It follows a Christian theme, in stark contrast from previous works by West, who described it as "an expression of the gospel ". West began recording the album in August , originally announcing it as Yandhi. The album missed two initial release dates in September and November under the original title, before being delayed indefinitely due to leaks.
West had formed his gospel group the Sunday Service Choir in January , performing gospel songs and covers of songs from West's discography. The song " Water " was performed live prior to release by the group. In August , Yandhi was reannounced as Jesus Is King , but it missed two planned release dates for late September under the new title.
The final release of Jesus Is King was simultaneous with that of a concert film of the same name , which included a number of the tracks as part of the soundtrack. The album received mixed reviews from music critics, with a number of them drawing comparisons between it and West's previous solo album, Ye Some critics complimented the former's composition, while others expressed negative feelings towards the lyrics and the inconsistency of ideas.
It stood as West's record-tying ninth consecutive studio album to debut atop the US Billboard In addition, West broke several Billboard charts ' records. The album was a chart topper in nine other countries, including Australia and Canada, while attaining top five positions in the Czech Republic, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Throughout May and June , five seven-track albums produced by West at his ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming were successively released as the Wyoming Sessions.
In July , Chicago music artist Chance the Rapper announced that West was coming to Chicago to produce for his seven-track debut studio album. Through his Instagram, West confirmed that he was collaborating with 6ix9ine and began posting snippets of new music. On September 17, , West announced his ninth studio album Yandhi , just three months after the release of his previous solo album Ye , revealing the cover art and initial release date of September 29, West was the musical guest for the season 44 premiere of Saturday Night Live SNL , slated to coincide with the release of Yandhi on September 29, West talked about recording in Chicago and how he "felt the roots" but wanted to go to further his energy by touching African soil and recording in nature.
