After his surprisingly downbeat and self-reflective 2008 album 808s & Heartbreak, it became clear that Kanye West wasn't willing to conform to hip-hop stereotypes.
While the outcome at the time was something genuinely unique, this latest piece of news, while brave, is also rather worrying.
It's been reported that the rapper has become obsessed with roars, barks and jungle noises and while this is obviously something we can all relate to, none of us have actually chosen to then make an album entirely out of them.
Scarily he's been telling friends that it's a genuine plan. For adults.
In the meantime, his GOOD Music compilation album Cruel Summer is aiming for an August release and rumours persist of a second Watch the Throne album.
Thoughts? Some optimism would be useful right now.
[via The Sun]
(Image: Rex Features)