After the MTV Music Video Awards, Kanye West disappeared for a while. He canceled his planned tour with Lady GaGa and flew to Europe where he laid low. Then, shortly after Christmas, West resurfaced and informed the world that he was back in the studio recording and “old school Hip Hop album.”

The first taste of that album found its way online yesterday. Tentatively titled “What It Is,” the song is a demo that has West rapping without any autotune manipulation. The song is clearly unfinished with Kanye meandering through the last series of bars; but it shows real promise for fans of the rapper. The beat, which is presumably a Kanye original, is absolute fire. This is the kind of song that could get heavy rotation in the club and on the radio.

In other Kanye West news, a new version of the Mr. Hudson track “Anyone But Him,” which was produced by West and features him, leaked recently. The new version is said to be Mr. Hudson’s new single, but I’m not sure if that pertains to the United States where Hudson’s debut album Straight No Chaser has yet to be released. The new version of “Anyone But Him” is more rock infused than the album version. Given the right amount of push I can see it resonating with the American audience, then again I was shocked “Supernova” didn’t so I could be wrong. I’ve included both songs below you to enjoy.

Kanye West – “What It Is”

[audio: Kanye West - What It Is (Demo).mp3]

Mr. Hudson feat. Kanye West – “Anyone But Him”

[audio: Mr. Hudson - Anyone But Him.mp3]