Here My Dear = 808's & Heartbreak

*blog courtesy of Subculture from hb (directly snatched). Either way, enjoy folks
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I'm extremely surprised that many other music critics haven't put this connection together. After going through my ipod and checking out my Marvin Gaye discography and listening to his "Here My Dear" album i realized that Kanye's 808's and Heartbreak is the "Here My Dear" of the Hip Hop generation.
The similarities are uncanny.

1. Marvin Gaye just divorced his first wife and was bitter about the whole incident and decided to pen a scathing album of heartbreak and retribution entitled "Here My Dear" as a type of catharsis. Furthermore, his musical muse and frequent collaborator Tammi Terrell had passed on very early in her life a few years earlier which devastated Marvin for years.

2. Kanye West broke up with his long time girlfriend, completely bitter and heartbroken he made an album that teeters between complete anger, hurt and pain and sorrow. Also, his mother died within the same year.

3. Here My Dear was not immediately a hit. Although Marvin was a pop artists his music has touched on social issues as well as political. But, fans where not used to an upset, bitter and completely down temp Marvin Gaye. Meanwhile, critics praised it for its raw honesty and his bravery in stepping out of his comfort zone and making a emotional album. The album eventually sold decently and went on to be a cult favorite of die hard Marvin fans.

4. 808s & Heartbreak is a huge departure from Kanye's other work. Although Kanye is a pop artists his music has touched on social issues as well as political. But, fans where not used to an upset, bitter and completely down tempo Kanye West. Meanwhile, critics praised it for its raw honesty and his bravery in stepping out of his comfort zone and making a emotional album. The album eventually sold decently and went on to be a cult favorite of die hard Kanye fans.