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.
American Boy
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah, Estelle, we 'bout to get down (get down)
Who the hottest in the world right now? (Huh)
Just touched down in London town (huh)
Bet they give me a pound (uh)
Tell 'em put the money in my hand right now (yes)
Tell the promoter we need more seats
We just sold out all the floor seats
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
He said, "Hey, sister, it's really, really nice to meet ya"
I just met this 5-foot-7 guy who's just my type
Like the way he's speakin', his confidence is peakin'
Don't like his baggy jeans but I might like what's underneath them
And, no, I ain't been to MIA
I heard that Cali never rains and New York's wide awake
First let's see the West End, I'll show you to my bredrin
I'm likin' this American boy, American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy, American boy
La-la-la-la-la-di-da
La-la-la-la-la-di-da
La-la-la-la-la-di-da
Will you be my American boy?
American boy
Can we get away this weekend? Take me to Broadway
Let's go shopping, maybe then we'll go to a café
Let's go on the subway, take me to your hood
I never been to Brooklyn and I'd like to see what's good
Dressed in all your fancy clothes
Sneakers looking fresh to death, I'm loving those Shell Toes
Walking that walk, talk that slick talk
I'm liking this American boy, American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
Tell 'em wah gwan, blud!
Who killing them in the UK?
Everybody gonna say "You, K!"
Reluctantly, 'cause most of this press don't fuck with me
Estelle once said to me, "Cool down, down
Don't act a fool now, now"
I always act a fool, ow, ow
Ain't nothing new now, now
He crazy, I know what you thinking (uh-huh)
Ribena, I know what you're drinking
Rap singer, chain blinger
Holler at the next chick soon as you're blinking
What's your persona about this Americana rhymer?
Am I shallow 'cause all my clothes designer?
Uh, dressed smart like a London bloke (yes)
Before he speak his suit bespoke (woo)
And you thought he was cute before
Look at this pea coat, tell me he's broke (woo)
And I know you ain't into all that
I heard your lyrics, I feel your spirit
But I still talk that ca-a-ash
'Cause a lot of wags wanna hear it
And I'm feeling like Mike at his baddest
Like The Pips at their gladdest
And I know they love it
So to hell with all that rubbish
Would you be my love, my love?
Could you be mine?
Would you be my love, my love?
Could you be mine?
Could you be my love (ooh), my love?
Would you be my American boy, American boy?
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day (ooh, some day)
Take me to Chicago, San Francisco Bay (I wanna see the Bay)
I really want to (to) come kick it with you (ooh)
You'll be my American boy, be my American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
(I'd like to go some day)
Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A. (see L.A.)
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy, American boy
La-la-la-la-la-di-da (la, la)
La-la-la-la-la-di-da (ooh-ooh)
La-la-la-la-la-di-da
Will you be my American boy?
The lyrics to Kanye West and Estelle's song "American Boy" are about two individuals meeting, with Estelle singing about the meeting of a guy, and Kanye rapping about his own experiences. The song opens up with the lines "Just another one champion sound / Me and Estelle about to get down" indicating that the two are about to create a champion sound, a song that will be popular among many. The next lines, "Who the hottest in the world right now / Just touched down in London town," show the confidence that the duo has in their music and their mission to become internationally famous.
As the song progresses, Estelle reveals that she met a guy who is her type but doesn't agree with his fashion choices (baggy jeans), but the attraction is still there as she likes "what's underneath it." Kanye, on the other hand, talks about his persona and fashion that has made him popular, discussing his designer clothes and “pea coat” that makes him look good. The chorus repeats itself, highlighting the desire to visit various locations in America and be with the person they love.
The song portrays both the excitement and nervousness that comes with meeting someone new, and the desire to explore new experiences with them. The themes of the song focus on confidence, attraction, and travel.
Line by Line Meaning
Just another one champion sound
We are one of the best musical duos around
Me and Estelle about to get down
Estelle and I are going to perform a great show together
Who the hottest in the world right now
We are one of the most popular and talented musicians in the world currently
Just touched down in London town
We just arrived in London and are excited to explore
Bet they give me a pound
We expect to receive a warm welcome from the people here
Tell them put the money in my hand right now
We want to make sure we get paid for our performance
Tell the promoter we need more seats,
We have sold out all the floor seats and need more space for fans
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
I would like to explore different places and travel the world
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA
I would love to visit these iconic cities in America
I really want to come kick it with you
I am excited to spend time with you and have fun
You'll be my American boy
You are my cool American companion
He said 'Hey Sister'
He greeted me with a warm hello and respect
It's really really nice to meet ya
He is happy to meet me and enjoys my company
I just met this five foot seven guy who's just my type
I just met a tall man who I find attractive and interesting
I like the way he's speaking his confidence is peaking
I appreciate his confidence and the way he communicates
Don't like his baggy jeans but I'ma like what's underneath it
I don't like his clothing style, but I am attracted to him anyway
And no I ain't been to MIA
I haven't been to Miami before
I heard that Cali never rains and New York heart awaits
I heard that California doesn't rain often and New York is an exciting city
First let's see the west end
Let's explore the west side of London first
I'll show you to my brethren.
I will introduce you to my friends and family
I'm like this American boy, American boy
I really like this American guy I just met
Can we get away this weekend
Can we go on a trip or vacation this weekend?
Take me to Broadway
Take me to the famous Broadway district in New York
Let's go shopping baby maybe then we'll go to a cafe
Let's go shopping together and then relax at a local cafe
Let's go on the subway
Let's ride the subway, a popular form of transportation in cities
Take me to your hood
Take me to your neighborhood or hometown
I neva been to Brooklyn and I'd like to see what's good
I have never visited Brooklyn and am interested in discovering what it's like
Dress in all your fancy clothes
Wear your best or most fashionable attire
Sneaker's looking 'fresh to def' I'm lovin' those shell toes
Your sneakers look really cool and stylish, especially the shell toes
Walkin' that walk
You have a confident and cool way of walking
Talk that slick talk
You have a smooth, charming way of talking
I'm likin' this American Boy, American boy
I'm really enjoying spending time with this attractive American guy
Let them know agwan blud
Let them know what's up, brother/friend
Who killin' 'em in the U-K
Who is doing really well musically in the UK?
Everybody gonna to say you K,
Everyone will say that you are doing great in the UK
Reluctantly, because most of this press don't fuck wit me
I'm hesitant to say that because most media outlets don't support me
Estelle once said to me, cool down down don't act a fool now now
Estelle advised me to stay calm and not do anything foolish
I always act a fool ow ow
I have a tendency to act silly or crazy sometimes
Ain't nothing new now now
This is not surprising, it's just who I am
He crazy, I know what ya thinkin'
People think I'm weird or unconventional
Ribena I know what your drinkin'
I know you are drinking Ribena, a popular blackcurrant drink in the UK
Rap singer, chain blinger
I am a rapper who wears a lot of bling
Holla at the next chick soon as you're blinkin'
As soon as he sees another woman, he is interested in talking to her
What's you're persona, about this American Brama
What is your personality like related to this American drama?
Am I shallow cause all my clothes designer
Am I superficial because I only wear designer clothes?
Dressed smart like a London Bloke
Dressed nicely and stylishly like a fashionable person from London
Before he speak his suit bespoke
Before he even says anything, it's clear that his suit was custom-made for him
And you thought he was cute before
You already thought he was attractive, but now you see how well-dressed he is
Look at this pea coat, tell me he's broke
A pea coat is a type of coat that looks expensive, so there's no way he's poor
And I know you ain't into all that
I know you're not into materialism or wealth
I heard your lyrics I feel your spirit
I listened to your music and sense your positive energy and personality
But I still talk that ca-a-a-sh
But I still like to talk about money and show off a little
Cause a lot wags want to hear it
A lot of people are interested in hearing about money and flaunting wealth
And I'm feelin' like Mike at his baddest
I'm feeling really confident and cool, like Michael Jackson at his best
The Pips at they Gladys and I know they love it
The Pips, who were backup singers for Gladys Knight, love the energy and music we're making
So to hell with all that rubbish
I don't care about anything negative or distracting, let's just focus on the music and having fun
Would you be my love, my love
Will you be my girlfriend or significant other?
Could be mine would you be my love my love, could be mine
It's possible that you could be my girlfriend or partner, would you be interested?
Could you be my love, my love
Is it feasible that you could be my significant other?
Would you be my American boy, American boy
Would you consider being my cool American companion and partner?
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Joshua Lopez, Caleb Speir, Keith Ernesto Harris, William Adams, Kanye Omari West, John Roger Stephens, Estelle Swaray, Kweli Ebon Washington
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@omyxix
@@floppa_gaemer Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
He said, "Hey, sister, it's really, really nice to meet ya"
I just met this five-foot-seven guy who's just my type
Like the way he's speakin', his confidence is peakin'
Don't like his baggy jeans, but I might like what's underneath them
And, no, I ain't been to MIA
I heard that Cali never rains and New York's wide awake
First, let's see the West End, I'll show you to my bredrin
I'm likin' this American boy, American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy, American boy
La, la la, la la, eya
La, la la, la la, eya
La, la la, la la, eya
Will you be my American boy? American boy
Can we get away this weekend? Take me to Broadway
Let's go shopping, maybe then we'll go to a café
Let's go on the subway, take me to your hood
I never been to Brooklyn, and I'd like to see what's good
Dressed in all your fancy clothes
Sneakers lookin' fresh to death, I'm lovin' those Shell Toes
Walkin' that walk, talk that slick talk
I'm likin' this American boy, American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
Tell 'em wah gwan, blud!
Who killin' them in the UK?
Everybody gonna say, "You, K"
Reluctantly, 'cause most of this press don't fuck with me
Estelle once said to me, "Cool down, down
Don't act a fool now, now"
I always act a fool, ow, ow
Ain't nothing new now, now
He crazy, I know what you thinkin'
Ribena, I know what you're drinkin'
Rap singer, chain blinger
Holler at the next chick soon as you're blinkin'
What's your persona about this Americana rhymer?
Am I shallow 'cause all my clothes designer? Uh
Dressed smart like a London bloke (yeah)
Before he speak his suit bespoke (woop)
And you thought he was cute before
Look at this pea coat, tell me he's broke (woo)
And I know you ain't into all that
I heard your lyrics, I feel your spirit
But I still talk that ca-a-ash
'Cause a lotta wags wanna hear it
And I'm feelin' like Mike at his baddest
Like The Pips at their gladdest
And I know they love it
So to hell with all that rubbish
Would you be my love, my love?
Would you be mine?
Would you be my love, my love?
Would you be mine?
Could you be my love, my love? (Ooh)
Would you be my American boy? American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day (ooh, someday)
Take me to Chicago, San Francisco Bay (I wanna see the Bay)
I really want to (you) come kick it with you (ooh-ooh-ooh)
You'll be my American boy, American boy (be my American boy)
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day (I'd like to go some day)
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA (see LA)
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy, American boy
La, la la, la la, eya (la, la)
La, la la, la la, eya (ooh, ooh)
La, la la, la la, eya
Will you be my American boy?
@0XIV0
@@leJpeg Definitly, if I may "Poopy-di scoop
Scoop-diddy-whoop
Whoop-di-scoop-di-poop
Poop-di-scoopty
Scoopty-whoop
Whoopity-scoop, whoop-poop
Poop-diddy, whoop-scoop
Poop, poop
Scoop-diddy-whoop
Whoop-diddy-scoop
Whoop-diddy-scoop, poop" -Kanye 2018 truly an intellectual 👌😔👌 keep it fresh bois much love 😂
@EstelleDarlings
New Music!!! It’s out! “Oh I” Is out now! Streaming everywhere! Go run it up. http://found.ee/estelleohi
@floppa_gaemer
This a number one champion sound (yeah)
Yeah, Estelle, we 'bout to get down (get down)
Who the hottest in the world right now? (Uh)
Just touched down in London town (uh)
Bet they give me a pound (uh)
Tell 'em, put the money in my hand right now (yes)
Tell the promoter, we need more seats
We just sold out all the floor seats
@westzzzzz
hi
@omyxix
@@floppa_gaemer Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
He said, "Hey, sister, it's really, really nice to meet ya"
I just met this five-foot-seven guy who's just my type
Like the way he's speakin', his confidence is peakin'
Don't like his baggy jeans, but I might like what's underneath them
And, no, I ain't been to MIA
I heard that Cali never rains and New York's wide awake
First, let's see the West End, I'll show you to my bredrin
I'm likin' this American boy, American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy, American boy
La, la la, la la, eya
La, la la, la la, eya
La, la la, la la, eya
Will you be my American boy? American boy
Can we get away this weekend? Take me to Broadway
Let's go shopping, maybe then we'll go to a café
Let's go on the subway, take me to your hood
I never been to Brooklyn, and I'd like to see what's good
Dressed in all your fancy clothes
Sneakers lookin' fresh to death, I'm lovin' those Shell Toes
Walkin' that walk, talk that slick talk
I'm likin' this American boy, American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy
Tell 'em wah gwan, blud!
Who killin' them in the UK?
Everybody gonna say, "You, K"
Reluctantly, 'cause most of this press don't fuck with me
Estelle once said to me, "Cool down, down
Don't act a fool now, now"
I always act a fool, ow, ow
Ain't nothing new now, now
He crazy, I know what you thinkin'
Ribena, I know what you're drinkin'
Rap singer, chain blinger
Holler at the next chick soon as you're blinkin'
What's your persona about this Americana rhymer?
Am I shallow 'cause all my clothes designer? Uh
Dressed smart like a London bloke (yeah)
Before he speak his suit bespoke (woop)
And you thought he was cute before
Look at this pea coat, tell me he's broke (woo)
And I know you ain't into all that
I heard your lyrics, I feel your spirit
But I still talk that ca-a-ash
'Cause a lotta wags wanna hear it
And I'm feelin' like Mike at his baddest
Like The Pips at their gladdest
And I know they love it
So to hell with all that rubbish
Would you be my love, my love?
Would you be mine?
Would you be my love, my love?
Would you be mine?
Could you be my love, my love? (Ooh)
Would you be my American boy? American boy
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day (ooh, someday)
Take me to Chicago, San Francisco Bay (I wanna see the Bay)
I really want to (you) come kick it with you (ooh-ooh-ooh)
You'll be my American boy, American boy (be my American boy)
Take me on a trip, I'd like to go some day (I'd like to go some day)
Take me to New York, I'd love to see LA (see LA)
I really want to come kick it with you
You'll be my American boy, American boy
La, la la, la la, eya (la, la)
La, la la, la la, eya (ooh, ooh)
La, la la, la la, eya
Will you be my American boy?
@XXVII_The27th
no way bro
@PeterDoherty2001
girl im almost done with steven uni
@ndeshipandanakanyala
"I just met this 5'7 guy who's just my type"
thank you Estelle for the confidence boost.
@Quint_69
Ugh I wish it were as simple as women only liking 6'+ guys, I really wish it were. But coming from someone in the 6'+ club, that just isn't how it works.
@SadfoxGuyver
Brother find a 6"0 chick that like to wear heels and knock it down
@ameenahsf
Lol ya I'm only 5 feet tall so I was lucky to not have to worry about height requirements. My husband is only 5'5 which is perfect for me