Diamonds.

           At this point in the album there has already been 3 songs that revolve around controversial issues. Such is the case here. 

Diamonds from Sierra Leone [Remix] is a very interesting song. Discussing the issue of Blood Diamonds and the

conflict that West faces when asking himself: "How could something so wrong make me feel so right?" this being a question because,

 Over here[USA] it's a drug trade, we die from drugs

 Over there[Sierra Leone], they die from what we buy from drugs.

          Ye's whole verse does an excellent job of getting his feelings across. He is very self conscious of his blood diamonds, unsure if he wants to rock the diamonds or not, knowing he only worsens the situation in Sierra Leone. He puts tremendous effort into his verse, keeping those entertained to hear not only a fire verse, but an interesting story, relevant to the world today. With that said let's get into the structure of the song.
           Immediately the sample plays, 1971's "Diamonds are Forever"(Soundtrack for the James Bond movie "Diamonds are Forever") which opens with the beautiful and elegant chorus from Shirley Bassey. Repeating keys play(Tom Craskey), then as the chorus finishes, bass kicks in and a trumpet then plays. From there the beat of live drums; played by Michele Gondry; guitar(Dave Toser), and synthesizers raise as Kanye's voice increases in intensity, breathing a lot of life into the track. Horns play as the chorus' pick up in intensity. All these sounds collide to give the track a very loud and powerful feel really bringing out the seriousness in the topic of blood diamonds.
Producer: Kanye West, Devo Springsteen, and Jon Brion.

Other songs off Late Registration that cover controversy:


Crack Music: Has the same power and feeling of struggle that Diamonds does. Covering the handling of situations by our government. Plus importance of the music in America that was pioneered by blacks.


Heard Em' Say: Less straightforward than Crack Music. This takes a lighter approach and is more personal. Discusses struggle to reach success, and how people are oppressed to reaching there goals.


Roses: Similar to Heard Em' Say. It is even more personal, and on some levels can be viewed as more emotional. Critiquing the current health care system.