After repeated delays, Kanye West has finally released his anticipated “Jesus Is King” album – and a merch collection to go with it. Prices range from $45 for a hat to $170 for a hoodie, according to Page Six.
The eccentric MC dropped the album Friday, Oct. 25 after thanking his fans for their patience on Twitter.
West did a pop-up store in Los Angeles Oct. 25-27 featuring his “Jesus Is King” merchandise, which also includes T-shirts, sweatshirts and hardcopies of the album in the form of CDs and vinyl records. He also held a Sunday Service after the album was released.
West has been trending for his public conversion to Christianity and hosting religious-themed Sunday Service events. Some think it’s an elaborate ploy to garner albums sales, while others are convinced Kanye’s had a true encounter with the Lord. One writer even said West’s conversion is symptomatic of mental illness.
“The ultralight beam of mania is strong enough to make you dedicate your life to Jesus. I know this because I’ve felt it myself. … My very vulnerable first for @VibeMagazine: why Kanye’s “radical obedience” to God is directly tied to his bipolar experiences,” Kiana Fitzgerald tweeted.
On a recent episode of State Of The Culture, Joe Budden said ” … it’s all a scam, and this n*gga that we fell in love with one way is now transformed.” His co-host Eboni K. Williams added “I’m saying it directly … Kanye is profiting [on] a Christian system that’s been in place,” reported Hot New Hip Hop (HNHH).
“This man experienced something real and has a close relationship with God and we should be happy for him. Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp,” commented a YouTube user called YoungThug’s readingglasses.
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The album has West’s loyal fans besides themselves with joy, but some critics are far from impressed. True to form, Kanye said he’s going to keep doing him no matter what people think – this time he’s just doing it with Jesus Christ at the center
“I love y’all man; and I love me and I love Christ and y’all should love to see this. … I ain’t gon’ tell y’all what ya’ll should do, I’m just doing what I do. If you love it then cool, if ya’ll wanna ‘ta-dah-dat’ me, it ain’t gon’ make a difference honestly,” Kanye said.
