Consequence and Kanye West reunite for new song “No Apologies”: Listen

Kanye West, arguably the most controversial figure in hip-hop this generation, is back with a new release – this time in collaboration with Consequence. The producer and rapper released the song amid talks of his “retirement from professional music.” So whether that will happen after this release, or at all, is a big question. For now, the track is out and you can listen to it here!

The track has Kanye’s signature all over it – the sample-based boom-bap track has a hint of nostalgia and evokes feelings of upliftment that fans have previously experienced with releases like ‘Bound 2’. This track, however, is more restrained in its sonic approach, featuring minimalism that is largely carried by a syncopated groove. The lyrics revolve around being unapologetic about the way the artist’s career has evolved (though Kanye arguably has plenty of reason to apologize!), stressing that artists had to do what they had to do to make millions the way they do.

Since Kanye dropped the remix for Kendrick Lamar’s “Like That,” things have been pretty quiet on the hype front surrounding the rapper. Many fans were unhappy with Kanye’s involvement in the controversy and, to be fair to Kanye, they didn’t hold Kendrick to the same standard when he responded on Pharrell’s behalf.

Still, there’s no denying that everyone who came close to the Kendrick-Drake feud didn’t fare well (except Kendrick himself). This is especially true for rappers Rick Ross and Kanye West, both of whom were immediately overshadowed by the sheer quality of the main event releases. Could this be one of the reasons for Kanye’s retreat? Is the new release fighting its way through to reshape the narrative? Only time will tell.

Listen to Cons and Kanye’s latest collaboration below.