In a series of Instagram posts, West declared that he had turned down a $100 million deal with the company. As a result of West making the album only available on the device, Apple reportedly pulled their $2 million sponsorship deal with him, as they were scheduled to stream the accompanying concert. According to West, he made around $2.2 million from purchases of the Stem Player within 24 hours of the announcement, having sold over 8,000 copies. He explained that his motive is how artists "get just 12% of the money the industry makes" when their music is available on the platforms, calling for a time for freedom from "this oppressive system". On February 17, 2022, West announced that Donda 2 will not be available on any commercial streaming services and will be exclusive to his Stem Player audio device, which was previously released with Donda. Digital Nas compared the creative process to that of West's sixth studio album Yeezus (2013), also saying that some of the producers who contributed to the album were working on Donda 2. Marilyn Manson had previously contributed to Donda and for the sequel, Digital Nas opened up that West does not want the singer to "play rap beats", desiring for him "to play what he makes" and then West would work on parts of his work. In late January 2022, the producer stated that singer Marilyn Manson was recording for Donda 2 daily in the studio. Producer Digital Nas revealed that for Donda 2, West instructed him to make the songs sound "more monk-like" and to "simplify the tracks", and if they are "not able to be played at a funeral, childbirth, graduation, a wedding", then inclusion on the album is not appropriate. He had worked with Future in the past, featuring on his single " I Won" (2014). Victor later told the magazine that it is "coming sooner than you think", explaining: "The procession is starting and it's not stopping." On January 27, 2022, West announced via an Instagram post that the album would be released on February 22, also mentioning that fellow rapper Future will serve the role of executive producer.
In an interview with Complex on January 4, 2022, record executive and CEO of Victor Victor Worldwide Steven Victor exclusively told the website that West had begun working on a sequel to his tenth studio album Donda (2021), entitled Donda 2. It became the world's most pirated album in February 2022, while emulators of the Stem Player website were also shared online. In early February 2022, " City of Gods" was released as the album's first single.
Some were negative towards West's vocals, though a few reviewers complimented the production. An accompanying concert entitled "Kanye West: Donda Experience Performance", showcasing songs from the first iteration, was held by West at LoanDepot Park on February 22, 2022, selling out 47 IMAX theatres across the United States.ĭonda 2 received mixed to negative reviews from music critics, who often criticized the lack of cohesiveness. West began the ongoing recording and production of the album in early January 2022.
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It was made available exclusively through West's Stem Player service, with the first four tracks being released on February 23, 2022, and 12 more tracks added in an update the following day. Donda 2 is the eleventh studio album by American rapper Kanye West.