Apple Music will exclusively livestream a special “sold-out listening event” for Kanye West’s 10th album, Donda, on July 22. The event will take place at 5 p.m. PDT, with the album launching the following day.
Donda is West’s first album since 2019’s Jesus Is King, which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Album. It also achieved the No. 1 position on the Rap Album, Gospel Album and Billboard 200 charts.
Kanye West will be releasing his album DONDA 7/23 pic.twitter.com/KPVSzQVwwz
— Def Jam Recordings (@defjam) July 21, 2021
Apple’s livestream of the upcoming event was announced in an Apple ad that played during Game 6 of the NBA Final, featuring the song “No Child Left Behind” from Donda. It starred U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, wearing the new Beats Studio Buds. The spot was edited by West.
Donda, the inspiration for the album title, was the first name of Kanye’s late mother and former manager. Donda West died in 2007 at the age of 58.
Kanye West: Apple fan
Kanye West’s history with Apple isn’t extensive, but it is pretty fascinating (and, occasionally, wacky).
The 44-year-old rapper is an outspoken Apple fan. In the past, he offered his own analysis of Apple’s business, hailed himself as the next Steve Jobs, and talked about his love for ex-Apple designer “Jony Ives” (sic).
He also gifted his now former wife Kim Kardashian Apple stock one Christmas. West was, himself, gifted an early Apple Watch Edition (remember those?) by Cupertino shortly before the product launched to the public.
Perhaps the most offbeat Apple connection, however, came when Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak was invited to be among the first people to meet Kim and Kanye’s baby North West. According to Woz, the trip was organized by Kardashian as a birthday surprise for Kanye.
You can listen to Kanye West’s previous nine albums on Apple Music right now.
