Kanye West released the album Yeezus in 2013. His sixth studio album arrived on June 18, 2013, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records, following the 2012 album Cruel Summer and preceding The Life of Pablo in 2016.
Yeezus marked a sharp change from West's earlier, more traditionally soulful work. Its sound combines industrial hip-hop, electronic music, acid house, punk, Chicago drill, and abrasive distortion. Tracks such as “Black Skinhead,” “New Slaves,” and “Bound 2” show the album's deliberately contrasting styles.
West recorded the album with a wide group of collaborators, including Mike Dean, Daft Punk, Hudson Mohawke, Arca, Travis Scott, and Noah Goldstein. Rick Rubin joined as an executive producer only 15 days before release and helped strip the recordings toward a stark, minimalist finish.
A frequent confusion is placing Yeezus in 2012 because recording began that year, or in 2014 because its tour and continuing cultural impact followed its release. The album itself was released in 2013.