Here are photos and details from the stunning preview at The Forum on Wednesday night.
Kanye West is embracing religion with his new album, Jesus Is King, and the IMAX film of the same name. On Wednesday evening, the 42-year-old rapper previewed his ninth solo studio album and the film at The Forum in Los Angeles, inviting members of the public to the visually stunning event, free of charge.
Kanye sought out artist Meg Webster to create a natural installation which included large reeds and grass for attendees to stand in as they watched the IMAX film.
Though there were lots of delays getting into the venue due to complications at will call, Kanye, his wife, Kim Kardashian West, and her sister, Kourtney Kardashian, kept the crowd entertained.
Kim documented on her Instagram Story some concertgoers chanting each of the stars' names while jumping up and down with excitement.
For the show, Kanye wore a royal blue outfit, including a snapback hat, while his fans held up new Jesus Is King merchandise.
The audience was so engaged during the concert that Kanye had to stop the performance at one point and ask that fans back up so the show could continue.
As for the new music, the album itself features lyrics claiming Christians have judged Kanye the most for creating a gospel album and a Sunday Service church experience.
There's also one song featuring the lyrics, "Closed on Sunday, you my Chick-fil-A," referencing the popular fast food chain's religious decision to close its doors on Sunday.
The album and IMAX film will officially be released on Friday, Oct. 25.
Earlier this month, Kim joked about Kanye's decision to delay the release of Jesus Is King. Kim retweeted a fan account and added a face palm emoji. The post read: "Kim: You know I told them the album was coming out on Sunday, right?" It then cut to a video of Kanye telling a reporter, "Ah, wow, I did not realize that."
Reporting by Alex Ungerman.
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