West began making beats and rapping in the early 90s in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois, when he formed the rap group Go Getters with Chicago natives GLC and Really Doe. He later gained nationwide popularity through his work in New York, where he began producing tracks for artists such as Jay-Z, Twista, Mase, Talib Kweli and Alicia Keys.
West's style of production often utilizes pitched-up vocal samples, usually from soul songs, with his drums and instruments. The first major label song he produced was The Truth by Beanie Sigel, and his first major release featuring his trademark vocal sampling style was This Canβt Be Life, a track from Jay-Zβs The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. West said he sped up the drum beat of Dr. Dreβs Xxplosive to use as a replacement for his drums on This Canβt Be Life.
West has said that Wu-Tang Clan producer RZA influenced him in his style, and has said on numerous occasions that Wu-Tang rappers Ghostface Killah and Olβ Dirty Bastard were some of his all-time favorites. Said Kanye West: βWu-Tang? Me and my friends talk about this all the timeβ¦ We think Wu-Tang had one of the biggest impacts as far as a movement. From slang to style of dress, skits, the samples. Similar to the [production] style I use, RZA has been doing that.β
In 2004 (after being pushed aside by many record companies who felt he wasn't a marketable hip-hop artist), he managed to release his debut solo album, The College Dropout on Roc-A-Fella Records. The album received critical acclaim, including 10 Grammy nominations and the awards for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album, as well as defining the style for which West would become known: "wordplay" and heavy sampling of the 70s soul and RnB tracks.
Not content to rest on his laurels, West invested two million dollars and hired a string orchestra to help with his latest effort, Late Registration (2005). West collaborated with Jon Brion to help develop the sound of the album, despite his lack of experience in hip hop production. The album received widespread acclaim like its predecessor and again claimed the Best Rap Album award at the Grammys.
West was no stranger to controversy, such as storming out at the 2004 American Music Awards after not receiving Best New Artist, but just days after the release of his second studio album, West began embroiled in a major controversy after going off-script during Hurricane Katrina broadcast, proclaiming "George Bush doesn't care about black people", which Bush claimed was "one the most disgusting moments of my presidency". In January 2006, West posed on the cover of Rolling Stone wearing a crown of thorns, once again attracting controversy.
For his third release, West was keen to produce songs that could be used more effectively when performing in arenas. For Graduation, the third and ultimately final entry into his 'Dropout Bear' series, West drew musical inspiration from The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash. In the lead up to the album he became involved in a friendly rivalry with 50 Cent over which of the two artists' upcoming albums would sell more, as they were both released on the same day. West ultimately sold 957,000 copies in the first week of release, outselling Curtis by a large margin. The albums lead single "Stronger" sampled Daft Punk, and was West's third number one on Billboard 200. Many proclaim West's 'victory' over 50 Cent to be the 'death' of gangster rap as the dominant hip hop subgenre.
Following the death of his mother, Donda West, and the end of his engagement to long term partner Alexis Phifer, West abandoned his initial plan to release a fourth album entitled Good Ass Job, and shocked his fans by releasing 808s and Heartbreak, which was full of autotune singing, extensive use of the TR-808 drum machine, themes of love, loss and loneliness and very little rapping. It received slightly more mixed reviews than his previous efforts, but many critics cite 808s and Heartbreak as the catalyst for a new wave of rappers, most prominently Drake, due to its themes which were uncommon in mainstream hip-hop.
West's grief seemed to lead to a spiral out of control which culminated in him storming on stage at the 2009 VMAs to interrupt Taylor Swift's award acceptance speech to proclaim that BeyoncΓ© deserved the award instead, in a move that is infamous in pop culture and was vilified by the entire world in the aftermath. West disappeared from the public eye following this, and his upcoming tour with Lady Gaga was cancelled. The disgraced West, who was described as a 'jackass' by President Obama, seemed to have much work to do to return to the his former glory, but he was about to embark on what some critics consider to be the best run of his career.
West holed up in Hawaii for a few months and worked tirelessly to produce what many consider to be his magnum opus. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, West's fifth studio album, was released in November 2010 to rave reviews from critics, which solidified his comeback. In stark contrast to his previous effort, which featured a minimalist sound, Dark Fantasy adopts a maximalist philosophy and deals with themes of celebrity and excess. The record included the international hit All of the Lights, and Billboard hits Power, Monster, and Runaway, the latter of which accompanied a 35-minute film of the same name. During this time, West initiated the free music program G.O.O.D. Fridays through his website, offering a free download of previously unreleased songs each Friday of the week, a portion of which were included on the album. Dark Fantasy went on to go platinum in the United States, but its omission as a contender for Album of the Year at the 54th Grammy Awards was viewed as a "snub" by several media outlets.
Following a headlining set at Coachella 2011 that was described by The Hollywood Reporter as "one of greatest hip-hop sets of all time," West released the collaborative album Watch the Throne with Jay-Z. By employing a sales strategy that released the album digitally weeks before its physical counterpart, Watch the Throne became one of the few major label albums in the Internet age to avoid a leak. Niggas in Paris became the record's highest charting single, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2012, West released the compilation album Cruel Summer, a collection of tracks by artists from West's record label GOOD Music. Cruel Summer produced four singles, two of which charted within the top twenty of the Hot 100: Mercy and Clique. West also directed a film of the same name that premiered at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in custom pyramid-shaped screening pavilion featuring seven screens.
Sessions for West's sixth solo effort begin to take shape in early 2013 in his own personal loft's living room at a Paris hotel. Determined to "undermine the commercial," he once again brought together close collaborators and attempted to incorporate Chicago drill, dancehall, acid house, and industrial music. Primarily inspired by architecture, West's perfectionist tendencies led him to contact producer Rick Rubin fifteen days shy of its due date to strip down the record's sound in favor of a more minimalist approach. Initial promotion of his sixth album included worldwide video projections of the album's music and live television performances.
Yeezus, West's sixth album, was released June 18, 2013 to rave reviews from critics. It became the rapper's sixth consecutive number one debut. Def Jam issued "Black Skinhead" to radio in July 2013 as the album's lead single. On September 6, 2013, Kanye West announced he would be headlining his first solo tour in five years, to support Yeezus, with fellow American rapper Kendrick Lamar, accompanying him along the way.
In November 2013, West stated that he was working on and recording his next studio album. The album was to be produced by Rick Rubin and Q-Tip.. Kanye released a single entitled "Only One", on December 31, 2014 featuring Paul McCartney, as well as collaborating with McCartney on the Rihanna track " FourFiveSeconds", released in January 2015. West appeared on the SNL 40th Anniversary Special on February 15th 2015 to debut a new song Wolves, featuring Sia Furler and Vic Mensa. Another single, entitled "All Day" was released on March 2, 2015, again featuring McCartney as well as Theophilus London, Allan Kingdom. In June of the same year, Kanye headlined the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, which garnered much outrage including a petition with 135,000 signatures against his appearance, leading to West declaring he was "the greatest living rock star on the planet" towards the end of his set, and the performance receiving a mixed reaction among fans and critics, due to its controversy. In September 2015, West performed {album artist kanye west]808s and Heartbreak in its entirety at the Hollywood Bowl over two nights, which received rave reviews a featured a 60 person orchestra, guests such as Kid Cudi and Mr Hudson, and over 70 dancers. West released "Facts" at the turn of the new year.
West had originally stated that his upcoming album would be called 'So Help Me God' before changing the title to 'SWISH' and announcing that it would be released on February 11th. In January 2016 he released "Real Friends" and "No More Parties in LA", featuring Kendrick Lamar. As well as renaming the album once again to "Waves", West became involved in several twitter controversies in the lead up to the album, including with rapper Wiz Khalifa after he suggested that West had stolen the idea of the wave from other artists and seemingly dissed Kim Kardashian, which later turned out to be a misunderstanding over the use of "KK". West again changed the name of the album just days before it's release, this time to "{album artist=kanye west]The Life of Pablo", and debuted it at Madison Square Garden on February 11, but delayed it's release for a few days. On February 14, West released the album are a performance on SNL. West initially claimed the album was to be a Tidal exclusive, but it was later released on other streaming platforms, although it is yet to receive a physical release. West continued to tinker with the mixing and production of the album even after it was released, and it was updated several times, including the final song "Saint Pablo" in June 2016. West had also made public his plans to release an album in the summer of 2016, entitled "Turbo Grafx 16", based on the 1990s games console, which never surfaced, although he did release a single thought to be from the upcoming G.O.O.D. Music album "Cruel Winter", called Champions. In the same month, a video for "Famous" was released, including nude wax figures of celebrities such as West, Kim Kardashian, Taylor Swift, Donald Trump, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Bill Cosby and George W. Bush.
In August 2016, West embarked on the ambitious Saint Pablo Tour, which included a mobile stage suspended from the ceiling. After the violent robbery of Kim's jewellery in Paris in October, West had to end a show early and postpone shows following it. In the following performances, West cancelled shows early and went on long winded rants against fellow artists such as Jay Z and BeyoncΓ© among others, as well as making controversial political statements including implying his support for Donald Trump. On November 21st 2016, West cancelled the rest of the tour and was hospitalised due to sleep deprivation and extreme dehydration. Following this, West disappeared from social media, and only resurfaced 11 months later with a series of tweets which included many philosophical thoughts and the announcements two albums in June 2018, a solo album which would include 7 tracks on June 1, and a collaboration with Kid Cudi to be released on June 8.
On August 29th, 2021, Kanye released his 10th highly anticipated studio release Donda via GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings after a series of three listening parties.
Personal life:
West was born in Atlanta, Georgia. When he was three years old (as mentioned in Hey Mama) his parents divorced, and he moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois. His father, Ray West, was a former Black Panther; one of the first black photojournalists at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution; and is now a Christian counselor. Kanyeβs late mother, Dr. Donda West, worked as a Professor of English at Clark Atlanta University, and the Chair of the English Department at Chicago State University before retiring to serve as Kanyeβs manager. He was later raised in an upper middle class background, attending Polaris High School in suburban Oak Lawn, Illinois after living in Chicago.
After attending The American Academy of Art, a Chicago art school, West attended Chicago State University but eventually dropped out due to poor grades and to continue working on his music career. While attending school, West produced for local artists, including on rapper Gravβs debut album Down to Earth. He later gained fame by producing hit singles for major hip hop/R&B artists, including Jay-Z, Talib Kweli, Camβron, Paul Wall, Common, Mobb Deep, Jermaine Dupri, Scarface, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson and John Legend among others. He also βghost-producedβ for his once mentor Deric Angelettie according to his song Last Call and the credits of Nasβ Poppa Was a Playa.
West was married to Kim Kardashian. Together they had four children: daughters named North (*2013) and Chicago (*2018); and sons named Saint (*2015) and Psalm (*2019). In 2021, Kardashian filed for divorce.
In 2020, West launched an unsuccessful independent presidential campaign that primarily advocated for a consistent life ethic. In 2022, he faced backlash and lost a number of sponsors and partnershipsβincluding his collaborations with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciagaβafter making antisemitic statements.
Big Screen
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Out tonight o-o-o oh weee!
Big screen hollywood lights
She wants the big screen hollywood lights
She wants it
At first came the breast and
Got a little hoochie game and
Then the Gucci came
The Ultima and then the Mustang
Lookin' in the mirror, "Aye" she must say
Diane Keaton a gangster she was seekin'
With two then the three can keep a secret
Bein' exposed to the goals of a baller
So she drove a Rolls with a Prada
Put up the?, rocked Fendi
Rarely Ed Hardy she said the shit was trendy
Married to the mob like she was Miss Wendy
She would spend the bread of
Men instead of spendin'
Her own, her tone was eccentric
The Gulf coast was home for this mistress
Felt pain, but shoppin' killed this
Then a little bit of Wayne lent
Her something for this princess
Baby girl you're dangerous
Everybody know that you love those lights
Baby girl you're dangerous
So dangerous, but it's only right
I'm back in your life return Of The Jedi
LA for a night, then return on the red eye
It's a party in your closet
I swear it's going off
I see it's Dolce & Gabbana viktor & Rolf
Ann Roth uh, huh
Not to shabby
You're good around celebs, not too laughy
So you deserve a rapper and or athlete
And or something more than just a backseat
Action, I had more beats than I had rhymes
Now they say you got more
Girls than you got time to spend with 'em
So I throw them all on the team
Only problem is, I see they all want a ring
Ring let me tell you once ting
It's gonna take a lot to
Be down with the king, king
Down, down with the king
Now are you really ready for the big screen?
In Kanye West's song "Big Screen," the lyrics tell the story of a woman who has finally achieved success and is now surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. The song begins with the line "She finally made it, the stars are out tonight," indicating that she has reached a level of fame and is now basking in the attention and admiration of others. The "big screen Hollywood lights" symbolize her desire for the spotlight and recognition that comes with being a star.
The following lines describe her journey to fame and the material possessions that have come with it. References to breast implants, designer clothing, and expensive cars showcase her transformation into a glamorous figure. The lyrics also mention her adherence to fashion trends, such as Fendi and Ed Hardy, demonstrating her desire to be fashionable and relevant in the industry.
The lyrics also touch on her relationships with men, suggesting that she seeks validation and financial support from rapper, athletes, and other suitors who can provide her with the lavish lifestyle she desires. The line "It's gonna take a lot to be down with the king" implies that she is looking for a powerful and influential partner who can elevate her status even further.
Line by Line Meaning
She finally made it the stars are
She has finally achieved success and is now surrounded by famous people.
Out tonight o-o-o oh weee!
She is excited about being out and enjoying the glamorous Hollywood nightlife.
Big screen hollywood lights
She desires the fame and attention that comes with being on the big screen in Hollywood.
She wants the big screen hollywood lights
Her aspiration is to be a part of the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
She wants it
She is determined to pursue her dreams of being in the spotlight.
At first came the breast and
She initially used her physical appearance to attract attention.
Then the dookie chain
Next, she started wearing flashy jewelry to enhance her image.
Got a little hoochie game and
She developed seductive skills to further captivate others.
Then the Gucci came
She began to indulge in high-end designer fashion, such as Gucci.
The Ultima and then the Mustang
She upgraded her car from a regular vehicle to a luxury one, symbolizing her rising status.
Lookin' in the mirror, 'Aye' she must say
She admires herself and affirms her beauty and confidence when looking in the mirror.
Diane Keaton a gangster she was seekin'
She admired Diane Keaton's portrayal of a strong, independent woman and aspired to be like her.
With two then the three can keep a secret
She became involved in intimate relationships and indulged in secret affairs.
Bein' exposed to the goals of a baller
She was influenced by the lifestyle and ambitions of wealthy and successful individuals.
So she drove a Rolls with a Prada
She showcased her status by owning luxury cars like Rolls-Royce and wearing high-end fashion brands like Prada.
Put up the?, rocked Fendi
She proudly displayed and wore clothing and accessories from luxury brand Fendi.
Rarely Ed Hardy she said the shit was trendy
She preferred fashionable brands like Fendi over the popular but less classy Ed Hardy.
Married to the mob like she was Miss Wendy
In her social circle, she associated with individuals involved in illegal activities, similar to Miss Wendy's connection to the mob.
She would spend the bread of
Instead of using her own money, she relied on wealthy men to financially support her lavish lifestyle.
Men instead of spendin'
She prioritized spending money on men rather than herself.
Her own, her tone was eccentric
She had an unconventional and unique personality that set her apart from others.
The Gulf coast was home for this mistress
She lived in the Gulf coast region and embraced her role as a seductive and alluring woman.
Felt pain, but shoppin' killed this
She used shopping as a way to mask and cope with emotional pain.
Then a little bit of Wayne lent
Lil Wayne provided her with material possessions and financial support.
Her something for this princess
He fulfilled her desires and treated her like royalty.
Baby girl you're dangerous
Others see her as a daring and influential individual.
Everybody know that you love those lights
It is widely known that she is infatuated with the attention and glamour of the spotlight.
So dangerous, but it's only right
Her actions may be risky, but it aligns with her aspirations and desires.
I'm back in your life return Of The Jedi
He has returned to her life like a powerful character from the Star Wars saga.
LA for a night, then return on the red eye
He visits Los Angeles for a short period and then heads back home on an overnight flight.
It's a party in your closet
Her wardrobe is extremely extravagant and filled with high-end fashion.
I swear it's going off
Her closet is so impressive that it is like a vibrant party scene.
I see it's Dolce & Gabbana viktor & Rolf
He notices that she owns expensive clothing from luxury fashion brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Viktor & Rolf.
Ann Roth uh, huh
He acknowledges her well-dressed and stylish appearance, possibly referring to costume designer Ann Roth.
Not to shabby
He compliments her on her impressive fashion choices.
You're good around celebs, not too laughy
She is comfortable and composed when interacting with celebrities, maintaining an appropriate level of seriousness.
So you deserve a rapper and or athlete
Due to her status and connections, she is deemed worthy of being in a relationship with a successful rapper or athlete.
And or something more than just a backseat
She expects a partner who can offer her more than just a casual and insignificant relationship.
Action, I had more beats than I had rhymes
He used to have a surplus of musical productions compared to his lyrical content.
Now they say you got more
Presently, people believe that she has more romantic partners.
Girls than you got time to spend with 'em
She has numerous female admirers, but not enough time to dedicate to each of them individually.
So I throw them all on the team
He includes them all in his circle, making them part of his group of romantic partners.
Only problem is, I see they all want a ring
The issue arises when he realizes that all of them desire a serious commitment and marriage.
Ring let me tell you once ting
He emphasizes the importance of understanding that acquiring a ring (symbolic of commitment) is not easy.
It's gonna take a lot to
Achieving a serious commitment will require significant effort and dedication.
Be down with the king, king
To be in a committed relationship with him, they must accept and respect his position as a powerful and influential figure.
Down, down with the king
He reiterates the requirement to fully commit and support him in his role as a leader.
Now are you really ready for the big screen?
He questions if they are prepared for the level of fame and public attention that comes with being in a relationship with him.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@zaynmiles007
This era of Kanye is missed and endlessly appreciated
@blu3_enjoy
forever
@sky545
@@blu3_enjoy no doubt
@trillfate4479
He dead
@BLACKGOD1
Yeen lying bruh.... I been fed up with kanye wearing that red hat but here I am listening to his old shit. Smh
@allen1verson
Fax π©
@ANDR3alfaro
I love discovering old songs with kanye features I never heard before.
@chancerodgers3496
Sa-ra creative partners
@Mvtito
There's so many bro it's crazy
@houseofmatrix6174
The best feeling