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 Want You
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wrap Your arms around with Your mercy
Lord, I need You to wrap Your arms around me
I give up on doin' things my way
And tell me everything's gonna be alright, oh
When you said give me a ring, you really meant a ring, huh?
Turned out to be more than just a fling, huh?
Who you know spend an hour in Walgreens, huh?
You know you'll always be my favorite prom queen
Even when we in dad shoes, or mom jeans
Too many complaints made it hard for me to think
Would you shut up? I can't hear myself drink
We used to do the freak like seven days a week
It's the best collab since Taco Bell and KFC, uh
Talk to me nicely, don't come at me loud
You had a Benz at sixteen, I could barely afford a Audi
How you gon' try to say sometimes it's not about me?
Man, I don't know what I would do without me
Billionaire sport, step up to the court
They rented a room, we bought the resort
God got me, baby, God got the children
The devil run the playground, but God own the buildin'
Time went silence, a luxury
Cussin' at your baby mama, guess that's why they call it custody
God got us, baby, God got the children
The devil run the playground, but God own the buildin'
Time and space is a luxury
But you came here to show that you still in love with me
Startin' to feel like you ain't been happy for me lately, darlin'
'Member when you used to come around and serenade me, whoa
But I guess it's gone different in a different direction lately
Tryna do the right thing with the freedom that you gave me (Wheezy outta here)
Your gun off safety
Speak first, don't break me
Harsh words, you're angry
Lord, don't take me, oh, oh
Well, Lord, I need You to wrap Your arms around me
Wrap Your arms around with Your mercy
Lord, I need You to wrap Your arms around me
I give up on doin' things my way
And tell me everything's gonna be alright, oh (Wheezy outta here)
In the song Lord I Need You, Kanye West expresses his need for God's love and mercy to be wrapped around him by repeating the refrain "Lord, I need You to wrap Your arms around me." He acknowledges that he has given up on doing things his way and needs reassurance that everything will be alright. This vulnerability and honesty are a powerful contrast to the bravado and self-aggrandizement that are often present in West's music. In the verses, West references his relationship with his wife Kim Kardashian and the ups and downs they have experienced, including disagreements and custody battles. He also mentions the luxuries and material possessions that he and his wife have attained, but recognizes that God ultimately owns everything. The song's message is one of humility and recognition of the need for something greater than oneself.
The song was released on November 29, 2019, along with the rest of Kanye West's ninth studio album, Jesus is King. The album marked a significant departure from West's previous work, as it is a gospel album that focuses on his newfound faith in Christianity. Lord I Need You features the gospel singer and pastor Fred Hammond, who sings the refrain with West. The song was produced by Wheezy, who is known for his work with Lil Wayne and Young Thug.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, Lord, I need You to wrap Your arms around me
The singer is asking for God to comfort and protect them through tough times.
Wrap Your arms around with Your mercy
The singer wants God's love and compassion to surround them during difficult moments.
I give up on doin' things my way
The singer admits that their own choices have not led to success and they are now relying on God's guidance.
And tell me everything's gonna be alright, oh
The artist is looking for reassurance from God that things will get better.
When you said give me a ring, you really meant a ring, huh?
The artist is questioning a partner's intentions and is suggesting that there was a lack of honesty in their relationship.
Turned out to be more than just a fling, huh?
The singer is acknowledging that they underestimated the significance of their relationship with their partner.
Three hours to get back from Palm Springs, huh?
The singer is highlighting the challenges and distance in their relationship with their partner.
Who you know spend an hour in Walgreens, huh?
The artist is suggesting that their partner's behavior is unusual and unconventional.
You know you'll always be my favorite prom queen
The artist is expressing affection and admiration for their partner.
Even when we in dad shoes, or mom jeans
The artist is saying that despite any changes or struggles they may face, they still love their partner.
Too many complaints made it hard for me to think
The singer is saying that excessive criticism from others is making it difficult for them to function.
Would you shut up? I can't hear myself drink
The artist is expressing frustration with others talking too much and hindering their enjoyment of a moment.
We used to do the freak like seven days a week
The singer is reminiscing about a past sexual relationship.
It's the best collab since Taco Bell and KFC, uh
The singer is comparing their relationship to two fast-food chains joining forces, which they believe is a positive thing.
Talk to me nicely, don't come at me loud
The singer is asking to be spoken to in a respectful tone.
You had a Benz at sixteen, I could barely afford a Audi
The artist is comparing their own financial situation to their partner's past wealth and success.
How you gon' try to say sometimes it's not about me?
The artist is suggesting that their partner is not considering their own feelings or needs.
Man, I don't know what I would do without me
The singer is saying that they rely on themselves for support and guidance, rather than their partner.
Billionaire sport, step up to the court
The singer is suggesting that they are successful in their field and can handle any challenges that come their way.
They rented a room, we bought the resort
The artist is saying that they are superior to others because they have more resources and wealth.
God got me, baby, God got the children
The artist believes that God is looking out for them and their loved ones.
The devil run the playground, but God own the buildin'
The artist is saying that despite any negative influences, they have faith that God is in control.
Time went silence, a luxury
The singer is suggesting that they value moments of peace and quiet.
Cussin' at your baby mama, guess that's why they call it custody
The artist is using wordplay to make an insult towards someone else's behavior.
God got us, baby, God got the children
The singer emphasizes their belief that God is taking care of them and their loved ones.
The devil run the playground, but God own the buildin'
The singer is suggesting that any negative experiences have been granted permission by God and that they will prevail through their faith.
Time and space is a luxury
The singer is saying that they value lost time and distance between them and someone else.
But you came here to show that you still in love with me
The artist is expressing surprise that someone has returned to express romantic feelings towards them.
Startin' to feel like you ain't been happy for me lately, darlin'
The artist is sensing that their partner is not content with their current situation or relationship.
'Member when you used to come around and serenade me, whoa
The singer is reminiscing about a past romantic gesture from their partner.
But I guess it's gone different in a different direction lately
The singer is acknowledging that their relationship has changed and is no longer what it once was.
Tryna do the right thing with the freedom that you gave me (Wheezy outta here)
The artist is expressing that they are trying to make good choices with the independence they have been given.
Your gun off safety
The artist is using wordplay to suggest that someone has made a threatening move.
Speak first, don't break me
The artist is asking for communication to be constructive and not hurtful.
Harsh words, you're angry
The singer is saying that someone is speaking negatively out of anger.
Lord, don't take me, oh, oh
The artist is possibly seeking divine protection from the tense situation they are describing.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Ultra Tunes, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Carlos St. John Phillips, Evan Mast, Hector Garcia, Isaac De Boni, Jahmal Gwin, Kanye West, Michael Mule, Wesley Glass
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@caxly_offical
I love how Kanye made a song on himself
@b3lla_bean
fr
@GermarisGod
Fr
@blitzs5786
Fr
@seahawks.szn6
I love how the comment was made 1hr ago and it have 700 likes
@greeninja9402
BROOOOOOOOOOOO
@PookieGtagOfficial
"and when i'm done with you there's gonna be no Kanye's left"
Kanye: I MISS THE OLD KANYE🗣
@GuyOfficiaI
Indeed
@noskxn7290
That is exactly what he said well done
@diceforpresident
Yes we heard.