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.

ETERNAL
Kanye West Lyrics

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Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy
Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy

Who am I holding back for

I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy i left em from night
Not to far tonight and hard as pos
And that's the energy

Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy
Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy
Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy
Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy

Cops on a car winner that's a
I stomp I am amenity
Imma go to start change it up
I am to finicky affinity, start sun like a
I am printer b a legend who we finna be

Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possiblе

And that's the energy
Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possiblе
And that's the energy

This son i amto finicky
I got love where it finna be
All where the dentist are like tent like
I got shot like the Kennedy
I pour when, if you killing me i asked

Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy
Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy
Who am I holding back for
I need to go as hard as possible
And that's the energy
Who am I holding back for

Son son tour i got in it
Twist me up twist up something
Get it done get it get stomp something
Get it son, get it uh
Get it long son and everything like uh
Everything wants and I don't want
Everything dumped
Everything back once I get done
Get it lost sun get done, get on

Overall Meaning

In these lyrics, Kanye West seems to be reflecting on his own personal drive and determination. The repetition of the lines "Who am I holding back for, I need to go as hard as possible, and that's the energy" emphasizes his need to push himself to the limit and not hold back for anyone or anything. This can be interpreted as Kanye's way of expressing his relentless pursuit for success and greatness in his career and life.

The mention of "cops on a car winner" could be a metaphorical representation of the challenges or obstacles that Kanye has faced along his journey. However, he remains resilient and determined, using his "amenity" or assertiveness to overcome these challenges and continue moving forward. He is not afraid to change things up or be "finicky" in order to maintain his own creativity and uniqueness. He compares himself to a legend, hinting at his desire to leave a lasting impact and be remembered for his contributions.

The references to being "shot like the Kennedy" and pouring when killing him can be understood as metaphors for the criticisms and controversies that surround Kanye. Despite the negativity or attempts to bring him down, he remains focused, determined, and unapologetic in his pursuit of his goals.

The final set of lyrics seems to capture Kanye's mindset during a tour or performance. He encourages himself to "twist up something" and go all out, putting in the effort and energy to give his best on stage. He aims to leave everything on the line, giving it his all in order to achieve the desired outcome.

Overall, these lyrics depict Kanye West's unwavering determination and commitment to giving his best effort in his career and life, regardless of any challenges or criticisms he may face. It serves as an anthem for self-motivation and not holding back in the pursuit of one's goals and aspirations.

Line by Line Meaning

Who am I holding back for
Who am I restraining myself for?

I need to go as hard as possible
I must exert maximum effort

And that's the energy
That is the drive/motivation

Cops on a car winner, that's a
Police chasing after successful individuals, that represents

I stomp, I am amenity
I am influential and powerful

Imma go to start and change it up
I'll initiate and bring about change

I am too finicky affinity, start sun like a
I have a particular preference and connection, I radiate like the sun

I am printer b a legend who we finna be
I'm shaping my own legacy, becoming a legend

This son I am too finicky
I'm particular about my creations

I got love where it finna be
I possess love where it's bound to manifest

All where the dentist are like tent like
Everywhere I go, the attention is intense