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.
MTV VMA 2007
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Especially to say this year i came here to
Present my new video, but before that
I'ma talk now later tonight, "Famous" might
Lose to Beyoncé, but I can't be mad I'm
Always wishing for Beyoncé to win, so
You know! But for people to understand
Just how blessed we are itWas an expression of our now
Our fame right now
Us on the inside of the TV you know
Just to put the
Audacity to put Anna Wintour right next
To Donald Trump i mean, like, i put Ray J in
There, bruh! This is fame, bro! Like i see
You, Amber! My wife is a G
Not a lot of people's wives would let
'em say that! We came over in the same boat
Now we all in the same bed
Well maybe different boats
But you know if you think
About it, last week, it
Was 22 people murdered in
Chicago you know, like, people
Come to me like, "Man, that's right!
Tell Taylor to" Bro, like
I love all y'all! That's why
I called her! So
I was speaking at the Art Institute
Last year and one kid
Came up to me and said
"Three of my friends died and
I don't know if I'm
Gonna be the next" And it has to
You know when you're a senior
And it's like the
Last month and you just don't feel like
Doing anymore work? If you feel like you're
Seeing people dying right next to you
You might feel like what's the
Point? You know, like, life could be, like
Start to feel
Worthless in a way i know times for me, i
Sit down and talk to older, rich people
You know - aka white - and uh, they tell me
"Don't compare yourself to Steve Jobs
Don't compare yourself to Walt Disney"
And my friend Sekaya told me - ayy, bruh
Bruh!
They tell me, "Don't compare
Yourself to these people
" right? My friend Sekaya
Told me it's three keys to keeping
People impoverished: taking away
Their esteem, taking away
Their resources
And taking away their role models my
Role models are Artists Merchants it's
Less than 10 I can name in
History truman, Ford, Hughes, Disney, Jobs
West
(Audience cheer) Bro! Broooo!
Tonight, we're here to have fun i'm
Standing in front of my
Idol, Puff Daddy i'm standing in
Front of my wife, kim
Kardashian West i'm standing in front of
The future, Chance The Rapper
2 Chainz, Jaden Smith bro! We
Are undeniably the influence
The thought leaders i'm gonna play
Y'all a piece of my
Art and I hope y'all have a good time
In these lyrics from Kanye West's song "MTV VMA 2007," Kanye starts by expressing his excitement and gratitude about being at the MTV Video Music Awards to present his new video. He acknowledges the possibility of his video "Famous" losing to Beyoncé, but states that he would be happy for her to win because he admires her. He then delves into a reflection on fame and the unpredictable nature of success in the entertainment industry. Kanye discusses the bold juxtaposition of figures like Anna Wintour and Donald Trump in his work, highlighting the concept of fame and the societal fascination with it. He mentions his own wife, Kim Kardashian West, and praises her strength and support, emphasizing their journey from common origins to a shared spotlight.
As the lyrics progress, Kanye touches on the harsh realities of life, referencing the violence in Chicago and personal encounters with the struggles of others. He mentions a conversation with a young person who expressed concerns about their future and the impact of witnessing tragedy. Through these anecdotes, Kanye challenges the audience to consider the fragility of life and the importance of empathy. He recalls advice from older individuals cautioning him against comparing himself to iconic figures like Steve Jobs and Walt Disney, emphasizing the need for self-worth and individuality amid societal pressures. The mention of a friend named Sekaya serves as a reminder of the influence of personal connections in shaping one's perspective.
Continuing with the theme of empowerment and influence, Kanye shifts the focus to the concept of role models and the impact they have on society. He lists notable figures like Truman, Ford, Hughes, Disney, and Jobs as his role models, emphasizing their entrepreneurial spirit and cultural significance. The audience's enthusiastic response reflects Kanye's conviction in his message and the importance of recognizing one's influences. He pays homage to his idols, including Puff Daddy and his wife Kim Kardashian West, positioning them as sources of inspiration and support in his creative journey. The mention of emerging artists like Chance The Rapper, 2 Chainz, and Jaden Smith underscores Kanye's belief in the power of artistic expression and cultural leadership.
In the closing lines of the lyrics, Kanye invites the audience to immerse themselves in his art and encourages them to enjoy the moment. Through his words, Kanye positions himself as a visionary and a provocateur, challenging norms and embracing the complexities of fame and creativity. The references to personal experiences, societal issues, and artistic influences weave together a narrative of self-discovery and resilience. Kanye's introspective musings and bold declarations underscore his multifaceted persona as an artist, a thinker, and a cultural icon, inviting listeners to ponder the interconnectedness of fame, influence, and individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
I am Kanye West, and that feels really great
I proudly declare my identity as Kanye West, embracing the confidence and significance it brings.
Especially to say this year I came here to
This year, there's a sense of purpose in my presence at this event.
Present my new video, but before that
I am excited to showcase my latest video, but I have important thoughts to share first.
I'ma talk now later tonight, 'Famous' might
I plan to speak up now, although there's a possibility that my song 'Famous' won't win an award tonight.
Lose to Beyoncé, but I can't be mad I'm
Even if it loses to Beyoncé, I won't be upset because I greatly respect her.
Always wishing for Beyoncé to win, so
I genuinely want her to succeed in her career as reflected in my support for her.
You know! But for people to understand
This is a reminder for everyone listening to comprehend the deeper implications.
Just how blessed we are it
We need to recognize the importance of our collective achievements and privileges.
Was an expression of our now
Our current experiences and acknowledgments are manifestations of our present lives.
Our fame right now
This moment captures the essence of our recognition and prominence in society.
Us on the inside of the TV you know
We are the stars that audiences see on their screens, influencing culture and trends.
Just to put the
To illustrate a point.
Audacity to put Anna Wintour right next
It takes boldness to place influential figures like Anna Wintour alongside others in the spotlight.
To Donald Trump i mean, like, i put Ray J in
Highlighting the contrast and absurdity of including various personalities in the same conversation.
There, bruh! This is fame, bro! Like i see
This is a bold statement on what fame looks like in modern society—diverse and unpredictable.
You, Amber! My wife is a G
Shouting out to Amber, acknowledging the strength and empowerment of my partner.
Not a lot of people's wives would let 'em say that!
Recognizing that not everyone has a supportive relationship where open expression is encouraged.
We came over in the same boat
We share similar struggles and experiences, symbolizing a common journey.
Now we all in the same bed
Despite differences in our paths, we find ourselves in a comparable situation now.
Well maybe different boats
Acknowledging that while we may have differing backgrounds, we're still united in experience.
But you know if you think
Consider this perspective seriously.
About it, last week, it
Reflecting on a serious event that occurred recently, which weighs heavily on the community.
Was 22 people murdered in Chicago you know, like, people
There's a tragic reality of violence that affects lives on a daily basis.
Come to me like, 'Man, that's right!
People approach me seeking acknowledgment of these harsh truths.
Tell Taylor to' Bro, like
Indicating how some expect me to speak out against others in the industry.
I love all y'all! That's why
Despite any controversies, my fundamental message is one of love and support for everyone.
I called her! So
I reached out personally to address any misunderstandings directly.
I was speaking at the Art Institute
Reflecting on an impactful moment when I engaged with youth through art.
Last year and one kid
Connecting with a young person who shared his hardship with me.
Came up to me and said
He bravely expressed his feelings of fear and helplessness regarding his life.
'Three of my friends died and
His reality is marred by tragedy, as he has experienced the loss of friends.
I don't know if I'm gonna be the next'
He feels a real threat to his own life, emphasizing the precariousness of his situation.
And it has to
It's crucial for us to acknowledge these fears in our dialogue.
You know, you have to think like
Consider how young people process their environment and circumstances.
You know when you're a senior
When nearing a major life transition, many begin to question their motivations.
And it's like the last month and you just don't feel like
Approaching the end of a chapter can lead to feelings of despair and indifference.
Doing anymore work? If you feel like you're
A sense of futility can emerge, making hard work seem pointless.
Seeing people dying right next to you
Experiencing loss firsthand amplifies feelings of hopelessness.
You might feel like what's the point?
In life-threatening environments, motivation can dissipate rapidly.
You know, like, life could be, like
The struggle of finding meaning in life becomes increasingly difficult under such stress.
Start to feel worthless in a way i know times for me, i
Personal reflections reveal how pressure can lead to feelings of inadequacy.
Sit down and talk to older, rich people
Conversations with privileged individuals often leave me questioning my own path.
You know - aka white - and uh, they tell me
Confronting the reality of privilege in advice often shared by affluent individuals.
'Don't compare yourself to Steve Jobs
They encourage me to avoid measuring my success against iconic figures.
Don't compare yourself to Walt Disney'
Seeking to protect me from unrealistic expectations of success.
And my friend Sekaya told me - ayy, bruh
A friend shared a valuable insight that resonates deeply with me.
Bruh!
Expressing a moment of connection and realization.
They tell me, 'Don't compare
Reiterating the caution given to me about comparisons.
Yourself to these people'
They emphasize the unique nature of each individual's journey.
Right? My friend Sekaya
Seeking affirmation of the wisdom shared with me by my friend.
Told me it's three keys to keeping
Sekaya identified specific tactics that contribute to continued disenfranchisement.
People impoverished: taking away
The ongoing process of oppression can stem from limiting essential elements of life.
Their esteem, taking away
Diminishing self-worth is a central method of maintaining control.
Their resources
Restricting access to essential tools and means for success.
And taking away their role models my
Removing figures to look up to further traps individuals in cycles of poverty.
Role models are Artists Merchants
I find inspiration in creative and entrepreneurial figures who shaped history.
It's less than 10 I can name in
There are only a handful of influential figures I consider as mentors.
History Truman, Ford, Hughes, Disney, Jobs
Highlighting a select few who paved the way before me, resonating the importance of their legacy.
West
I affirm my place within this lineage of impactful figures.
(Audience cheer) Bro! Broooo!
Acknowledging the crowd’s excitement and support for this important dialogue.
Tonight, we're here to have fun I'm
Let’s remember that this gathering is also about celebration and enjoyment.
Standing in front of my idol, Puff Daddy
I am honored to be in the presence of someone I deeply admire in the music industry.
I'm standing in front of my wife, kim
Proud to be beside my partner, who represents a significant part of my life.
Kardashian West I'm standing in front of
The combination of our identities symbolizes our shared journey.
The future, Chance The Rapper
Recognizing the emerging talent who represents hope and innovation in music.
2 Chainz, Jaden Smith bro!
Celebrating fellow artists who are shaping the currents of culture.
We are undeniably the influence
Together, we represent a powerful wave of change and creativity.
The thought leaders I'm
We are at the forefront of ideas and creativity that will shape the future.
Gonna play y'all a piece of my
I’m excited to share my work as a genuine expression of my artistry.
Art and I hope y'all have a good time
I genuinely wish for everyone to enjoy this moment and appreciate the creative journey.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@caivsivlivs
what is the deal with this cover and late registration///graduation?
@kang8324
Damn, where did ya get this from?
@BigWilt2000
Kang Right
@wallacetorrieri6435
Whats he saying,I cant anderstand
@tstar99
that's how i feel, they suck. and helped crush Rock music for ignorance.
@tstar99
MTV sucks they are for made musicians and ignore the titans of music