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.

Get 'em High
Kanye West Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm trying to catch the beat, uh
I'm trying to catch the beat
I'm trying to catch the beat, uh, uh, uh
I'm trying to catch the beat

Now, thr-thr-throw your motherfucking hands (get 'em high)
All the girls pass the weed to your motherfucking man (get 'em high)
Now I ain't never tell you to put down your hands (keep 'em high)

And if ya losing yo' high than smoke again (keep 'em high)

N-n-n-now, my flow
Is in the pocket like wallets, I got the bounce like hydrolics
I can't call it, I got the swerve like alcoholics
My freshman year I was going through hell, a problems
Still I, built up the nerve to drop my ass up outta college
My teacher said I's a loser, I told her why don't you kill me
I give a fuck if you feel me, I'm gonna follow
My heart, and if you follow the charts, or to the plaques or the stacks
You ain't gotta guess who's back, you see
I'm so shy that you thought it was bashful but this
Bastard's flow will bash a skull and I will
Cut your girl like Pastor Tro'
And I don't, usually smoke but pass the 'dro
And I won't, give you that money that you asking fo'
Why you think, me and Dame cool, we assholes
That's why we here your music in fast fo'
Cause we don't want to here that weak shit no mo'

Now, thr-thr-throw your motherfucking hands (Get 'em high!)
All the girls pass the weed to your motherfucking man (Get 'em high!)
Now I ain't never tell you to put down your hands (Keep 'em high!)
And if ya losing yo' high than smoke again (Keep 'em high!)

Now now now now now who the hell is this

E-mailing me at 11:26, tellin' me that she 36-26,
Plus double D you know how girls on black planet be when they get bubble E
At NYU but she hail from Kansas,
Right now she just lamping, chilling on campus
Sent me a picture with a feeling on Candice
Who said her favorite rapper was the late great Francis
W-H-I-T, it's getting late mami, your screen saver say tweet
So you got to call me, and bring a friend for my friend
His name Kweli (You mean Talib, lyric sticks to your rib)
I mean (That's my favorite CD that I play at my crib)
I mean (You don't really know him, why is you lying)
Yo Kwe', she don't believe me, please pickup the line
She goin' think that I'm lying, just spit a couple of lines
Then maybe I'll be able to give her dick all the time, and get her high

Yeah, I can't believe this nigga use my name for picking up dimes but
Get 'em high, I need some tracks you trying to pull tracks out
And my rhymes as fitting to blow you trying to blow backs out
Well OK, you twisted my arm, I'll assist with the charm, hey yo
Ain't you meet that chick that got friends with yo moms
And she's the bomb, boy she got the bougie behavior
Always got something to say like a okay playa hater
Anyways, I don't usually fuck with the internet
Or chicks with birth control stuck to they arm like Nicorette
You really fucking that much, you trying to get off cigarettes
And she think it's fly, she ain't met a real nigga yet
I apologize if I come off a little inconsiderate
I got the bubble kush and a sister could get ahead of it

Get em high like noon, or the moon or room filled with smoke
A high filled with dope
Y'all assumed I was doomed, out of tune, but I still feel the notes
With real nigga quotes
Real rappers is hard to find, like a remote, control rap is out of
Used to but still got love, that's why I abuse you who are not thugs
Rock clubs like Tiger, Woods in the hood, to have my own reality show
Called Soul Survivor, I stole all liver, niggas in you
You'se a bitch I got ones that are thicker than you
How could I ever let your words affect me, they say Hip-Hop is dead
I'm here to resurrect me, mug is to sexy to even make songs like these
That's why the raw don't know your name, like Alicia Keys
To many featured emcees, and producers is popular
Twelve thousand spins, nobody got to copping her
Album, how come, you the hot garbager
The years clear your image and looped up
Label got you suped up, telling you you sick
Man you a dick with a loose nut
Video hard to watch like Medusa
Even your club record need a booster
Chimped up, with a pimp cup, illiterate nigga
Read the infa', red across your head I'm bread king like Simba
Bolder then Denver, I ain't a Madd Rapper just a emcee with a temper
You dancing for money like honey, I did this my way
So when the industry crash, I survive like Kanye
Spitting through wires and fires, emcees retiring
Got yo hands up, get them motherfuckers higher then

Now, thr-thr-throw your motherfucking hands (get 'em high)
All the girls pass the weed to your motherfucking man (get 'em high)
Now I ain't never tell you to put down your hands (keep 'em high)
And if ya losing yo' high than smoke again (keep 'em high)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kanye West's song Get 'Em High is a perfect example of the rapper's ability to use witty wordplay while also addressing serious themes in his music. The first verse of the song is all about catching the beat, and this can easily be interpreted as a metaphor for trying to find rhythm in life. Kanye West is essentially saying that he is trying to find his place in the world and catch the beat of life. The chorus of the song, "Get 'em high," can be interpreted in a few different ways. On one level, it is a reference to smoking weed and getting high, but on another, it could be interpreted as a call to action; a call to get people excited, motivated, and inspired.

In the second verse, Kanye West talks about his struggles in college and how he dropped out to pursue music. He also touches on the fact that people didn't believe in him and called him a loser, but he persevered and followed his heart. The third verse of the song introduces another theme, that of trying to pick up girls. Kanye West talks about receiving an email from a girl and trying to impress her by dropping some famous rapper's names. However, the girl doesn't believe him, and he has to spit some rhymes to prove himself.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm trying to catch the beat, uh
I'm attempting to follow and ride the rhythm of the instrumental

Now, thr-thr-throw your motherfucking hands (Get 'em high!)
Put your hands up in excitement and participation

All the girls pass the weed to your motherfucking man (Get 'em high!)
Women, please pass the cannabis to your male partner to escalate your high

Now I ain't never tell you to put down your hands (Keep 'em high!)
Don't lower your hands and keep the energy going strong

And if ya losing yo' high than smoke again (Keep 'em high!)
If you're losing your buzz, take another puff to get elevated once again

My freshman year I was going through hell, a problems
During my first year in college, I was dealing with many unpleasant issues

Still I, built up the nerve to drop my ass up outta college
Despite that, I courageously decided to withdraw from college

My teacher said I's a loser, I told her why don't you kill me
My educator labeled me as a failure, so I sarcastically challenged her to end my life

I give a fuck if you feel me, I'm gonna follow My heart
I honestly don't care if you agree with me or not, I will always prioritize my desires

And if you follow the charts, or to the plaques or the stacks
If you base your success off of charts, awards, or money

You ain't gotta guess who's back, you see
You don't need to wonder who has returned to the music scene

I'm so shy that you thought it was bashful but this Bastard's flow will bash a skull
My introverted persona might lead to the perception of me being timid, but my rap abilities are powerful enough to wreck opponents

And I will Cut your girl like Pastor Tro'
I will smoothly and successfully attract and seduce your significant other

And I don't, usually smoke but pass the 'dro
Typically, I do not consume marijuana but this time, please share it with me

And I won't, give you that money that you asking fo'
I will not provide you with money that you're pleading for

Why you think, me and Dame cool, we assholes
The reason why Damon and I are friendly is that we both embody abrasive personalities

That's why we here your music in fast fo'
That's why, we're in a rush to fast-forward through your music

E-mailing me at 11:26, tellin' me that she 36-26, Plus double D
I received a message at 11:26 PM from a woman disclosing her body measurements

You know how girls on black planet be when they get bubble E At NYU but she hail from Kansas,
You're aware of how women on Black Planet social network act when they become inebriated. This woman is attending NYU but originates from Kansas

Sent me a picture with a feeling on Candice Who said her favorite rapper was the late great Francis
She sent me a photo of herself along with an emotion displayed on her face, and mentioned that her preferred musician is the late Francis

W-H-I-T, it's getting late mami, your screen saver say tweet So you got to call me
It's getting late, my dear, your screen saver alerts you with a tweet, which means it's time to give me a call

And bring a friend for my friend His name Kweli (You mean Talib, lyric sticks to your rib)
Also, please bring along a companion for my buddy whose name is Kweli. (You mean Talib, who is a skilled lyricist)

Yo Kwe', she don't believe me, please pickup the line She goin' think that I'm lying
Hey Kweli, she doesn't trust me, so can you please take the call. She's going to believe that I'm deceiving her

Just spit a couple of lines Then maybe I'll be able to give her dick all the time, and get her high
If you just rap a few bars, maybe I'll be able to have sexual intercourse with her frequently and get her intoxicated

Yeah, I can't believe this nigga use my name for picking up dimes but Get 'em high, I need some tracks
I can't believe this man is using my name to acquire women, but let's focus on elevating the mood with some music

You trying to pull tracks out And my rhymes as fitting to blow you trying to blow backs out
You're attempting to craft excellent instrumentals. Meanwhile, my verses are capable of impressively impacting the listeners

Well OK, you twisted my arm, I'll assist with the charm, hey yo
Fine, you have persuaded me to cooperate with the charisma for the project

Ain't you meet that chick that got friends with yo moms And she's the bomb
Haven't you met the woman that has connections with your mother? She's tremendously attractive

Boy she got the bougie behavior Always got something to say like a okay playa hater
That girl has a snobbish personality and continuously criticizes others like a jealous competitor

Anyways, I don't usually fuck with the internet Or chicks with birth control stuck to they arm like Nicorette
Anyway, I generally don't get intimate with women from the internet, or those who have contraceptive implants in their arms

You really fucking that much, you trying to get off cigarettes And she think it's fly, she ain't met a real nigga yet
You're having intercourse frequently to help stop your cigarette addiction. And she regards it as cool, however, she hasn't encountered a genuine man like myself

I apologize if I come off a little inconsiderate
I'm sorry if I seem rude or inattentive

I got the bubble kush and a sister could get ahead of it
I currently possess high-quality marijuana that could put a woman in a delightful mood

Get em high like noon, or the moon or room filled with smoke A high filled with dope
Let's blaze and become extremely high, similar to the intensity of daylight, the moonlight, or a space full of smoke. An elevated state filled with marijuana smoke

Y'all assumed I was doomed, out of tune, but I still feel the notes With real nigga quotes
Many presumed I was destined for failure, musically off-key, but I still find harmony with authentic observations and declarations

Real rappers is hard to find, like a remote, control rap is out of Used to but still got love, that's why I abuse you who are not thugs
Actual talents in hip-hop are uncommon, difficult to locate, similar to missing remote controls. Those who pretend to be gangsters, I end up exploiting because I still have adoration for the true craft

Rock clubs like Tiger, Woods in the hood, to have my own reality show Called Soul Survivor, I stole all liver, niggas in you You'se a bitch
I perform at nightclubs like Tiger Woods dominates (or used to) at golf, with the purpose of having my own television program named 'Soul Survivor.' I consume all of the competitors, displaying dominance. You are weak

I got ones that are thicker than you
I have paper currency that is more considerable in thickness than you as a person

How could I ever let your words affect me, they say Hip-Hop is dead I'm here to resurrect me
How could I enable your expressions to influence me? Individuals claim that the hip-hop genre is deceased, but I plan to revive and rejuvenate myself and the culture

Mug is to sexy to even make songs like these That's why the raw don't know your name, like Alicia Keys
My face is attractive to create such unrefined tracks like this. That's why those who prefer raw, hard-hitting rap are not familiar with you, similar to the musician Alicia Keys

To many featured emcees, and producers is popular Twelve thousand spins, nobody got to copping her Album, how come, you the hot garbager
Numerous rap artists and popular producers are featured on your tracks, and still your album bounced around 12,000 times, but nobody bought it. Why is it produced as if it is hot garbage?

The years clear your image and looped up Label got you suped up, telling you you sick Man you a dick with a loose nut
As time passes, your persona remains obvious, despite attempts to alter your reputation. Your record company flatters you with praise, falsely suggesting that you have exceptional skills. In reality, you are a foolish person with imbecilic behavior

Video hard to watch like Medusa Even your club record need a booster Chimped up, with a pimp cup, illiterate nigga
Your music video is so horrendous it's like looking at Medusa. Furthermore, your club tracks are so lackluster, they necessitate enhancement. You act like a monkey while holding a cup like a pimp, and you're an uneducated individual

Read the infa', red across your head I'm bread king like Simba Bolder then Denver
I've studied the information located on your forehead, and have discerned it. I'm like a monarch of money, similar to Simba. I'm more courageous than Denver

I ain't a Madd Rapper just a emcee with a temper
I'm not a crazed rapper, but rather an emcee with a strong disposition

You dancing for money like honey, I did this my way
You are performing for monetary compensation like a prostitute, but I create music according to my own preferred style and methods

So when the industry crash, I survive like Kanye Spitting through wires and fires, emcees retiring Got yo hands up, get them motherfuckers higher then
Therefore, if the music industry experiences a downfall, I will persevere, similar to how Kanye West has kept his career thriving. I rap powerfully over various obstacles, sometimes amid controversy, causing competitors to give up. Please put your hands in the air and raise the energy even more

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Kanye Omari West, Talib Kweli Greene

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS