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.
Can
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Will you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
I got that gold stuff stuck on my back
I got that now I can't get that back
I got that gold stuff stuck on my back
I got that now I can't get that back
¿Cómo eres? Subale
Come on in I'm super paid
Song for song I'm due by day
Just got off now I'm suitless
Watch how you talk to me
Now I need y'all to hear this
I need a 100 racks
That's just my talking fee
Just playin'
I'm just sayin' a lotta niggas
Ain't been lost as me
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Will you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
I got that gold stuff stuck on my back
I got that now I can't get that back
I got that gold stuff stuck on my back
I got that now I can't get that back
I caught a wave
Caught more air than Super Dave
Call Aaliyah, I'm super paid
Jet lag, and tryna recuperate
Just got off the flight from Budapest
Don't need Khaled, just say "you the best!"
You the type of nigga to shop at Uniqlo
Just found out my father-in-law unisex
Running out of money, running into debt
Running from bill collectors, I ain't pay them yet
Shit you did, with no matter how rich you get
And even more, depending on the bitch you get
I be getting worried for my niggas getting married, seriously
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Will you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
Can you be? (way up)
I got that gold stuff stuck on my back
I got that now I can't get that back
In "Can't Tell Me Nothing (Remix)" by Kanye West ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes, the lyrics describe the struggles that come with fame and fortune. Kanye talks about how he had a dream of buying his way into heaven but instead spent the money on a necklace, which shows how he gives into materialism. He also mentions that with more money comes more pressure and scrutiny, which causes him to act more recklessly. Despite his situation, Kanye emphasizes that he won't be changed by his circumstances and that no one can tell him anything until he gets his money right.
The chorus "Wait 'til I get my money right" is about the importance of financial stability in achieving one's goals and dreams. Kanye believes that once he can get his finances in order, he will be unstoppable and no one can tell him anything. This idea of financial success as a ticket to power and freedom is a recurring theme in hip hop.
Overall, the song is about the struggle to stay grounded and true to oneself amidst the temptations and pressures of fame and wealth. It's a reminder that even though money can bring happiness, it can also bring challenges and stress.
Line by Line Meaning
La la la la
A carefree expression to show contentment and confidence
Wait 'til I get my money right
I'm not going to stop until I have achieved financial success
I had a dream I could buy my way to heaven
I used to think money could solve all my problems, even getting into heaven
When I awoke I spent that on a necklace
But in reality, my obsession with money led me to waste it on frivolous things like a fancy necklace
I told God I'd be back in a second
I made promises to God, but they took a backseat to my desire for wealth
Man, it's so hard not to act reckless
It's tough to resist the temptation to act recklessly with all this money coming in
To whom much is given, much is tested
When you have a lot, you're expected to be responsible and accountable for it
Get arrested, guess until he get the message
Even if I get arrested, I'll keep pushing the boundaries and testing the limits
I feel the pressure, under more scrutiny
I feel the pressure to constantly prove myself under the watchful eye of the public and media
And what'd I do? Act more stupidly
Instead of rising to the occasion and making wise decisions, I often act foolishly and impulsively
Bought more jewelry, More Louis V.
I thought buying more material possessions would bring me happiness and fulfillment, but it only left me feeling empty
My mama couldn't get through to me
Even my own mother couldn't convince me to change my ways and prioritize what's truly important
The drama, people suing me
I'm constantly dealing with drama and lawsuits because of my actions and behavior
I'm on T.V. talking like it's just you and me
When I'm on television, I try to convey a personal and intimate connection with my audience
I'm just saying how I feel, man
I express myself honestly and authentically, regardless of the consequences or backlash
I ain't one of the Cosby's, I ain't go to Hillman
I came from a different background and upbringing than the characters in those popular TV shows
I guess the money should've changed them
People expected that I would be different or changed after achieving financial success, but I'm still the same person
I guess I should've forgot where I came from
Instead of staying true to my roots and values, I lost sight of what really matters in life
Then you can't tell me nothing right?
Once I have achieved financial success, no one can tell me what to do or how to live my life
Excuse me, is you saying something?
I'm ready to defend myself if someone has a problem with me
Uh, uh, you can't tell me nothing
I'm confident in my abilities and my worth, and no one can shake that
Let up the suicide doors
I'm going to enjoy the freedom and luxury that comes with wealth
This is my life homie, you decide yours
I'm living my life on my own terms, you have to do the same for yourself
I know that Jesus died for us
I believe in a higher power and its impact on my life
But I couldn't tell you who decide wars
When it comes to the decisions made in this world, I don't have all the answers
So I parallel double-parked that motherfucker sideways
I'm breaking the rules and taking risks, even with something as simple as parking
Old folks talking 'bout back in my day
I'm tired of hearing older generations reminisce about the past
But homie, this is my day
This is my time to shine and make my mark on the world
Class started two hours ago, oh, am I late?
I'm always running late and behind schedule because I'm busy chasing success
No I already graduated
I've already achieved success, so I don't need to follow the traditional rules and conventions
And you can live through anything if Magic made it
If Magic Johnson could survive HIV, I can overcome any obstacle in my life
They say I talk with so much emphasis
People criticize me for being overly expressive and dramatic
Ooh, they so sensitive
They can't handle my boldness and confidence
Don't ever fix your lips like collagen
Don't try to imitate or replicate my style or persona
Then say something where you gon' end up apolog'in
Because if you criticize or challenge me, you're going to regret it later
Let me know if it's a problem then
If you have an issue with me, speak up and let me know
A'ight man, holla then
If you don't have anything important to say, then leave me alone
Let the champagne splash
I'm celebrating my success and enjoying the finer things in life
Let that man get cash, let that man get past
Let me do what I need to do to achieve financial success and move forward with my life
You don't need to stop to get gas
I'm unstoppable and won't let anything slow me down or stand in my way
If he can move through the rumors, he can drive off fumes
I can keep going even if people spread rumors or lies about me
'Cause how he move in a room full of No's?
I know how to stay positive and motivated even in the face of rejection or negativity
How he stay faithful in a room full of hoes?
I can resist temptation and stay committed to my values even in a room full of distractions or temptations
Must be the pharoahs, he in tune with his soul
My spiritual connection and self-awareness give me the strength and resilience to overcome any challenge
So when he buried in a tomb full of gold
Even if I die with all my wealth and possessions, they won't matter because what truly matters is the impact I've had on the world
Treasure, what's your pleasure?
I'm asking what people truly value and treasure in their lives
Life is a, uh, depending how you dress her
Your life is what you make of it, and it depends on how you approach it
So if the devil wear prada, Adam, Eve wear nada
Even if other people are wrapped up in material possessions or wealth, I stay grounded and focused on what really matters
I'm in between, but way more fresher
I'm a unique individual who doesn't conform to one particular stereotype or style
But way less effort, cause when you try hard
I don't have to try too hard to be myself and stand out
That's when you die hard
In fact, sometimes trying too hard can be detrimental to your well-being and success
Ya'll homies lookin' like "why God?"
My friends and acquaintances are perplexed by my success or dedication to my craft
When they reminisce over you, my God
But even if they don't understand, I know that my actions and legacy will be remembered and celebrated long after I'm gone
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kanye West, Scott Mescudi, Aubrey Graham, Jacques Webster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@solenzo2006
Welcome to this world YE
Who all things are under control
All the media all the theatre all the banks
Zionist is everywhere since a long time
Keep it real bro
You are à legend who speak with your heart
FREEDOM
@TehSwanny
One of his best songs.
@RisKDzR
lol
@Guhsteh
Plix It is though.
@cedricrubingisa2943
Fuck yeah swan.
@dudenamedluke
water is wet bitch
@Moveement
swan you ugly shit i agree
@Gianno_
One of the best instrumentals ever made.
@ckvanniekerk1527
.
@ckvanniekerk1527
lol, about as much as you are deluded
@Gianno_
CK van Niekerk Meh, whatever your opinion you don't go saying "YOU FUCKING SERIOUS BITCH, THIS MIGHT BE GOOD FOR A RAP SONG, BUT ANYWHERE ELSE THIS SOUNDS AUTISTIC" to someone just for having a different opinion to you. Go outside and get some social skills.