. Dre Version shines in its best moments, showcasing not only new instrumentals but also Dre’s signature glossy production. Even guest artist Travis Scott, known for subdued performances, delivers one of his better verses on “Hands On.” The addition of “LA Monster,” a new track combining gospel with electronic elements, exemplifies the synergy of Kanye’s ideas with Dre’s execution.

While Dre’s maximalist production enhances some tracks, it hinders others. Awkward beats distract from West’s lackluster verses on “Everything We Need,” and “On God” falls short of the original’s space-age vibe. Some remixed songs, like “God Is,” fail to make a significant impact, raising the question of whether they needed remixing in the first place. The album’s highlights feature enough new material to feel like sequels or include entirely new additions. However, the remixes of existing songs, when compared to the Kanye version, often feel superfluous. The issues with “Jesus Is King” seem more rooted in West’s verses and delivery than the beats, highlighting that even Dr. Dre’s touch has limits in improving lackadaisical performances. While songs with new vocals generally improve over their originals, the album as a whole, when compared to the Kanye version, offers a mixed outcome. Remix albums don’t necessarily aim to surpass their predecessors, but given the lukewarm reception of “Jesus Is King,” one might have hoped for more from this mulligan. Despite its shortcomings, the new material in “Jesus Is King 2” makes it worth a listen, if only for the novelty of the collaboration between Dr. Dre and Kanye West.