The Bottom Line
It is a true pleasure when a performer with a large ego completely lives up to their own self-generated hype. Kanye West believes he is one of the most brilliant musicians recording today, and he's right. "Gold Digger" is just one of the brilliant tracks from his Late Registration album. Listen and simply enjoy.
Pros
- Jamie Foxx's on-target channeling of Ray Charles
- Those funky horns
- Kanye West's wit
Cons
- None
Description
- Jamie Foxx's impeccable Ray Charles impersonation provides the blues backdrop
- Witty, cutting lyrics from Kanye West devoid of annoying self promotion
- Funky horns enter near the end and make the funky mix perfect
Guide Review - Gold Digger - Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (Roc-a-Fella)
Visit Kanye West's Official Site to listen to "Gold Digger" and watch the video.
In public statements, Kanye West is arguably the most egocentric of today's popular recording artists. His latest music makes it very difficult to argue with him. "Gold Digger," the second single from West's Late Registration album, aptly demonstrates his ability, alongside producer Jon Brion, of blending components from across the popular music spectrum to come up with something astonishingly new. Commentary on women that are "gold diggers" is nothing at all new, but Kanye West's handling of the issue is pleasingly fresh.
"Gold Digger" kicks off with Jamie Foxx's plaintive bluesy cry about a woman who takes his money when he's in need. Soon Kanye West arrives telling tales and cautioning wealthy young men about the perils they may face. Before the song closes, there is also a caution for the women out searching for a poor young guy who has "that ambition...look in his eyes." Many artists perform in either contemporary mode or aping a classic pop genre sound. Few are as expert as Kanye West at blending the past with the present...perhaps Jack White of the White Stripes is the only artist who immediately comes to mind. Try playing "Gold Digger" next to the White Stripes latest single "My Doorbell."
