• Guitars
  • Bass
  • Keyboard
  • Recording
  • Computer Audio
  • Live Sound
  • Drums
  • DJ
  • Accessories

zZounds

  • Gear
    • Features
    • News
    • Gear History
  • Guide
    • Guitar Workbench
    • Studio Solutions
    • Beat Connection
    • Behind The Kit
    • On The Decks
    • The Oscillator
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
    • Legends
    • Gear Demos
    • Live Streams
    • Perfect Pairings
    • Iconic Rigs
  • Interview
    • Artist Interviews
    • Creator Spotlight
    • Meet the Makers
  • Music
    • The Musical Almanac
    • Music Features
  • Gear Wire

‘The Life of Pablo’ As Imagined By A Japanese Producer

Japanese Life of Pablo by Author

Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo is supposed to be a deeply personal, impenetrable, and massive work-in-progress presented as a released album. I mean, at least that’s what I’ve heard. Myself, I haven’t heard it personally. Unless you’ve had access to Tidal and/or money to burn at the iTunes store, most likely the only way you’ve had a chance to listen to this album has been through memes or viral videos. Notice, I didn’t say illegally downloading it. I’ve got my reasons…but, as the kids love to say, ain’t nobody got time for that.

But while we’ve had the option to stream via Tidal for weeks now in the States, Jigga’s streaming service hasn’t reached the shores of Japan yet, giving fans in that country no way to hear the album legally, until last Friday, when it became available as a digital download. Left in a copyright law purgatory, many of Yeezus’ Japanese disciples had been left with no clue as to what the album actually sounded like. Undeterred, one Japanese superfan and producer himself, TOYOMU, took it upon himself to produce what he imagined the album would sound like.

As TOYOMU told Pigeons and Planes: “In Japan, we couldn’t listen to TLOP officially because of Tidal. Subscription services in Japan are too slow, most people are still using iTunes and buying CDs. I thought it might be a good idea to make the whole album without listening to it, [but] maybe it’s reverse thinking.” How did he do so? Simple. By using the sample-crediting website WhoSampled, he was able to find out which samples to stem. Then, with the help of lyrics site Genius, TOYOMU could see what text to input onto his text dictation program to add vocals.

What you hear on 印象III : なんとなく、パブロ (Imagining “The Life of Pablo”) is his simply bananas take on what he imagines the official album sounds like. I don’t know about you, but once I hear The Life of Pablo, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get TOYOMU’s version out of my brain.

But what should we consider TOYOMU’s album? Is it a remix of TLOP, or its own entity? It certainly sounds different enough from its source material to be considered as such. TOYOMU’s own description as an “imagining” makes the best sense. Kanye himself has released multiple versions of these tracks and it’s being billed as an ever-evolving work-in-progress, and given his popularity, the anticipation of this album and its lack of limited availability, it almost seems as if this was meant to happen.

Apr 7, 2016Diego
Audio9 years ago Music Features
Diego

Since starting on classical guitar around 2000, Diego has become a multi-instrumentalist at heart, but specializes in keyboards and electronic instruments. A sometimes member of various At the Drive-in-adjacent El Paso-based bands, Diego fell out with the scene/sound and does his own things now. He's worked as a staff writer for the zZounds Blog and a product specialist at zZounds for well over 10 years. If you ask Diego's significant other, his true talent is cooking.

Nick Jonas Solo Reminds Us We're All HumanSXSW Survival Guide

Leave a Reply Cancel reply


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

 Social Networks 
 About zZounds 
Since 1996, zZounds has been making it easy for musicians to get the gear they need. With our easy monthly payment plans, you can get the music gear you need today -- and split the cost into monthly installments on your existing credit card. zZounds ships from multiple warehouses across the continental United States, so we can cover most of our customers within a day or two. Our customer service team is staffed with real musicians. They don't get paid on commission -- they get paid to help you! Looking for the best prices? Don't miss our Big Deals weekly specials, Used Gear on Clearance, and The Drop for monthly promos, sales, and special offers.
 Contact Us 
Have questions or comments on our blog? Email blog@zzounds.com

zZounds Gear Experts are available seven days a week to answer any of your questions on gear, shipping, returns, and more. Give us a call and get help from a fellow musician today!
800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)
2025 © zZounds Music | Cookie Settings | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share | Notice at Collection | Copyright | Terms of Use
For great deals on gear, shop at zZounds