The INCREDIBLE Story of Kanye’s MBDTF Cover Art

[@Volksgeist]

What do you wanna see on the next cover stories episode?

[@onlinepoool]

demon days!

[@KennyThaSharp]

To Pimp a Butterfly.

[@vb2388]

Loveless - mbv

[@zemi6586]

Apocrypha by Zemi 👀👀

[@gabegunning2201]

IGOR

[@spencerhayes7101]

"When it comes to album artwork nothing will do but the very best" ⬛

[@donity-alva4838]

Many speculations say it’s purposely black, because then you can see yourself through the reflection. And when Kanye switched his name to Ye meaning “you” in the Bible, he’s sort of trying to do that but I forgot why

[@nishitsiinghcinema]

when i listen to any song from mbdtf i see this lush royal red painted in my mind which has certainly glued itself to the music for me and i must say the same has happened with donda with pure darkness and pitch black.

[@mrcashew4943]

I think Kanye just preferred no cover, to having a bad one 🤷‍♂️

[@talonforeman1254]

people are trying to make it some extra reasoning😭😭 he literally posted on ig he didnt post it with his permission so he didnt get to choose a cover, his label just posted all black.

[@donity-alva4838]

@@talonforeman1254 yea sure

[@Random-io6iz]

Personally, I like the censored version of the MBDTF cover art, it makes you wonder what his fantasy really is.

[@titostacos114]

i knew that it was kanye having sex when i first saw it but i thought it was supposed to go with the title it took me like a year after listening to see the original artworks

[@caseys2698]

@@titostacos114 same, seeing the original artwork for the first time was pretty strange and shocking to me. I like the pixelated censored version the most too

[@wortelmachine4832]

agreed

[@HanzCastroyearsago]

thought it was a representation of lust or something

[@tdgtto]

@@titostacos114 When I saw it for the first time, I was like, "What the hell are they even doing?" Now that I'm older, I actually realized... 💀

[@donaldhbramwell]

Volksgeist is just too underrated. Completely scratches an itch I didn’t know I had and he does it so well. Nothing short of impeccable quality content every single time. Kudos.

[@amigable2279]

donda's cover is the best album cover

[@per_petual1453]

man you even made it your pfp!!!!!!!

[@Chiquitito1201]

its so captivating that i see it every time i close my eyes 😍

[@roodyburnarnar]

Donda

[@supashep1]

It's literally nothing

[@vinnytheplayer5500]

It's Kanye's skin color

[@demodee9270]

I knew about George condo’s paintings before i even listened to MBDTF and Kanye’s music in general . Big thanks to him for introducing me to such an amazing record :)

[@Volksgeist]

nice profile pic you got there

[@ashley3k]

Never enough Kanye lore, thank you so much

[@509beats7]

Agreed 🙂

[@musthaveV8]

Ayo I like this new look for fantano

[@madebybroovy]

W

[@maritza8825]

🍍

[@jajajsjjslolapi679]

he even switched his opinions on tpab and mbdtf

[@schyzeno7348]

Yo MBDTF I’m really happy for you, i’ma let you finish, but Donda had one of the best cover arts of all time! Of all time!

[@zvngetsu.]

Lol 😂

[@rickybyrne4485]

I think the uncensored phoenix cover is undoubtedly the best cover, so iconic

[@jaytb5815]

I love the album but man what if pops walks in o some shit?

[@tdgtto]

Censored is more iconic to me

[@HardboiledBread]

MBDTF Was the first experience I had of witnessing what art could be when visual art and music were combined and paired so intelligently and with so much emotionally associated fervor. It was like a straight-shot into a very particular psychology and mind-set, I was immediately pulled in. The mask-like faces feel cathartic, but also can allude to internal emotional chaos. Ever since, George Condo has been a massive influence on my own work as well.

[@kasperbugge]

The way you used 4:3 for this, INCREDIBLE! Loved this video

[@chaldoproductions613]

You don’t understand how much I’ve been fucking dying to hear something behind the cover art. I think about the covers a lot in my mind and I always told my friend I wish Kanye talked about them. Thank you so much.

[@aadizingh]

I’ve never even seen the last 2 covers. Appreciate the Kanye lore Volksgeist

[@rosettastoned5002]

I have a tattoo of the severed head and sword on my right bicep. The meaning to me is absolutely clear. Even when you’re at your lowest, you’re still capable of greatness. Also, I’m digging the mustache bro

[@Volksgeist]

Nice tat idea! And thanks

[@TheRealBeatMaster]

This is why I'm so bummed out by the Donda cover

[@TheRealBeatMaster]

@@cryosteam3944 you can try and project all you want onto that cover, that's what covers are for, but the black space as the absolute absence of anything is just a wasted opportunity to add another layer of expression to an album with such interesting motifs and stories

[@veloceraptor1919]

@@TheRealBeatMaster all the songs sound the same because of the album art if that makes sense

[@TheRealBeatMaster]

@@cryosteam3944 Deciphering the symbolism of a black square isn't as impressive as you make it sound though. And the fact that a generally demeaning attitude and "go cry some more" are your reflexes in a normal discussion on the topic kind of shows that you didn't really understand Ye's message.

[@blade7506]

@@TheRealBeatMaster how do you think kanye felt after his mother died

[@LxftRxght]

This is one of my favourite albums ever. Such a super insightful outlook. Incredible content. Subscribed.

[@RealLaone]

There'll never be a bigger artist with such an attention to detail as Kanye... That man appreciates art...

[@user-oq3in5pz3d]

Everything about this album is so magnificent

[@Space-Holiday]

I’ve still got slipcase version of the CD that comes with the interchangeable art cards. Undoubtedly the best album packaging ever.

[@alex_harnar_618]

An artistic masterpiece of an album that tells a story about the beauty and dangers of fame and love presented in amazing ways with extremely realistic musical elements with pianos and orchestral sounds, and amazing usage of sampling small elements of some know/unknown 1960’s, 1970’s & early 1980’s old school songs to make something completely original. Also extraordinary mature subject matter used very well lyrically throughout the album. Whether you like Kanye or not this thing is thing is a masterpiece that won’t be forgotten.

[@matthewluke]

Never knew there was an uncensored album cover, so beautiful to see the curtain pulled away and appreciate its true artistry

[@fr8traaain]

Great choice on the 4:3 aspect ratio. Really illustrates the intimacy of the cover art

[@6ookers]

never watched this guy a day in my life. I subbed to him before the ad in this video even started because I knew it was gonna be good

[@HighLordOfHouseIX]

I honestly adore condos work it’s so lovely

[@stellar1252]

One of the most beautiful covers of all-time imo.

[@markimo761]

Condo's cube trademark is also used by volksgeist in this videos aspect ratio (1:1), which makes this video more remarkable because while he is talking about an artist who explores different mediums, he then becomes an artist who also explores a medium not commonly used when making youtube videos.

[@markimo761]

That tiny detail does not go unnoticed. This is a great video volksgeist!

[@markimo761]

@Moses Mead ohmy bad

[@VallRoyArts]

That is a very interesting style of art and fantasy!

[@kasperruseng]

The absolute best channel on the platform.

[@Christian-mt5jx]

That's one really good artist wow.

[@DAVECHER]

love the 4:3 aspect ratio

[@lautigm3798]

I always enjoy watching your vids not only for the content itself but because the photography of them is so gorgeous

[@lonewalkerproductions]

I see MBDTF, i click. I see my boy Volksgeist? I click faster

[@aryamazandarani6373]

While I didn't love MBDTF, the whole aesthetic of the album was incredible

[@littleuppie]

What didn’t you like about it may I ask?

[@aryamazandarani6373]

@@littleuppie Well I'm glad you asked nicely instead of calling me a piece of human trash like many other Kanye stans do I like the album, but it's just okay IMO. The first half of the album is solid but once you get to Runaway the songs either become really bad or just straight up uninteresting. Devil in a New Dress, Dark Fantasy, and Power are definitely dope tracks IMO. Gorgeous is crazy good though, probably my favorite Kanye song ever or tied with No More Parties in LA. It's a nice album but in my personal opinion, it's nothing incredible. Hell, it isn't even my favorite album of 2010. I have Recovery, I Am Not A Human Being, and Pink Friday above it. But don't think that I'm calling it a bad album whatsoever

[@littleuppie]

@@aryamazandarani6373 I respect that. I do believe you should give Lost in the World a relisten though, it’s an amazing song and top 5 on the album for me.

[@aryamazandarani6373]

@@littleuppie bro that is by far my least favorite song on the album. The initial vocals are completely horrible imo and the song as a whole sounds super annoying. Kanye's verse is the only decent part of it

[@donkeykong5414]

I think you’re missing a cover. I’m not sure but I remember seeing the Kanye bear in this type of painting.

[@changedmynamee]

I think it’s fan made

[@Whodnl]

Just started it’s a classic

[@thombas8936]

Runaway is not about giving a toast to Kanye's enemies, it's about giving a toast to people like himself

[@Arg69420]

Imagine giving mbdtf a 6/10 and re-review it and still give a 6/10

[@Einisman]

The runaway chorus isn’t toasting his enemies it’s actually toasting himself

[@NeroMai]

I was expecting to see the heavily pixelated version

[@Historicutuber]

One of the best albums ever

[@splatsx]

Miss getting your vids in my recommended

[@jasonescalante8085]

To say the album cover would make a difference in the approach of the album if it were something else is silly, the covers are good but the music and aura surrounding Kanye is what got the attention, I feel like the album cover was a cherry on top if anything.

[@Cakez253]

Never knew about the last two pictures. Dope video and great research 👏

[@normal_guy1771]

your lighting is so weird and i love it

[@jordyfresco]

Volksgiest is my fav youtuber

[@zann8027]

My favorite is definitely the sword one it’s my favorite album cover of all time

[@endeavorwhatever8208]

My favorite album

[@atticusfinch9135]

Volksgeist makes the best videos ! love this style. very fun to watch

[@yobamos2158]

Tyler comes close to Kanye's perfectionism in detail

[@zemi6586]

Love your videos and have I ever mentioned what a beautiful human being you are!!!

[@5ifthaveblackat]

I wish this was longer ngl

[@thetrickisirarelyrespond5945]

It's funny cos I've actually never seen the ballerina cover until this video. Is this a regional thing? I feel like in the UK we were good to go on that "Ye/succubus" cover, albeit pixelated.

[@81sam]

The ballerina one is just a alt cover but the pixelated one is main one

[@airkong_2124]

I legit thought you were a young anthony fantano for a second but was confused by the vid quality and the appreciation for something involving MBDTF

[@JoJoe1]

fast forward 11 years and now we got a black cube

[@charliefindlay4077]

amazing video, I loved the album and the covers

[@huckelberryfinn23]

My personal favorite and the one I was hoping to see was the teddy bear one

[@soulest]

this resolution>>>

[@callmejimmy2812]

Your missing the dropout bear cover, it’s one of the alt covers and it’s a deranged and all messed up looking, it’s personally my favorite cover

[@andrewbrown1998]

there’s one too that’s just a crown and the sword next to it driven into the ground.

[@cassiopeiathew7406]

I need to listen to this album then, I’ve been somewhat put off by Kanye since he’s very controversial and I tend to only listen to female rappers. But I recently listened to Broke with expensive taste and it became one of my favorite albums ever and Azealia Banks is also extremely controversial, so I think listening to Kanye’s music will likely turn out the same way.

[@Prodbyjah464]

The power cover is the best out of all of them

[@TargetProd]

so good man! amazing vid. amazing covers

[@carljohnson5301]

Whatever happened to the remaining paintings? The unused ones?

[@matthewmann8969]

This album along with College Dropout, Late Registration, And Graduation are all masterpieces yeah

[@joshuad1716]

Damn this was a dope ass video, thank u algorithm

[@kayleephen7559]

great video homie

[@sip_arizona]

volks looks like keith harring now

[@dipie197]

The 4:3 really makes this video

[@GaelGamaa]

#Traploregang 4L baby 💯

[@iliamasih]

i don't hate kanye's music or anything but this video was a huge kiss up

[@shadowknight00M]

TPAB and DAMN. next please.

[@घाव]

the needle drop

[@gabrielcooke5351]

Amazing video!! 6/10

[@7inline]

What a great video, I had no idea about this. Thank you!

[@Volksgeist]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Inertch]

Very nice video! 6/10

[@chrominox]

I totally dig this kind of analysis. But I do think that every artist puts their heart and soul into their pick for an album cover. I've been listening to 'Thalassic' by Ensiferum and the cover art is a gorgeous painting. I'm sure video analysis of this nature could be made about any artist. I'm not throwing shade on this video in particular. I love it. Im saying more artists artwork needs celebration, in addition to the big names of the music industry.

[@farouk858]

Track ID on your background music please?

[@mananshah79]

This man looks like a discount Anthony Fantano

[@yeszoplusfriends]

My one question is about the 6th cover, the corrupted Kanye Bear? That's a personal favorite of mine.

[@malasuai]

DAMN VIDEO LOOKING CLEANNNNNN

[@Sleepymazda999]

TLR IN THE HOUSE GANG GANG BRRRRRAAAAA YOU GOTTA CHECK IN

[@Volksgeist]

😂

[@yarkishdarkish9112]

This is the longest 6 minute video of all time

[@xandertheprophet777]

great video

[@jettdumont173]

This was an amazing video super informative

[@YASSBEATZ]

Donda Black cover : Best Cover of the univers because KANYE

[@ClueIess]

4:3 aspect ratio youtube video 😳

[@salvadorslim3234]

Yess More

[@anticringezone1778]

My youtube glitched and my video was black when I clicked this Donda reference??? 👀

[@Ultrafinpoint]

wondering if you're gonna do a L.O.A.D review

[@seymour24]

thought Virgil abloh made the album cover

[@bhaabuga2479]

I wonder what's the story behind drake's clb album art

[@absolutecensorship04]

Easy. Drake opened up MS Word or smth and posted a few pregnant emojis

[@bhaabuga2479]

@@absolutecensorship04 😂😂

[@allenshen4902]

2021 kanye album cover: black square

[@vb2388]

My Ranking of Kanye Album Covers.. 1. The Life Of Pablo 2. Ye 3. Watch The Throne 4. Graduation 5. MBDTF 6. 808s & Heartbreak 7. Late Registration 8. Yeezus 9. Jesus Is King 10. Donda

[@vargavince1394]

🤡

[@silk3142]

i agree

[@WilliamFuckingButcher]

@@vargavince1394 ???

[@evrythingisayisfactzzlolll6642]

@@WilliamFuckingButcher 🤡

[@tdgtto]

When I see unblurred of mbdtf: 💀💀💀💀💀

[@bestproducerofalltime2363]

Now do CLB cover art

[@emilyannamanda]

Oh my God you are so awesome: this comment is for the guy in the video

[@maggiromania5551]

I always thaught the cover was of the Kim seeeeextape

[@Joseph_Mineo]

“When it comes to Kanye’s art, nothing will do but the very best” Kanye: *releases Donda with a black album cover

[@Dexter_Wilson]

Never seen this Anthony Fantano video