Kanye West Hosts Star-Studded Yeezus Listening Party in NYC

Beyoncé and Jay-Z are reportedly among attendees; rapper explains reasoning behind album title

Kanye West's new album doesn't officially drop until June 18, but some lucky people got to hear it early at an exclusive listening party Monday night in New York City.

The event took place just after 11 p.m. at Milk Studios in downtown Manhattan and, per NME, was attended by Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip.

"I feel as a 36 year-old I've got to the point where I can really influence culture," 'Ye told attendees. "We're doing 500 locations next weekend, and we're taking the streets, but we're opening it up right here on 14th Street."

Ten tracks from Yeezus were played, including "I Am a God," "Black Skinhead," "New Slaves," "On Site" and a song called "Hold My Liquor."

Yeezy even explained the title of his album, saying: "Simply put. West was my slave name. 'Yeezus' is my god name."

Preach!