You must be doing something right to generate that kind of reaction when you haven’t released new music in a few years. Surely Kanye was pleased that 135,000 people signed a petition against his appearance.
But they can create tent pole moments that generate awareness for an artist and support other commercial endeavors. Albums no longer possess any of the commercial power they once had.
The release of Kanye West’s new album, The Life of Pablo, is a testament to the enduring relevance of record albums even as people buy fewer of them year after year.