Donda

Donda is the tenth studio album by American rapper and producer Kanye West.

Donda is the tenth studio album by American rapper and producer Kanye West. Released on August 29, 2021, through GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings, it is named after West’s late mother, Donda West. The album draws heavily on Christian themes, grief, and personal conflict, and later received a deluxe edition.

Background

Donda was developed over an extended period, with much of the recording taking place between 2019 and 2021. The album title honours West’s mother, Donda West, who died in 2007.

Music and themes

The album blends hip-hop with gospel and contemporary R&B elements, while also drawing on Christian imagery and liturgical sounds. Lyrically, it addresses grief, spiritual struggle, reconciliation, and public aspects of West’s life.

Release and editions

Donda was released on August 29, 2021, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings after multiple delays and listening events. A deluxe edition followed in November 2021 with added material and updated versions of some songs.

Reception and impact

The album was commercially successful and generated significant attention for its unusual release strategy and large-scale listening events. It is widely discussed as a major release in West’s catalogue and as part of the late-career shift in his distribution approach.