Rocker Does a Deep Dive Into 'Hold My Liquor' by Kanye West

[@deeptalks2964]

This has to be my favorite Kanye West song. It just hits you hard. The relationship themes make it that more deep.

[@quokka_man425]

the song is what it feels to drink drive and speed down a highway

[@marcoantonio.42]

I really appreciate that you're making your own perspective instead of just hearing and taking someone's opinion.

[@bobthepoppop]

I'm happy people are enjoying it :D I feel more comfortable about opening up about more songs in the future now. It's a touch balance between wanting to share the experience I'm having but not wanting to trample what a song might mean to someone else. Music is magical like that. The same song can speak to people differently.

[@Trex8700]

Mike Dean is a absolute beast when it comes to Synths and e guitars piared. Kanye and Mike Dean working for so long they are legends together

[@nomad4174]

Taking reactions to a whole new level I love it man.

[@bobthepoppop]

Thank you!

[@JoseGarcia-fv6tm]

i live in miami and when i’m driving on the highways around downtown, hold my liquor is my go to song, it’s crazy how you put up that visual, awesome bro.

[@bobthepoppop]

If I ever go driving through Miami at night, I'll definitely blast this jam in your honor 👍

[@Dylmon2003]

The guitar solo at the end is possibly my favorite guitar solo of all time, something about it is just so unique and something I’ve never really heard before. Love these videos dawg

[@mikelewicki1557]

Ultra long comment alert! Just gonna go over Kanye’s discography with some context to help you in your journey. Just as art represents life, I recommend you look into what was happening in Kanye’s life at the time of each album to fully understand what he is trying to communicate: 1) The College Dropout (2004): Kanye’s first album. Known for its pitched up soul samples and it’s unique blend of conscious (backpack) rap and the usual rap lyrical content. It was the culmination of Kanye’s work up to that point, with his most important previous work being production on Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint” (which you should also listen to). 2) Late Registration (2005): A continuation of Kanye’s soulful sound. LR has more mature lyrical content as well as a more developed sound with greater instrumentation. 3) Graduation (2007): The first big change in direction for Kanye (many more changes to come). As the last part of the “Dropout” Trilogy, Graduation is similar in its use of samples and drum patterns, etc. (those two being the most easily identifiable part of Kanye’s production style). Where Graduation differentiates itself from its predecessors is with its massive stadium anthem sound, created through extensive synthesizer instrumentation. Graduation is very much an electronic evolution of TCD and LR. 4) 808s and Heartbreak (2008): Created after the death of his mother, Donda, and his breakup with his longtime girlfriend. “808s” marks a vastly different change in sound for Kanye. Very few samples are used in the project. The sound is bleak and minimal, with great emphasis on the 808 basslines, percussion (taiko and jungle drums), and lead melody. While the album was controversial at the time among both fans and critics, it is now generally considered one of the most influential albums of the 21st century. 5) My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010): MBDTF is generally considered to be Kanye’s greatest work and one of the best albums of all-time (also frequently considered the best album of the 2010s). The sound is maximalist. An outright display is talent in all departments. It is epic, it is sad, it’s triumphant, it’s funny. Think of a modern Greek classic, brought to musical form (with Greek and a Roman history, stories, and architecture being just one of many influences on Kanye during this time). This album is Kanye’s triumphant return to the world stage following his exile after the incredibly controversial MTV incident. 6) Yeezus (2013): Another stark contrast in sound for Kanye. Known for its industrial, distorted sound and avant garde approach to musical structure. While Yeezus’ reception among the public was mixed, critical reception hailed the album as a modern classic and a sure influence for the future of music. 7) The Life of Pablo (2016): The Life of Pablo is a subtle mix of many of Kanye’s previous styles. While probably the least cohesive in sound of all of Kanye’s previous albums (I don’t think there is just one way to describe the sound on this album), everything seems to fit perfectly. Similarly, this variation in sound compliments the album’s theme of duality. The subject matter of TLOP revolves around Kanye’s interpersonal conflict of religious + family values vs. a life of fame and the influences of that life. This conflict exists within Kanye’s growing mental health struggles (such as depression) and feeling lost, alone, and misunderstood by his friends and family. During this struggle, Kanye looks more towards God for help than ever. All of these topics are touched on throughout the album. Considered a modern classic by many. 8) Ye (2018): A minimalist, simple album lead by pensive melodies and generally calming production (with a few exceptions). This stripped down sound matches Kanye’s stripped down attitude as he casts aside just about everything to talk candidly about his mental health and whatever else is on his mind as he continues to reflect and mature. This project is very much like a personal journal brought to life as an album. It is Kanye’s form of therapy. *Note: Collaboration albums have been left out for the sake of length. Donda has also been excluded as it is too recent for me to speak on*

[@ToddHoward3]

Great comment

[@bobthepoppop]

Dude, killer write up. Love it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@stellar1252]

@@ToddHoward3 Didn't expect Mr.Todd himself here

[@MrPeanutToes]

Might be one of the longest write ups i've seen on youtube but loved it and read it all

[@CRLSMORA]

I did read all of that. Thank you sir Not TL ; Did Read

[@Eyramm]

That Ending with the Highway actually hit me this with this feeling of Dread for the first time and I’ve listened to this song a hundred times as it is one of my favorites by him, so thank you for showing me a completely new interpretation of this masterpiece. Looking forward for more content like this :)

[@jacobzbin7853]

I absolutely LOVE the way you break things down in all these reviews. I really hope you get into all of The Weeknds discography soon. I think you'd really love it.

[@AsherneZ]

This is fiiiire, cant wait for the "Power" breakdown in the future when you review MDBTF cause you gonna love that madness of a song haha

[@bobthepoppop]

I'm looking forward to MDBTF! It sounds like it will be my kind of album

[@actuallyjohnwick1933]

@@bobthepoppop that reaction will be legendary

[@greatescape121]

maybe "Devil in a new dress" 👀

[@kungfubrandon6886]

@@greatescape121 monster🥶

[@niggato23]

@@greatescape121 He loved it

[@littyagain9402]

You’re definitely gonna like Rodeo by Travis Scott, considering he has production credits on Yeezus. He’s the best of Kanye’s protegés imo

[@Hello-zx3xi]

If he loved hold my liquor he’s gonna love rodeo, specifically Maria I’m drunk

[@bobthepoppop]

Rodeo tomorrow

[@sunmags]

@@bobthepoppop yesssss cannot wait

[@typicaldigitalcameralover]

@@bobthepoppop HELL YES

[@andydbr2969]

@@bobthepoppop cant wait mann

[@radicalqtv1978]

i’ve always loved hold my liquor but you reignited my love and appreciation for this song with your insight, and it’s once again my favorite kanye song, thanks to you.

[@Matias4all]

Can't wait for the rest of the albums, is gonna be a journey!

[@bobthepoppop]

Yes indeed

[@Austin_mc10]

One of my favorite songs of all time, yet I’ve never thought about the idea of the bumps in the road and lights being reflected in the instrumental. Couldn’t agree more, thank you for introducing this perspective!

[@samsamsam481]

love your openness and your appreciation for this album. i’ve seen a lot of people recommend you checking out the analysis of yeezus, as it deep dives into the character in yeezus and his redemption in the story. love your videos!

[@IVReese]

That last part with the video was… incredible. Thank you.

[@coadymacmillan2759]

There is a podcast called Dissect, it breaks down to the molecular level each song on this album, the lyrics, melodies, beat patterns, samples, so on and so on and so on. Each song has an episode close to an hour.

[@bobthepoppop]

Wow, that is in depth

[@Snowsuits]

I've always had a similar connection to this song and it hit me like a brick wall the first time I heard it. It's quite amazing to see someone who, without context (pertaining to this genre or Kanye in general) seemed to grasp this song in such a cinematic and cerebral way, as I did. Just to add some interpretation that I feel fits: I have always felt the outro sequence is him returning home from his affair, and when the track comes to an end the last thing you hear seems to be windshield wipers, or at least something that is imitating them artificially. Almost like He regrets his trip and is sitting in silence. Unfortunatley for the proceeding song to be I'm In It. This eludes that he delved even further into the unfaithful lifestyle rather than heal properly.

[@sethlandis93]

Kanye uses Justin Vernon and Chief Keef to represent opposite ends of his struggle with substances and his self-doubt. Vernon's lyrics are self-deprecating & humbling, while Keef's are brash & confident. Both show his weakness but are portrayed in different ways throughout the song.

[@stellar1252]

He does that a lot with his album features. They often represent the flipside of the coin or contrast heavily in sound & style.

[@aeromacin]

​@@stellar1252precisely. Like the album title life of Pablo. I love back and forth of is he Escobar? This gangster who wants money and granger , or is is Picasso , an artist expressing himself

[@tommyvercetti5945]

yo i think ur gonna love my beautiful dark twisted fantasy its considered his magnum opus. loving the vids

[@riso002]

man i love your thoughts on it and it totally makes lots of sense, and the fact that you brought a whole video to visualise the music is a whole another level of showing how passionate this song got you and i can never blame you, great content man keep it up!!

[@badonkatrunk7458]

Love the idea of you looking deeper into the songs getting a further understanding and learning to appreciate music

[@alexeyovriakh2450]

It's an amazing track - one of Ye's finest works. I love your interpretation, I'd say it's pretty accurate!

[@robsegovia785]

Definitely loved the analysis and the video that you showed at the end which I feel perfectly conveys how it feels listening to that song

[@viberonin]

My favorite track on yeezus next to blood on the leaves they both give me such a magical feeling

[@cristianduque3421]

I absolutely forever will love this song and the fact you share similar sentiment when listening is super cool the effect on a lifelong hip hop fan and you who just scratching the surface, I love mike dean solo the beginning before it takes off sounds like a lions roar and similarly I got the image having to do w speed lights and a vehicle, thanks for your objective and passionate review of hip hop but for me personally some of my favorite basically daily songs much love continue the great work

[@ajayjayaraman5353]

I loved that you did this, Hold My Liquor is by far my favorite song by Ye

[@olivereriksson4787]

I love how you took a approach to fully visualize the song as a whole story and character analysis. This is what I love with ye’s productions. Amazing job!!!

[@KingFig1998]

Excited to see you grow man. Before no time you'll hit that million, just keep putting out the great work!!!

[@luisdaprodigy2208]

I like that you’re doing your own thing revisiting songs that need to be revisited that’s awesome

[@bobthepoppop]

It's a special treat when a song begins to peel away more and more layers. When it happens, I get so excited and dive right in to try and absorb every little detail that may exist. It's magic to me.

[@avinashpatel6181]

Cant wait for whatever album you do this weekend!

[@bobthepoppop]

Travis Scott - Rodeo. Doing it tomorrow 👍

[@tylerreyes9446]

I just watched a kanye interview that further expanded my fascination with him and his art. Found your videos of his music and I love how you break it down and relate to it. I love the driving clip at the end. Please keep uploading content

[@doppy1019]

Top 3 best produced ye songs of all time no question

[@jolojorn]

Was waiting for this one :) I really like your interpretation, I hadn't thought about it like that before.

[@ayosmd2096]

bro you have a lot of great albums to react to from this generation. This is just the beginning and a great start as well. Your channel gonna grow a lot soon

[@bobthepoppop]

I have A LOT of music to get through. I'm excited, but it's going to take some time. A good problem to have. Lots of future content!

[@403MC2]

wait till he gets into the drill scene in 1 year 😂😂😂

[@mattebl4ck]

This breakdown was friggin' awesome Poppop the sailor man.

[@bulumkomarwanqa1691]

16:00 reminds me of HEAT when the helicopter is tracking De Niro while he's driving

[@sasan3196]

I love how you described feeling almost physically sick listening to the music. Sometimes I feel that with Arca or some experimental Ryichi Sakamoto tracks.

[@francojimenez9093]

Gained a sub. Love to see ppl react to Kanye and Tyler, which I’ve seen you’ve done a lot, for the first time. Can’t wait for MBDTF and graduation

[@Haezard]

I love your interpretation. Super cool to see how people analyze songs differently!

[@joshuaedwards5778]

I love the song breakdown. Since I do the same thing listening to music. The song is very deep and express a toxic person and their relationship. The video at the end was a great touch.

[@officialscars7510]

I love this guy/channel so much

[@zionirie4888]

I think it's really cool that you're doing this man! great deep dive, some interesting and well thought out opinions

[@obelisk_hd]

Awesome breakdown, really cool to see your input on the concept of this song. I enjoyed the vid very much!

[@JMartinJ]

I love your videos because you don't seem biased based on preconceptions people have of Kanye (and Hip Hop in general). Kanye actually makes it a point in his music/fashion to stop elitism and begin to embrace all types of art regardless of race,status, culture or genre. In alot of ways he is an anti hero when it comes to the entertainment industry. As an audio engineer I have been exposed to every type of music imaginable. Before engineering I played in a classical guitar ensemble. It's tough to see rock elitists scoff at a genre I love when they have never picked up an instrument themselves or tried to produce Hip Hop music. They hate on tools such as autotune without understanding its uses. The distaste for hip hop and autotune kind of reminds of when Bob Dylan used the electric guitar for the first time. Everyone boo'd him while he was onstage because rock music made using an electric guitar was seen as a fad in the same way Hip Hop is seen as a fad today. The irony is that those same people who love rock today would have probably hated on it if they were around for its inception. Its also upsetting when you have people calling Kanye (and hip hop) basic garbage as if all the classic rock legends didnt have countless songs with basic 3 chord structures. The Beatles earlier material is a perfect example of simple yet extremely effective musical art pieces. As a former classical guitarist I can tell you that both Hip Hop and more traditional live instrument based genres take a similar amount of skill to create (albeit for different reasons). Great art is great art regardless of structure, genre, and instrumentation used. There are so many different things we can learn and discover in the world of music. By limiting the scope of music we listen to we are only doing a disservice to ourselves. I love that you seem to understand that. Keep it up man! Cant wait to see what you react to next.

[@bobthepoppop]

J, this is an incredible comment here. Thank you. I have to say that going through Kanye's music, the little that I have, is helping to wipe away the implanted opinions I've had of him (implanted because they were never mine, just other opinions tossed around that ultimately created a caricature of Kanye, not a real representation). And you said it-great art is great art. End of story. One thing I noticed recently about hip-hop, after listening to it for a couple months now, is that this idea that it 'promotes violence and crime' is total bullshit. If I press myself, I can maybe come up with a handful of songs that I've heard so far that maybe lean that way. The rest of have. So that's one solid stereotype/misconception I've been able to dispel for myself. Another is the range of music that exists within the genre. Tyler the Creator absolutely blew me away. I had no idea hip-hop was rockin' that much creativity, sound and range. Thanks for the great comment and for joining in. I hope you continue to enjoy the journey I'm (we're) on :)

[@austinchandler3253]

You are gaining subs like crazy!!!! I can say I was in the first 1,000 when you hit 100,000!

[@chiTownN1]

night time drive is perfect

[@lef1228]

This is an awesome video. I love it!

[@Arthur-tz3ph]

Thank you by sharing your experience with us, it was really interesting hear this music throught your ears!!

[@gb7814]

Has everybody told him to react to ”my beautiful dark twisted fantasy” yet?

[@krys85]

Hes going to react to all of Kanyes albums in order, Yeezus was the only exception because of the amount of requests it got

[@getbackgetback670]

Love that you're so into yeezus haha. Do ex-military by death grips next

[@andrewmoore2864]

My second favorite ye song coming from a huge fan and I thought the car illustration for the guitar solo was so interesting, some damn good analysis

[@thegoliard7]

This is my favorite song, perfect interpretation

[@krys85]

Looking forward to your future content and all the albums you’re gonna check out tht you’ve yet to listen to ! Hope you can be careful with strikes and copyright and all. Seen a similar channel of yours get taken down from doing full song reviews n it rly sucks. Can’t let that happen to you

[@lucamena]

Jeez that driving thing was crazy man, I love it. I also fully understand that 'sick' kinda feeling, wild bro kanye the goat

[@RandomGamer9]

Personally, I like to view the song as less being literally being about getting drunk or high and more just not being in the state of mind to really have a grip on what he's doing. Kanye struggles with bipolar disorder which is characterized by stretches of depression and periods of mania. Coming out of his coma may be a parallel from coming out of a depressive state. Yeezus (since it's not really a story from Kanye's life) is going now into a manic state where he feels powerful and godlike. Even though he's been gone for 5 years, he still feels that he is "good" enough for this relationship and is trying to reclaim what he believes is his. Further, since in the past, the person in the relationship with him was there for him in the past when going through these cycles (you love me when I ain't sober), Yeezus feels that since his in a manic state again, she will forgive him like she has done in the past. Further when her aunt comes to try to get him out of there, he feels attacked as if he is in the right, which he believes he is. After all, he is out of his coma . Loving the videos! You should try Exmilitary by Death Grips. Their work is said to be very inspirationally to the newer trends of hard hitting and industrial hip-hop, including Yeezus. It is very sample based and more in line with other rap songs than some of their other albums.

[@bobthepoppop]

I like this take on the song, and I think it works well. The theme is certainly there. I feel like the drinking is more of a symptom, not the cause of everything that's happening in the song. There is something else, something deeper, that is driving him to drink and then do what he does.

[@tommy24hunnid]

What I interpreted from “I can’t handle no liquor” is that he can’t hold his tongue. He’s always going to say how he feels and no one can hold him back from saying what’s on his mind and true to his heart.

[@shuralad]

If you want an album where you can really listen to it and break each song down like this, you'll definitely like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West it's definitely his most story telling album in my opinion

[@bobthepoppop]

I'll work through his albums eventually. Just takes time. Lots of recommendations on that album, for sure, so I certainly look forward to it :D

[@rambasavaraju6584]

I really enjoyed this and I can say I agree with a lot of what you said. Kept it up bro

[@sasan3196]

Love hearing your interpretation of the song!

[@tysonjankowiak]

Waited for this one! Seemed like you really started too have a soft spot for kanye and Yeezus!

[@bobthepoppop]

Yup. Only 2 albums in and Kanye has won me over.

[@ollepersson7387]

My favourite and the most streamed song of mine. With this video you perfectly showcase why that is. Altough lyrics at first and to some might seem very ”unproffesional” or ”immature” it’s meaning and description of kanyes different parts of his life. Amazing when listened to correctly. And the electric guitar solo at the end is my favourite bit of music ever.

[@raionxk1]

It’s 3:30 AM and I’m here for this.

[@SuperAnge911]

Amazing content man, definitely agree on alot of this

[@bryana9139]

This is why I love Kanye his beats is speaking too

[@ok-xx1wy]

Kanye’s Life Of Pablo really takes off . I think that would be an awesome review!

[@Queleb1]

I think he's planning on making his way through all of the main records :)

[@corvenzo221]

The message that you got from this songs is kinda similar to Street Lights by Kanye. It's on 808s and Heartbreak - one of my fav Kanye songs. I love listening to it while driving at night with the windows down

[@indietyv2228]

I genuinely thought I was alone in these feelings, to this date haven't found something quite so similar though I really want to. The whole driving theme you could call it, with those synths in c minor...I can't pinpoint why I have this nostalgia over something I previously never heard before... So strange, but not even having it on loop for hours takes away the feeling.

[@axron810]

RODEO TOMORROW PLS! Also I love hold my liquor one of my favorite Kanye songs, chief keef killed that hook and was only 18 at the time.

[@bobthepoppop]

I'll just say it now: Rodeo tomorrow

[@axron810]

@@bobthepoppop I got notis on

[@Mr.Betonyou]

Kanye is amazing. If people actually listen to the words and music tone he adds it is magic. Your analysis is fantastic!

[@deem10]

Nighttime driving scene paired with the guitar solo…nailed it!

[@JoseGarcia-fv6tm]

you’re awesome bro

[@geraldo_x3]

3:50 - 4:20 I always viewed that part like you’re out w/ your boys on a Friday night going ham on the club, later picking up baddies and taking them home

[@bobthepoppop]

haha, hell yeah! It certainly fits

[@IzanBuu]

If you want some really raw and experimental hiphop then Atrocity Exhibition by Danny Brown is a must Run the Jewels is really dope too, they have a heavy industrial sound and they even have Zac de la Rocha on some joints You mentioned you’ve heard of Mos Def and his album Black on Both Sides is super political and dope, and his collab album Black Star is amazing too Loving the channel, keep up the good work

[@IzanBuu]

Also a really fun and mysterious personality in hiphop is MF DOOM. He’s a rapper that formed his whole persona around comic book villains and was a very private person. He’s considered by a lot of people as one of the greatest of all time. He also has two other personas Viktor Vaughn and King Ghidorah (a three headed monster) He’s worth checking out and I think you’ll appreciate how raw, clever and funny he is Edit: also should mention that we sadly lost DOOM on Halloween last year

[@homer2458]

That's what I like to see in this reaction era.

[@travahnb.896]

Your recent videos convinced me to finally buy a Yeezus cassette tape after hesitating for a year.

[@wisedyer2133]

This used to be my jam

[@antoniorizea2104]

1:04 THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. ONE OF THE BEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE!

[@0bryant13]

This man is goated for his Yeezus appreciation

[@Jaeqwan]

The only disadvantage I could possibly see to listening to albums this way is the stoppage going on, specifically with Kanye albums, there’s a lot of bridges between tracks and transitions going on that add to the mood of the album.

[@nathanfree7576]

one of my favourite ye song to date

[@derbaba5266]

The first 2 hooklines are also a nice reference to the taylor swift vma incident where kanye took her mic to do the "ima let you finish" interruption after to much henessy.

[@SnoeflakeTiger2]

Beautiful And accurate review especially from a someone first into a new genre🔥 Your reviews are top tier my friend, wish you more success

[@bobthepoppop]

Thank you very much!

[@user-yl1xz7ek7h]

I think the next Album you should react to from Kanye is the life of Pablo, it’s the closest we’ve gotten to a yeezus sequel in Kanye’s discog

[@Kyng-f8c]

This song make me think of the creation of the universe or said creation. That low static sound comes off as ORDER the formation of matter bring things into life, the guitar give a sense of "anti-matter", chaos, gritty, rough and disassembled. The is q beauty contracts of sounds. I am in love it brings me to the hights.

[@bryantorresart]

Kanye has been very open about how synesthesia affects his music, so it is very possible that the idea for this song came from driving at night and seeing all those lights

[@crasher597]

I definitely recommend you check out the “Dissect” podcast on Spotify, they just finished their last season all about “Yeezus”, they have a whole episode dedicated to “Hold My Liquor” and you have so many things on point to what Kanye was trying to envision!!

[@cameronharrington6813]

I cant WAIT for 808s. Its going to blow you away. Welcome to Heartbreak to me is the true intro to the album although its the second song technically 😅 First collab he did with Kid Cudi! Also whenever i listened to this song, i literally imagined a late night drunk drive even though i was 14 back then 😂

[@05PercAngle]

This is a complete left turn but you should listen to Chief Keef he is one of the biggest influences in today’s rap music. My favorite mixtape by him is Almighty So great album really rouged and grimy tho he has some deep cuts like ‘Me’ But this is like taking the expressway it’s very different then what you are currently digging into. Great vid!

[@tysonjankowiak]

Cant wait for reaction of Kanye's other Albums. Are those planned next? :)

[@bobthepoppop]

They're planned, but I can usually only get an album per week. I need a long chunk of uninterrupted time (hard to come by)

[@Hello-zx3xi]

Love this song

[@mrjames15]

If you are interested in more about Yeezus or this specific track you should check out the Dissect podcast. They did a whole season breaking down of the album. It's so deep and detailed.

[@pablosanchez8866]

amazing

[@bornabudic1399]

When are the new full Kanye album reaction videos coming out?

[@zionirie4888]

To me this song is about giving in to your toxic addictions whether that be substances like weed or alcohol or toxic relationships

[@nanoooooo]

You juss made dis masterpiece better

[@kero2962]

Thoughts on Blood on the Leaves?

[@bobthepoppop]

I honestly don't know if I could get through a deep dive for Blood on the Leaves right now. That Nina Simone sample, her song Strange Fruit, is still tearing me apart. I really am having a difficult time with it. It's forcing me to acknowledge a lot of things I never fully understood (this is a good thing) regarding this country's history, racism, hatred, the evils of man... it's put me in a heavy place. Blood on the Leaves is an intense track.

[@speedy7361]

Do the saint Pablo album next please

[@AsherneZ]

MDBTF would be better for him to review first haha imagine his reaction to Runaway

[@Trex8700]

I just uploaded a video with the hold my liquor tunnelvision

[@ToddHoward3]

Rodeo! Travis Scott captures this vibe a lot in that album