Kanye West Reportedly Brings In Rick Rubin To Put Finishing Touches On ‘Yeezus’

Kanye West is apparently taking it down to the wire with his new album Yeezus. The New York Post reports that he brought in legendary producer and Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin last week to put the finishing touches on the project, which drops June 18. The Post additionally reports that it’s “chaos” and West is scrambling to get clearance for a vocal sample used in new song “Onsite.”

For how intensely focused and secretive West has been for this project — and for how insular the new songs seem to be — he has brought in a sizable number of collaborators, so it’s not hard to believe he has also enlisted the legendary producer and co-founder of Def Jam for some last-minute magic. But the chaos and panic stuff? Not buying it.

Rather strangely, the Post has been beating this “Kanye is in panic mode” drum for about a week or so, saying he’s been rushing to revise Yeezus because of “mixed reviews” of “Black Skinhead” and “New Slaves,” which sounds like just abou the least plausible thing in the world. It was already apparent, but last night (June 9) at Governors Ball, West reminded everyone he’s at the point where he doesn’t want (or need) to be a part of the radio/promo/single/sales cycle. This dude doesn’t give a fuck about the mixed reviews of “New Slaves.” Also, what mixed reviews?! Those songs are objectively exciting and incendiary, and have gotten a warm reception.

Now, maybe West is flailing about because he’s nervous about facing off on June 18 against J. Cole‘s Born Sinner. No! That’s not it either, people! It’s because Kanye is an obsessive perfectionist!

[via Hip Hop Wired]