7 Aurelius first produced the song while playing his keyboard in 2016 and got Chris Stylez to sing demo vocals over the track.
In November 2017, Irv Gotti hinted on Instagram that he was working on "something enormous" with Kanye West. West altered "Brothers" to create "Violent Crimes", the final track from West's album Ye (2018).
On June 5, 2019, Irv Gotti stated in an interview on The Breakfast Club that the season 2 premiere of his show Tales would "be a two-hour season premiere of a brand new record produced by me and my production partner Seven from a huge, huge, huge artist." Gotti stated the artist was from the Midwest and that he's "the biggest, hugest artist who's been the most controversial in the last year." DJ Envy responded with "Ok, Kanye West is gonna be on the season premiere of Tales", to which Irv Gotti replied "I didn't say it! But let's say it right. He's not acting in it, but maybe I have a song ... Envy is a fucking genius!"
Brothers
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Uh
My big brother was B.I.G.'s brother
Used to be Dame and Biggs' brother
Who was Hip-Hop brother, who was No I.D. friend
No I.D. my mentor, now let the story begin
Picture us in the mall, coppin' Iceberg then yell out, "Jigga"
Yeah, that's what we'll yell out, yell out
You know the name do I gotta spell out or tell 'bout
J-A-Y, and 'Ye so shy
That he won't even step to his idol to say hi
Standin' there like a mime and let the chance pass by
Back of my mind, "He could change your life
With all these beats I did, at least let him hear it
At least you can brag to ya friends back at the gig"
But he got me out my mama crib
Then he help me get my mama a crib
Big brother was B.I.G.'s brother
Used to be Dame and Biggs' brother
Who was Hip-Hop brother, who was No I.D. friend
No I.D. my mentor, now let the story begin, begin
Let the story begin (story begin)
If you feel the way I feel, why don't you wave your hands?
Fresh off the plane, I'm off to Baseline
Nothin' handed out, I'm 'bout to take mine
'Round the same time of that Blueprint 1
And these beats in my pocket was that blueprint for him
I'd play my little songs in that old back room
He'd bob his head and say, "Damn, oh, that's you?"
But by The Black Album, I was blackin' out
Party at S.O.B.'s and we had packed the crowd
Big brother got a show up in Madison Square
And I'm like, "Yeah, yeah, we gon' be there," but
Not only did I not get a chance to spit it
Carline told me I could buy two tickets
I guess big brother was thinkin' a little different
And kept little brother at bay, at a distance
But everything that I felt was more bogus
Only made me more focused, only wrote more potent
Only thing I wanna know is why I get looked over
I guess I'll understand when I get more older
Big brother saw me at the bottom of the totem
Now I'm on the top and everybody on the scrotum
My big brother was B.I.G.'s brother
Used to be Dame and Biggs' brother
Who was Hip-Hop brother, who was No I.D. friend
No I.D. my mentor, now let the story begin, begin
Let the story begin
If you feel the way I feel why don't you wave your hands?
Have you ever walked in the shadow of a giant?
Not only a client, the Presidito, hola, Hovito
The game gettin' foul so here's a free throw
I was always on the other side of the peephole
Then I dropped "Jesus Walks" now I'm on the steeple
And we know "New Jack City" got to keep my brother
But to be number one I'ma beat my brother
On that "Diamonds (Remix)" I swore I spazzed
Then my big brother came through and kicked my ass
Sibling rivalry, only I could see
It was the pride in me that was drivin' me
At the Grammys I said, "I inspired me"
But my big brother who I always tried to be
When I kicked a flow it was like pick-and-roll
'Cause even if he gave me the rock, it's give-and-go
I guess Beanie's style was more of a slam dunk
And my shit was more like a finger roll
But I had them singles though
And them hoes at the show gonna mingle, yo, heh, y'all know
I told Jay I did a song with Coldplay
Next thing I know he got a song with Coldplay
Back in my mind I'm like, "Damn, no way"
Translate, español, "No way, José"
Then I went and told Jay Brown
Shoulda known that was gon' come back around
Shoulda talked to you like a man, shoulda told you first
But I told somebody else and that's what made shit worse
My big brother was B.I.G.'s brother
So here's a few words from ya kid brother
If you admire somebody you should go on 'head tell 'em
People never get the flowers while they can still smell 'em
A idol in my eyes, god of the game
Heart of the City, Roc-a-Fella chain
Never be the same, never be another
Number one, Young Hov, also my big brother
My big brother was B.I.G.'s brother
Used to be Dame and Biggs' brother
Who was Hip-Hop brother, who was No I.D. friend
No I.D., my mentor, and that's where the story ends
Toomp killed this shit
In Big Brother, Kanye West pays homage to Jay-Z, the man he describes as his mentor, big brother and one of the greatest rappers of all time. The song tells the story of Kanye’s rise to fame, from being an up-and-coming rapper to achieving success on his own terms. He expresses his admiration for Jay-Z's talent, and his gratitude for the ways in which Jay-Z has supported him over the years. However, the song also reflects the tensions and rivalries that exist in the music industry, as Kanye struggles with his own desires to surpass his mentor.
The song opens with a reference to "stadium status" - both Jay-Z and Kanye were known for selling out stadiums around the world. Kanye then goes on to describe his relationship with Jay-Z: "My big brother was Big's brother/Used to be Dame and Big's brother/Who was hip hop brother/Who was No I.D friend/No I.D my mentor". He describes how he met Jay-Z, and how he was initially star-struck, standing there "like a mime" and unable to speak to his idol. Despite this, he managed to get Jay-Z to listen to some of his beats, and was eventually signed to Jay-Z's record label.
The rest of the song is essentially a love letter to Jay-Z, with Kanye expressing his admiration for everything that Jay-Z has achieved. He reflects on their relationship and the ways in which it has changed over time, including the moments of tension and rivalry that have emerged between them. Overall, the song is a powerful expression of gratitude and respect, and a reminder of the ways in which even the biggest stars in the music industry need the support of those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Stadium status
Acknowledging the grandiose and successful nature of his work
My big brother was Big's brother
Referring to Jay-Z as his mentor and acknowledging his close relationship with B.I.G.
Used to be Dame and Big's brother
Reminisces about his relationships with Damon Dash and Notorious B.I.G.
Who was hip hop brother
Recognizes Jay-Z as an important figure in the hip hop community
Who was No I.D friend
Mentions the connection between Jay-Z and No I.D., who is also Kanye's mentor
No I.D my mentor
Acknowledges No I.D. as his own musical influence and mentor
Now let the story begin
Introducing the theme of the song as Kanye's journey in the music industry
Its the hard knock life tour
Referring to his experience touring with Jay-Z in the early 2000s
Sell out, picture us in the mall
Reflecting on the commercial success of the duo and the lifestyle that came with it
Copin iceberg and yell out Jigga
Shouting out Jay-Z and referencing their expensive taste in clothing
You know the name, do gotta spell out or tell bout
Observing the fame that comes with their status as hip hop icons
J a y an Ye so shy
Admitting their quiet and reserved personalities
Now he won't even step to his idol to say hi
Reflecting on a missed opportunity to meet an idol
Standing there like a mime and let the chance pass by
Feeling regretful for not speaking up when given the chance
Back of my mind he could change your life
Believing that meeting Jay-Z could have a huge impact on his career
With all these beats I did at least let him hear it
Describing his willingness to share his music with Jay-Z
At least you could brag to your friends back at the gig
Acknowledging the excitement that would come from Jay-Z acknowledging his music
But he got me out my mama crib
Recognizing Jay-Z's role in his success as an artist
Then he help me get my mama a crib
Thanking Jay-Z for the opportunities and financial stability he has provided
Begin
Reiterating the start of his journey and career
If you feel the way I feel why don't you wave your hands
Encouraging the audience to participate and feel the same emotions
Fresh off the plane I'm off to Baseline
Discussing a trip to Jay-Z's studio in New York City
Nothing handed out, I'm about to take mine
Describing his determination to succeed on his own merit
Around the same time of that Blueprint 1
Referencing the release of Jay-Z's album as a point in time
And these beats in my pocket was that blueprint for him
Describing his role in producing music for Jay-Z's album
He would bob his head and say, damn, oh, that's you
Recalling Jay-Z's reaction to Kanye's music
But by The Black Album I was blacking out
Reflecting on his own success and recognition
Party at S.O.B's and we had packed the crowd
Remembering a time when he performed to a full house
Big brother got his show up in Madison Square
Referring to Jay-Z's performance in the famous New York City venue
But not only did I not get a chance to spit it
Regretting not having the opportunity to perform for Jay-Z at a particular time
Carleen told me I could buy two tickets
Denoting a missed opportunity to attend Jay-Z's show in a helpful manner
And kept little brother at bay, at a distance
Feeling like he was held back from opportunities due to his 'little brother' status
But everything I felt was more bogus
Believing that his negative feelings were unfounded
Only made me more focused, only wrote more potent
Describing how he channeled his emotions into creating better music
Only thing I wanna know is why I get looked over
Questioning why he is not given opportunities despite his success
I guess ill understand when I get more older
Reflecting on the idea that understanding will come with time
Big brother saw me at the bottom of the totem
Acknowledging Jay-Z's initial mentorship when Kanye was still an unknown
Now I'm at the top and everybody on the scrotum
Comparing current success to past hardships and unpopularity
Have you ever walked in the shadow of a giant
Reflecting on the difficulty of trying to succeed alongside a very successful person
Not only a client, the presidito, Hola Hovito
Referring to Jay-Z as a prominent figure in the rap game, using Spanish as a reference to his Puerto Rican heritage
The game getting foul, so here's a free throw
Acknowledging the changing nature of the music industry and his chance to succeed
I was always on the other side of the peep hole
Feeling like he was an outsider in the industry for a long time
Then I dropped Jesus Walks now I'm on a steep hole
Recognizing the impact of his hit song and subsequent rise to fame
New jack city gotta keep my brother
Acknowledging the need to stick together within the rap community
But to be number 1, I'm a beat my brother
Having the desire to become the best, even if it means surpassing Jay-Z's success
On that Diamonds remix I swore I'd spaz
Talking about his eagerness to work on the remix of the song 'Diamonds'
Then my big brother came through and kicked my ass
Surprised and humbled by Jay-Z's rap verse on the song
Sibling rivalry, only I could see
Acknowledging the competitive nature of their relationship
It was the pride in me that was driving me
Realizing that his desire to succeed was motivated by his own pride
At the Grammys I said I inspired me
Referring to a past Grammy Awards ceremony and his acceptance speech
But my big brother who I always tried to be
Recognizing that Jay-Z has always been his role model
When I kick a flow it was like, pick and roll
Comparing his style of rapping to a basketball play
'Cause even if he gave me the rock, its give and go
Allowing himself to be led by Jay-Z despite his competitive spirit
I guess Beanie's style was more of a slam dunk
Referring to fellow Roc-A-Fella rapper Beanie Sigel's more aggressive style of rapping
And my shit was more like a finger roll
Describing his own style of rapping as more smooth and effortless
But I had them singles though
Proud of his commercial success despite any stylistic differences
And them hoes at the show gonna mingle yo
Bringing attention to the groupies and fame that come with success
I told Jay I did a song with Cold Play
Informing Jay-Z about his collaboration with the band Coldplay
Next thing I know he got a song with Cold Play
Feeling like Jay-Z upstaged him by also working with Coldplay
Should of known that was gonna come back around
Realizing that he should have seen the consequences of his actions
Should of told you like a man, should of told you first
Feeling regretful for not being honest about his collaboration with Coldplay to Jay-Z
But I told somebody else and that's what made shit worse
Regretting telling someone else about his collaboration and causing drama
So here's a few words from your kid brother
Addressing Jay-Z directly and affectionately as his 'big brother'
If you admire somebody you should go ahead and tell um
Encouraging people to express admiration for others while they can
People never get the flowers while they could still smell um
Appreciating the importance of acknowledging someone's contributions while they are still alive
A idol in my eyes, God of the game
Referring to Jay-Z as a role model and legend in the music industry
Heart of the city, Rockafella chain
Describing Jay-Z's impact on hip hop and his successful label, Roc-A-Fella Records
Never be the same, never be another
Acknowledging the uniqueness and importance of Jay-Z's influence
Number 1 young Hov also my big brother
Praising Jay-Z as not only a mentor, but also a brother and friend
And that's where the story ends
Closing the song and the story of Kanye's relationship with Jay-Z
Don't kill this shit
Endnote that his relationship with Jay-Z is important and should not be ruined
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Aldrin Davis, Kanye West
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bluethorns6625
What's it take to call your brother
Just to say you miss him and you wish you could spend time
What's so serious that you can't just pick up the phone
Let him know you love him
And that he's been on your mind
Tell him that you need your brother
Ask him how he's doing
And say you've been doing fine
If it comes a point where you just don't know what to say
While you still have him on the line
Just say
We'll be, brothers forever
What happens to one of us, happens to us together
And we'll be, brothers forever
We'll be, brothers forever
Wе'll be, brothers forevеr
We'll be, brothers forever
Sturdy, solid and sturdy, voice of a birdie
Told me, "Just stay determined, she would deter me"
Purdy, pretty and curvy, developed early
Curve me, 'til she finally heard me, and one day she served me
"Hurt me," she just kept yelling "hurt me!
Slap me and choke me and curse me!"
She still got wounds from the nursery
This is the woman who nursed me
Gave me some water I'm thirsty
Gave all her best to the worst me
Showed me my first bit of mercy
Showed me that someone can substitute love for so long that they don't know the difference and sex for her now is a bad anniversary
She want the alley like Kirsty, she don't remember the first me
Someone went into her purse and she just wanna know when they gon' reimburse me
She don't want no one at [?], she don't want no one to court her
She don't want no one to curtsy, you know how people in church be
Callin' her fast but no one'll ask like, "Who the fuck put her at her speed?"
She come with the [?], and all of this happened at thirteen
Sad time getting to you
Last time thats it’s to you
Laugh, I'm going through you
Last chance to confuse us
I almost wanted to type
What if I had missed that flight?
What if I had to [?]
Flew to Paris for a hug
Matter? Don't, when it does
That's what life does
[?]
This above all the drugs
All the times at the clubs
[?] what the fucks
Niggas down with the thugs
Everybody is a thug
We was down with the thugs
We was tryna show love!
When we had the tight jeans
Everybody was a thug
Everybody [?]
Flew to Paris for a hug!
Flew to Paris for a hug
And they must need the love
It was what it was, it is what it is, we up in the this, we all in the this, and all in the this, it couldn't and [?] deal with diss
Words can't describe it, better with tears
Can't understand how I lost so many years
[?] nobody hears
Things we feel that nobody hears
[?] nobody is
[?] like a [?] body rare
[?] ain't nobody real
[?] and I know I ain't feel
Catch little things, nigga might say
They gon', uh, fed me later today
I'm from [?]
[?] on with a [?]
I got on [?]
Why you, why you feel me?
We'll be, brothers forever
What happens to one of us, happens to us together
And we'll be, brothers forever
We'll be, brothers forever
Wе'll be, brothers forevеr
We'll be, brothers forever
@jason_aex
i just went through the toughest break up in my life. every aspect of it was so perfect. i can’t imagine i’ll ever experience such happiness and joy again.
our situations were so perfect yet so indifferent though. she plans to go into my military, i plan to become a film director. two complete different paths.
i guess she thought about it and decided it was best for us to split up. i couldn’t say anything against it, but i just feel so empty now without her.
i just moved into college and my friends back at home and in their own colleges are the reason im able to be stable right now. i miss them so much. i miss her so much too. i wish times could go back.
life is rough man
@itstheman0nthem00n
I’m so sorry for your loss, but you’ve got to keep carrying on from your losses, for him and anyone else you’ve lost. Your true character comes out when you overcome hurdles.
Trust me, I know. My mother had cancer and I took that extremely hard because I’m extremely close to her. I remember her telling me not to cry, but I still went to my room and cried for hours straight, fearing the worst. Luckily she was able to survive (it was only stage 3), but I still feel she was never the same person she was before in terms of mental health. Not long after she was cured, my grandpa left me, who I was also super close to. Watching the coffin getting lowered into the ground is like losing a part of your soul you’ll never get back. I mourned and wept, but I decided I have to move on, because that’s what my grandpa would’ve wanted me to do.
Perseverance is what keeps us going, even through all the bullshit and sadness in our lives. We keep going for ourselves, our families, our friends, because we know there’s light at the end of the tunnel.
I’m so sorry for your best friend, man. It’s such a sad and harsh world out there nowadays. All we can do is push through and try to make the best of it.
I always say to myself, “You play the hand your dealt in life”, and I still live by that. It doesn’t matter what situation I am in or will be in, I’m just gonna make the best of it, because I know that’s what I would want of myself and all the family members and close people I’ve lost or thankfully still have with me would want me to do. Just wanted to share this.
@EliasBrænden
You do realise the reason why you're "drepressed" is because youre CONVINCING yourself that you're depressed?
If you walk on this earth, thankful for living, thankful for having a family, and a mother whose taken care of you through out your intire life, I will PROMISE YOU, it will get better.
Go to a gym, start giving, be happy.
The universe is very giving my friend.
Unless your an adult, you have a limited amount of time left as a teenager.
You'll look at your teen years and regret spending so much time thinking you're depressed.
Let me tell you something.
There are two wolfes, one is in the shadow, and one is in the light, who lives?
The one you feed.
If you feed yourself negative energy, you'll feel sad.
So feed yourself with joy, happiness, and greatful ness, and you will feel like nothing, NOTHING can stop you.
You have a purpose my friend, make your loved ones proud.
Best of luck.
@Shruggi02
anyone thats here thats struggling. just know theres always someone in the world that loves you. sometimes you don’t know who that person is, but thats okay. anyone whos seeing this, i love you. i know you can do this
@Armandote2000
I lost my brother almost a year ago and i miss him so much everyday, that part “we’ll be brothers forever” means too much for me, a brother is such a blessing in life and that’s forever🙏🏻✨🙏🏻✨
@veiyohh
prayers for you and your brother gng. That shits tough to get over.
@callumgregory4829
My best friend died today and this is the most relatable thing I can listen to
@mclennyface2159
Sorry to hear man, keep you head high and make him proud 🕊️
@antd1kbig101
they love you and are always with you
@Contemplatingspider
If I was you man I could never
@paucolome4298
RIP, may god give him a happy afterlife
@PiLLO360
Go on
@e5kw4rd
My brother overdosed on heroin 14 times and this song helped him get clean and he's a competitive bodybuilder now and Ye does not realize how powerful his words are... You saved multiple people in my family just because of your music.. I cry listening to donda most days driving to work and I wouldn't be around if not for this kinda shit.. i stg i thought that shit was so cheesy hearing about other artists but I love this and I don't know what I would be or where I'd be without Kanye