Kanye West, Wash Us in the Blood | Track Review 🎵

Kanye West, assisted by Travis Scott, drops a conscious, effective banger (sans profanity mind you) with “Wash Us in the Blood.” 

Kanye West surrounds himself with controversy as one of the most polarizing musicians of our time.  However, what has always been undeniable about Mr. West are his musical abilities.  Particularly in the aughts, he’s responsible for some of the most important rap albums including The College Dropout (2004) and Late Registration (2005).  Even in the 2010s, he managed more winners like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010) and the ultra-distinct Yeezus (2013).  The back half of the 2010s haven’t been quite as innovative but give him credit for flexing his musical muscles in 2020 with single “Wash Us in the Blood,” featuring Travis Scott.

Perhaps “Wash Us in the Blood” isn’t a return to the ‘Old Kanye,’ but it definitely shows that West isn’t ‘washed up’ yet.  Alongside BoogzDaBeast, Ronny J, FNZ, and Dem Jointz in the production chair, Kanye gives us a wild backdrop that rivals his Yeezus era to some extent. That said, it isn’t a carbon copy of that said, incorporating trap.  Even with such a banging instrumental, as well as an energetic vocal sample, “Wash Us in the Blood” remains Christian, much like JESUS IS KING.  The difference? It’s much stronger with a deeper message that tackles the ails of politics and society.

Sure, Kanye West is repetitive at times, placing plenty of emphasis on rain, but that’s part of the trap element of “Wash Us in the Blood” that actually bodes in his favor.  He uses simplicity more complexly, as he petitions God’s grace and mercy upon those who need a life change.  Thee second verse in particular is conscious, split with Travis Scott, who manages to reference both capital punishment and the Ten Commandments.  Additionally, West takes a third verse, reflecting no his past and the criticisms he’s faced.  He closes with the lit chorus:

“Rain down on us
Holy Spirit, come down
Holy Spirit come down
We need you now
Wash us in the blood
Whole life bein’ thugs
No choice, sellin’ drugs
Genocide what it does
Slavery what it does.”

Final Thoughts

The big takeaway from “Wash Us in the Blood”? Don’t ever write off Kanye West. Admittedly, after ye and JESUS IS KING (particularly “Closed on Sunday”), I had my questions about where West goes artistically.  On “Wash Us in the Blood,” he shows he still has plenty to serve up musically, Christian rap or otherwise.

Kanye West • “Wash Us in the Blood” (Ft. Travis Scott) • Getting Out Our Dreams II / Def Jam • Release: 6.30.20

Photo Credits: Getting Out Our Dreams II / Def Jam