Kanye West performs 'Highlights' and 'Ultra Light Beams' on SNL: features some not-so-smooth dance moves

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Eric Garcia

Washington Bureau Chief

After three days of building anticipation, Kanye West finally announced the release of his latest album The Life of Pablo while appearing on Saturday Night Live.

While on the US show, he performed two of the album tracks, the first of which was “Highlights”, which saw the rapper joined on stage by Young Thug, El DeBarge, Kelly Price, and The-Dream.

Noticeably, the lyrics were slightly altered, perhaps because West notoriously only finished the album hours before appearing on the show.

Towards the end of the performance, the dancing got a bit looser, leading to some not-so-smooth moves form the collective. See these GIFs for samples.

After “High Lights”, Yeezy performed “Ultra Light Beams” backed by a full gospel choir and, The Dream and Chance the Rapper. While the backing group put in some pretty standard moves and West forgot some words, the performance was actually quite brilliant, with Chance showing off his star potential. Watch below.

West also starred in a skit in which he took on Kyle Mooney in a rap battle.

West has appeared on SNL eight times, debuting The Life of Pablo track “Wolves” on the show last year. Previously, Yeezus singles “New Slaves” and “Black Skinhead” debuted on the show.

The Life of Pablo is available now, via TIDAL. Read everything you need to know about the release, here.