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 Can’t Be Life, a track from Jay-Z’s The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. West said he sped up the drum beat of Dr. Dre’s Xxplosive to use as a replacement for his drums on This Can’t 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 Ol’ Dirty Bastard were some of his all-time favorites. Said Kanye West: “Wu-Tang? Me and my friends talk about this all the time… 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.”
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 Beyoncé 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 Beyoncé 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. Kanye’s 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 Kanye’s 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 Grav’s 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, Cam’ron, Paul Wall, Common, Mobb Deep, Jermaine Dupri, Scarface, The Game, Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson and John Legend among others. He also “ghost-produced” for his once mentor Deric Angelettie according to his song Last Call and the credits of Nas’ 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 partnerships—including his collaborations with Adidas, Gap, and Balenciaga—after making antisemitic statements.
I Need 2 Know
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I need to know, you down to do whatever?
Down to get it poppin? Down to get topless, ohh
I need to know, if you about cutting
Or you about frontin, baby I need to know
[Verse 1]
I spent my last 8 checks's on a neck-e-lace
She wanna sip up on the cris-e-cris
Like it's Christ-e-mas and I'm St. Nicholas
I got her and her sister innn
That white benz, dyke twins
I aint gon lie they only fives but together they ten's
And would I do em again? Hmmm, hmmm?
It's like old folks pissin cuz it all depends
And it's no coke sniffin just juice and gin
Grey Goose to get you loose then hit the nigga producing
The track that got you movin, this track got you movin
So crazy you don't know what you doin
You been telling them jokes, and its not a rumor
I like a girl with a sense of humor
To give me head til it ache and it's not a tumor
So let me know what's goin down 'fo I pay for this room cuz
[Chorus x2]
[Verse 2]
Now if you got it you got it
And if you don't then you prolly wont
Sissy niggaz call em maricon
I never hit a lady but my game might abuse em
By em boots just to tell them that I Jimmy Choose em
Take em back to confuse em
So she don't know if she coming or going
Cuz mami after I'm cumming I'm going
Back to show just frontin and flowin
Jewelry stuntin and glowin, this life is something I know it
And I been known to have a hoe or two
Cuz my diamonds yellow like a smoker tooth
I tell em step into the vocal booth
Roll a joint, smoke a few, after that I'm pokin you
After that it's over boo, baby grab your coat and VOOM
[Chorus x2]
[Verse 3]
Now there's three different levels to relationships
Polly'n at the club wit em, talking getting affectionate
Leavin and havin sex with em, kickin them out
Trickin on models, dimes and rats, now I don't get into that
I kick that habit, I just, keep em impressed
Let em seat in the Lex, never, eat em unless
That fuckin cat looks fresh
I got a lion in my pocket, I'm lyin
I got a nine in my pants and baby I'm just dyin for a chance
Who ready to fuck? You ready to fuck? Off the sizzurp
Says she ready to cut, then she grabs my scissors
She prolly look good but what's scary to me
Henny make hoes look like Halle Berry to me
[Chorus x2]
The lyrics of Kanye West's "I Need 2 Know" are filled with sexually suggestive metaphors and innuendos. In the chorus, Kanye is asking his partner if she is down for whatever and if she is willing to get topless. He wants to know if she is ready to have sex with him or just pretending to be interested. He needs to know whether she is about cutting, which could mean either being straightforward and honest or being deceitful and playing games.
In the first verse, Kanye describes how he spent all his money on a necklace, hoping to get some sex in return. He talks about a girl and her sister who are not the most attractive, but together they look like a ten. He also mentions his love for Grey Goose vodka and how it helps you loosen up before engaging in sexual activity. Kanye likes a girl with a sense of humor who can give him oral sex until it aches, and he wants to make sure she is interested before he pays for the hotel room.
In the second verse, Kanye is saying that if you have money and fame, you can have any woman you want. He talks about buying expensive shoes just to impress women, confusing them so they don't know if they are coming or going. He enjoys showing off his wealth and status with expensive jewelry and clothing. Kanye also references his love for smoking weed and having sex with women after smoking a joint. The third verse describes three different levels of relationships, starting from casual hookups at the club to leaving after having sex with someone. Kanye also mentions his attraction to women who look good when they are drunk on Henny, a type of cognac.
Line by Line Meaning
I need to know, you down to do whatever?
Are you willing to do anything and everything with me?
Down to get it poppin? Down to get topless, ohh
Are you willing to engage in sexual activities and get topless?
I need to know, if you about cutting
I need to know if you're honest or lying to me
Or you about frontin, baby I need to know
Are you just pretending to be something you're not?
I spent my last 8 checks's on a neck-e-lace
I spent a lot of money on a necklace
So I better get some sex for this, shiit
I expect to have sexual favors in exchange for my spending
She wanna sip up on the cris-e-cris
She wants to drink champagne
Like it's Christ-e-mas and I'm St. Nicholas
She wants to celebrate like it's Christmas time
I got her and her sister innn
I have two women with me
That white benz, dyke twins
They have a white Mercedes-Benz and act like lesbians
It's like old folks pissin cuz it all depends
It's unpredictable like old people urinating
And it's no coke sniffin just juice and gin
We're not doing cocaine, just drinking juice and gin
Grey Goose to get you loose then hit the nigga producing
Drinking Grey Goose makes you loosen up, and then you want to have sex with the producer
The track that got you movin, this track got you movin
The song has a great beat and makes people dance
So crazy you don't know what you doin
The music is so good, you forget yourself
You been telling them jokes, and its not a rumor
You've been saying funny things and it's true
I like a girl with a sense of humor
I like a girl who can make me laugh
To give me head til it ache and it's not a tumor
I want her to perform oral sex on me until I ache, but not because of a medical condition
So let me know what's goin down 'fo I pay for this room cuz
Tell me what's going to happen before I pay for this hotel room
Now if you got it you got it
If you have money, then you have money
And if you don't then you prolly wont
If you don't have money, you probably won't get it
Sissy niggaz call em maricon
Weak men call others 'faggots'
I never hit a lady but my game might abuse em
I don't physically harm women, but I might manipulate them
By em boots just to tell them that I Jimmy Choose em
I buy boots for them just to let them know I choose them
Take em back to confuse em
I take them back to my place to make them unsure of what's happening
So she don't know if she coming or going
The woman doesn't know what to do
Cuz mami after I'm cumming I'm going
After I orgasm, I will leave
Back to show just frontin and flowin
I'll go back to pretending and showing off
Jewelry stuntin and glowin, this life is something I know it
I love showing off my expensive jewelry to everyone - this is my life
And I been known to have a hoe or two
I have a reputation for having multiple women
Cuz my diamonds yellow like a smoker tooth
My diamonds are yellow, like the teeth of a smoker
I tell em step into the vocal booth
I invite them to the recording studio
Roll a joint, smoke a few, after that I'm pokin you
We'll smoke marijuana, and then have sex
After that it's over boo, baby grab your coat and VOOM
After sex, it's time to leave - get your coat and quickly leave
Now there's three different levels to relationships
Relationships can be categorized into three different levels
Polly'n at the club wit em, talking getting affectionate
Being friendly with someone at the club, getting to know each other and being affectionate
Leavin and havin sex with em, kickin them out
Sleeping with them and then immediately kicking them out
Trickin on models, dimes and rats, now I don't get into that
Spending money on models, beautiful women or unattractive women is not my style
I kick that habit, I just, keep em impressed
I don't waste money on women, I just try to impress them
Let em seat in the Lex, never, eat em unless
Let them sit in my car, but I won't have sex with them unless...
That fuckin cat looks fresh
They look good
I got a lion in my pocket, I'm lyin
I have a gun in my pocket and I'm lying
I got a nine in my pants and baby I'm just dyin for a chance
I have a gun in my pants and I'm ready to use it
Who ready to fuck? You ready to fuck? Off the sizzurp
Who's ready for sex? Are you ready for sex? After drinking sizzurp
Says she ready to cut, then she grabs my scissors
She says she's ready for sex, and then initiates it
She prolly look good but what's scary to me
She probably looks good, but it's concerning to me
Henny make hoes look like Halle Berry to me
The alcohol makes unattractive women look like beautiful actress Halle Berry
[Chorus x2]
Repeating the chorus
Contributed by Gabriel A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
NewChoppa
If your here your music taste is next level
tosin
kanye has more unreleased than released songs 😭
Faisn27
Yea this song Is fire
vando
I know right
Shrimpless Scampi
@EAS, From The West funny…this song came on right after Charles Hamilton’s “Re-Anna”. As far as I know the only sample I’ve heard of Fleetwood Mac in hip-hop.
OriginalXzo
i know
Kevsco Obedience
This hidden gem could easily been 1 of Ye' biggest hits ever!!!
Donel sw
FACTS
Bryan Infante
Definitely. Dude has better unreleased songs than most people have proper hits.
MoneyMullz23
I think this tape is in his top 3 projects. Obviously the sound quality isn't up to par but if it doesn't bug you that much, these are the best samples with the most soul. Plus he's hungry and super down to earth still. Its a hidden master piece