Ye, born Kanye Omari West on June 8, 1977, is an American rapper, singer, s… Read Full Bio ↴Ye, born Kanye Omari West on June 8, 1977, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer. He is one of the most prominent figures in hip hop, known for his diverse musical style and polarizing cultural and political commentary. After dropping out of college to pursue a career in music, West began producing for regional artists in the Chicago area. As an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, he co-produced albums including Jay-Z's The Blueprint (2001) before signing with the label as a recording artist. West's debut studio album, The College Dropout (2004), received critical acclaim and produced the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Slow Jamz." He topped the chart four other times with the singles "Gold Digger" (2005), "Stronger" (2007), "E.T." (2011, as a featured artist), and "Carnival" (2024).

West's second and third studio albums, Late Registration (2005) and Graduation (2007), both debuted at the top of the Billboard 200, with the latter becoming his most commercially successful to date. Three of his subsequent albums—808s & Heartbreak (2008), My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), and The Life of Pablo (2016)—were certified triple platinum, while Yeezus (2013) was certified double platinum. Although not as well-received critically as his previous works, Ye (2018), Jesus Is King (2019), and Donda (2021) continued West's streak of consecutive number-one debuts on the Billboard 200. West has also released collaborative albums including Watch the Throne (2011) with Jay-Z, Kids See Ghosts (2018) with Kid Cudi, and Vultures 1 and Vultures 2 (2024) with Ty Dolla Sign. In fashion design, he has collaborated with Nike, Inc., Louis Vuitton, and Gap Inc. on clothing and footwear, and led the Yeezy collaboration with Adidas.

One of the world's best-selling music artists with 160 million records sold, West has won 24 Grammy Awards, the joint 11th-most of all time and the most awarded for any hip hop artist along with Jay-Z. His other accolades include a Billboard Artist Achievement Award, a joint-record three Brit Awards for Best International Male Solo Artist, and the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. West holds the joint record with Bob Dylan for most albums (four) topping the annual Pazz & Jop critic poll. Time named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2005 and 2015. West's first six solo albums were included on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list in 2020, with the same publication naming him one of the 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time.

West's outspoken views have received significant media coverage. He has been a frequent source of controversy due to his conduct on social media, at award shows, and in public settings, as well as his comments on the music and fashion industries, U.S. politics, race, and slavery. His Christian faith, high-profile marriage to Kim Kardashian, and mental health have also been topics of media attention. In 2020, West launched an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign that advocated for a consistent life ethic. In October 2022, he was widely condemned and lost many sponsors and partnerships, including his collaborations with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga, after making a series of antisemitic statements, including denying the Holocaust.

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Kanye West Lyrics

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Nebuchadnezzar's dreams
And in the second year of
The rain of Nebuchadnezzar
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed, dreams
Where with his spirit was trouble
And his sleep break from him
Then the command
then the king commanded to

Call the magicians
And the astrologers and the sorcerers
And the chaldeans
For to shew the king His dreams
So they came and stood before the king
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams where his
Spirit was troubled
And his sleep break from him
(Wooh, ah, ah, ah, ohh)
Nebuchadnezzar dreamed
Dreams where his spirit was troubled

And his sleep break from him
(Woah, ah, ah, ah, ah, woah)

Overall Meaning

In these opening lyrics, Kanye West draws on the biblical story of King Nebuchadnezzar II from the Book of Daniel, which highlights themes of dreams, visions, and the quest for understanding the subconscious. The repetition of “Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams” emphasizes the significance of the king's experiences as both a literal and metaphorical representation of turmoil and confusion. These dreams become a focal point for his inner unrest and the disquiet in his spirit, suggesting that these visions are not just fantastical but reflective of deeper fears or crises he faces as a leader.

The urgent summoning of magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, and Chaldeans reveals Nebuchadnezzar's desperation for answers, pointing to a broader commentary on leadership and knowledge. The king seeks wisdom from those who are traditionally viewed as wise figures, yet his inability to understand his own dreams underscores a critical theme in the lyrics—the limitation of earthly wisdom and those who claim to possess it. This search for answers may symbolize the human pursuit of truth, identity, or understanding in the face of uncertainty, a motif that resonates deeply in Kanye's artistic narrative.

Moreover, the repeated mention of Nebuchadnezzar's troubled spirit indicates a profound internal conflict, representing anxiety that comes with power and responsibility. The intense psychic pressure to deliver decisions that affect both himself and his subjects invites listeners to contemplate the burdens carried by those in positions of authority. This vulnerability exposes the fragility of confidence that often accompanies leadership roles, suggesting that even the mightiest can grapple with the chaos of their existence, mirroring Kanye's own struggles with fame, perception, and self-doubt.

Ultimately, the invocation of Nebuchadnezzar’s story serves as a powerful metaphor for the artist's personal journey. Just as the king's dreams provoke discomfort and unrest, Kanye’s reflections include aspirations and fears about his identity, ambitions, and societal expectations. Through this connection, the lyrics resonate on multiple levels, encouraging listeners to examine their own dreams, aspirations, and the complex emotions tied to their pursuit of success. The song, thus, encapsulates the universal search for clarity in a confusing world, portraying both the personal and cultural implications of dreaming amidst disquiet.

Line by Line Meaning

Nebuchadnezzar's dreams
The significant visions and thoughts of a powerful ruler, symbolizing deeper concerns he cannot grasp.

And in the second year of
Within a specific timeframe that marks the evolving narrative of his reign.

The rain of Nebuchadnezzar
A metaphorical reference to his time on the throne, suggesting it can be both prosperous and tumultuous.

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed, dreams
The king is experiencing multiple visions that suggest both hope and fear about his future.

Where with his spirit was trouble
These dreams weighed heavily on his mind, indicating internal conflict and unease.

And his sleep break from him
His inability to find rest reflects his mental anguish and distress caused by these dreams.

Then the command
Immediate action is taken in response to his troubled state, highlighting the urgency of his concerns.

then the king commanded to
The authority and responsibility he holds compel him to seek answers.

Call the magicians
He turns to mystics and skilled individuals, believing they might possess the insight he lacks.

And the astrologers and the sorcerers
Seeking guidance from those who claim to understand the stars and the supernatural.

And the chaldeans
Looking for wisdom from those renowned for their knowledge in ancient traditions and interpretations.

For to shew the king His dreams
His desperation unfurls as he seeks clarity about his visions, which he believes holds significant meaning.

So they came and stood before the king
These learned individuals gather, ready to interpret the royal visions but unsure of what is expected from them.

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams where his
The recurring nature of his visions signifies their importance and the weight they carry.

Spirit was troubled
Reiterating the emotional distress and confusion that defines his state of mind.

And his sleep break from him
As before, illustrating the toll that these unresolved issues take on his health and well-being.

(Wooh, ah, ah, ah, ohh)
An expression of emotional strain and the weight of the burdens he carries.

Nebuchadnezzar dreamed
A reminder that these troubling dreams continue to haunt him and shape his reality.

Dreams where his spirit was troubled
Reaffirming the connection between his visions and his inner turmoil.

And his sleep break from him
Once again illustrating the continuous struggle between rest and the pressing concerns of leadership.

(Woah, ah, ah, ah, ah, woah)
An emotional refrain that encapsulates his frustration and sense of helplessness in the face of uncertainty.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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