Ye (born Kanye Omari West on June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia), profession… Read Full Bio ↴Ye (born Kanye Omari West on June 8, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia), professionally known as Kanye West, is a Grammy award-winning American rapper, producer, singer, author, director, performance artist and fashion designer.

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.

Never Let Me Down
Kanye West Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When it comes to being true, at least true to me
One thing I found, one thing I found
Oh no you never let me down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down

Get up, I get down

Yo, first I snatched the streets then I snatched the charts
First I had they ear, now I have they heart
Rappers came and went, I've been here from the start
I seen them put it together, watched them take it apart
Seen the rovers roll up with ribbons
I seen them repo'd, resold then re-driven
So when I reload, he holds number one position
When you hot I'm hot
And when your feet cold, mines is sizzlin'
It's plain to see, niggas can't fuck with me
'Cause I'm a be that nigga for life
This is not an image, this is God given
This is hard livin', mixed with Cristal sippin'
It's the most consistent, Hov
Give you the most hits you can fit inside a whole disc and
Nigga I'm home on these charts, y'all niggas visitin'
It's Hov tradition, Jeff Gordon of rap
I'm back to claim pole position, holla at ya boy

Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down

I get down for my grandfather who took my momma
Made her sit in that seat where white folks ain't want us to eat
At the tender age of six she was arrested for the sit-ins
And with that in my blood I was born to be different
Now niggas can't make it to ballots to choose leadership
But we can make it to Jacob's and to the dealership
That's why I hear new music and I just don't be feelin' it
Racism still alive, they just be concealin' it
But I know they don't want me in the damn club
They even make me show ID to get inside of Sam's club
I done did dirt and went to church to get my hands scrubbed
Swear I've been baptized each three or four times
But in the land where niggas praise Yukons and getting paid
Its goin' take a lot more than coupons to get us saved
Like it take a lot more than du-rags to get you waves
Nothing sad as that day my girl father past away
So I promised to Mr. Rainey I'm gonna marry your daughter
And you know I gotta thank you for the way that she was brought up
And I know that you was smiling when you seen the car I bought her
And you sent tears from heaven when you seen my car get balled up
But I can't complain what the accident did to my left eye
'Cause look what an accident did to Left Eye
First Aaliyah, now Romeo must die
I know I got angels watchin' me from the other side

When it comes to being true, at least true to me
One thing I found, one thing I found
Oh no you never let me down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down
Get up, I get down

We are all here for a reason on a particular path
You don't need a curriculum to know that you a apart of the math
Cats think I'm delirious but I'm so damn serious
That's why I expose my soul to the globe, the world
I'm tryin' to make it better for these little boys and girls
I'm not just another individual
My spirit is a part of this that's why I get spiritual
But I get my hymns from Him
So it's not me it's He that's lyrical
I'm not a miracle, I'm a heaven sent instrument
My rhythmatic regiment navigates melodic notes
For your soul and your mental
That's why I'm instrumental, vibrations is what I'm into
Yeah I need my loot by rent day
But that ain't what gives me the heart of Kunta Kinte
I'm tryin' to give us us free like Sinke
I can't stop, that's why I'm hot
Determination, dedication, motivation
I'm talking to you of my many inspirations
When I say I can't let you or self down
If I were on the highest cliff, on the highest riff
And you slipped off the side and clinched on to your life
In my grip I would never ever let you down
And when these words are found
Let it be known that God's penmanship has been signed
With a language called love
That's why my breath is felt by the death
And while my words are heard and confined to the ears of the blind
I too dream in color and in rhyme
So I guess I'm one of a kind in a full house
'Cause whenever I open my heart, my soul or my mouth
A touch of God reigns out

When it comes to being true, at least true to me
One thing I found, one thing I found
Oh no you never let me down
Get up, I get
Get up, I get
Get up, I get
Get up, I get
Get up, I get
Get up, I get down

Who else you know been hot this long
Started from nothing but he got this strong
Built the Roc from a pebble, peddled rock before I met you
Peddled bikes, got my nephews peddle bikes because they special
Let you tell it man I'm fallin' well
Somebody must have caught him 'cause
Every fourth quarter, I like to Mike Jordan 'em
Number one albums what I got, like four of 'em
More of them on the way, the eighth wonder on the way
Clear the way, I'm here to stay
Y'all can save the chitter chat, this and that
This is Jay, dissin' Jay will get you Mase'd
When I start spittin' them lyrics niggas get very religious
Six hail Mary's please Father forgive us
Young, the archbishop, the Pope John Paul of y'all niggas
They way y'all all follow Jigga

Hov's a livin' legend and I'll tell you why
Everybody want to be Hov and Hov's still alive

Overall Meaning

"Never Let Me Down" by Kanye West is a song about being true to oneself and to others, standing up for what one believes in no matter the obstacles. The chorus declares "Oh no you never let me down" suggesting that the person being spoken to has always been a rock, a foundation, for the singer. The verses are rap solos by Kanye West and Jay-Z, who share their experiences and point of view on life. Kanye West's solo talks about his grandfather's experience with racism and how that influence made him want to be different and fight against racism. He shares his dream of wanting to make the world a better place for the little boys and girls of the world. Jay-Z's solo highlights his achievements in the music industry, comparing himself to Michael Jordan and speaking about his legendary status. The song ends with Kanye West repeating the chorus, and thanking the person who never let him down, God.

One interesting fact about "Never Let Me Down" is that it features Jay-Z performing one of his most famous verses. The verse, where he lyrically destroys his haters, has been called one of the greatest rap verses of all time. Another interesting fact is that Kanye West originally wanted Jay-Z to have the last verse of the song, but Jay-Z insisted that Kanye close the track with his verse. "Never Let Me Down" also features background vocals by J.Ivy, who performed a spoken word piece at the Def Poetry Jam TV show, impressing Kanye West and leading to their collaboration. The song was initially not included on Kanye West's first album "The College Dropout," but was added later when he found a way to clear the sample of the 1973 song "We Almost Lost Detroit" by Gil Scott-Heron. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2005, but lost to Jay-Z's "99 Problems."

Chords: Gb // Abmaj7 // E maj7 // Abmaj7 // Dbmaj7 // Ebmin7 // Gb // Abmaj7 // E maj7 // Abmaj7

Line by Line Meaning

When it comes to being true, at least true to me
Being authentic and genuine is important to me

One thing I found, one thing I found
I have discovered something valuable

Oh no you never let me down
You have always been reliable and supportive

Get up, I get down
I face challenges and obstacles, but I keep persevering

Yo, first I snatched the streets then I snatched the charts
I gained success in both the underground and mainstream music scenes

First I had they ear, now I have they heart
People initially paid attention to my music, but now they truly feel it

Rappers came and went, I've been here from the start
Many other rappers have come and gone, but I have stayed true to my craft

I seen them put it together, watched them take it apart
I have witnessed others build their careers and then ruin them

Seen the rovers roll up with ribbons
I have witnessed luxury cars arrive with celebratory decor

I seen them repo'd, resold then re-driven
I have seen those cars repossessed, sold to new owners, and driven again

So when I reload, he holds number one position
Whenever I release new music, it quickly reaches the top of the charts

When you hot I’m hot
When you are successful, I am also successful

And when your feet cold, mines is sizzlin'
Even when you are struggling, I am thriving

It's plain to see, niggas can't fuck with me
It is evident that no one can compete with me

'Cause I'm a be that nigga for life
I will always maintain my status and influence in the industry

This is not an image, this is God given
My talent and success are not superficial, but divine

This is hard livin', mixed with Cristal sippin'
My life is a combination of struggle and luxury

It's the most consistent, Hov
I am the most consistently successful artist, known as Hov

Give you the most hits you can fit inside a whole disc and
I have produced the greatest number of hit songs that can fill an entire album

Nigga I'm home on these charts, y'all niggas visitin'
I am consistently dominating the charts while others only briefly succeed

It's Hov tradition, Jeff Gordon of rap
Being at the top of the game is a tradition for me, like Jeff Gordon in racing

I'm back to claim pole position, holla at ya boy
I have returned to reclaim the top spot, so pay attention to me

I get down for my grandfather who took my momma
I take action to honor my grandfather who fought for my family

Made her sit in that seat where white folks ain't want us to eat
He made her sit in a seat where racial segregation was not allowed

At the tender age of six she was arrested for the sit-ins
My mother was arrested at a young age for participating in civil rights sit-ins

And with that in my blood I was born to be different
Because of my family's history, I was destined to stand out from the crowd

Now niggas can't make it to ballots to choose leadership
Many people in my community are unable to vote and have a say in politics

But we can make it to Jacob's and to the dealership
We may face obstacles in society, but we can still achieve material success

That's why I hear new music and I just don't be feelin' it
I often find it difficult to connect with new music because it lacks authenticity

Racism still alive, they just be concealin' it
Although racism may be less overt, it still exists and is often hidden

But I know they don't want me in the damn club
I am aware that some establishments do not want me as a patron

They even make me show ID to get inside of Sam's club
I am subjected to additional scrutiny and obstacles even in everyday situations

I done did dirt and went to church to get my hands scrubbed
I have made mistakes but sought redemption through religion

Swear I've been baptized each three or four times
I have undergone spiritual cleansing rituals multiple times

But in the land where niggas praise Yukons and getting paid
In a society where material wealth is highly valued

Its goin' take a lot more than coupons to get us saved
We need more than mere discounts or bargains to improve our situation

Like it take a lot more than du-rags to get you waves
Just as it takes more than a fashion accessory to achieve success

Nothing sad as that day my girl father past away
The day my girlfriend's father died was a deeply sorrowful moment

So I promised to Mr. Rainey I'm gonna marry your daughter
I made a commitment to marry his daughter and honor his memory

And you know I gotta thank you for the way that she was brought up
I am grateful to her father for raising her well

And I know that you was smiling when you seen the car I bought her
I believe her father would have been happy to see the car I purchased for her

And you sent tears from heaven when you seen my car get balled up
I believe her father shed tears from heaven when he witnessed my car accident

But I can't complain what the accident did to my left eye
Although the accident caused damage to my left eye, I won't dwell on the negative

'Cause look what an accident did to Left Eye
Left Eye, from the group TLC, also experienced an accident that had tragic consequences

First Aaliyah, now Romeo must die
The untimely deaths of Aaliyah and Romeo (in the movie) serve as reminders of mortality

I know I got angels watchin' me from the other side
I believe I have spiritual guardians looking out for me

We are all here for a reason on a particular path
Each of us has a unique purpose and direction in life

You don't need a curriculum to know that you a apart of the math
You don't need formal education to understand your significance and role in the grand scheme

Cats think I'm delirious but I'm so damn serious
Some people may view me as crazy, but I am incredibly focused and dedicated

That's why I expose my soul to the globe, the world
I share my deepest emotions and thoughts with the world

I'm tryin' to make it better for these little boys and girls
I am striving to create a better world for the younger generation

I'm not just another individual
I am not ordinary or unremarkable

My spirit is a part of this, that's why I get spiritual
My essence is connected to something greater, which is why I am introspective and seek spiritual understanding

But I get my hymns from Him
I draw inspiration and guidance from a higher power

So it's not me it’s He that's lyrical
The credit for my lyrical ability should be attributed to God

I'm not a miracle, I'm a heaven sent instrument
I am not miraculous, but I am a vessel through which divine purpose is expressed

My rhythmatic regiment navigates melodic notes
I use my rhythmic and melodic skills to create music

For your soul and your mental
My music is intended to resonate with and uplift your soul and mental state

That's why I'm instrumental, vibrations is what I'm into
I love the power of music to create positive vibrations and energy

Yeah I need my loot by rent day
I need to earn money to cover my expenses

But that ain't what gives me the heart of Kunta Kinte
Money is not what fuels my determination and resilience

I'm tryin' to give us us free like Sinke
I am striving for liberation and freedom for myself and my community

I can't stop, that's why I'm hot
My unstoppable drive is what makes me successful

Determination, dedication, motivation
I am fueled by my determination, dedication, and motivation

I'm talking to you of my many inspirations
I am sharing with you the sources of inspiration in my life

When I say I can't let you or self down
I am expressing my commitment to not disappoint others or myself

If I were on the highest cliff, on the highest riff
Even in the most challenging and precarious situations

And you slipped off the side and clinched on to your life
If you were hanging on the edge, desperately trying to hold on to life

In my grip I would never ever let you down
I would use all my strength and determination to prevent you from falling

And when these words are found
When someone discovers these lyrics

Let it be known that God's penmanship has been signed
It should be recognized that God's hand was involved in creating these words

With a language called love
The expression of love is present throughout the lyrics

That's why my breath is felt by the death
The impact and influence of my words extend even to those who have passed away

And while my words are heard and confined to the ears of the blind
My message reaches and resonates with those who may be spiritually blind

I too dream in color and in rhyme
My dreams are vivid, artistic, and filled with vibrant imagery

So I guess I'm one of a kind in a full house
In a world filled with many people, I am unique and stand out

'Cause whenever I open my heart, my soul or my mouth
Whenever I express my thoughts and emotions openly

A touch of God reigns out
The presence and influence of God is evident

Who else you know been hot this long
Do you know anyone else who has remained successful for as long as I have?

Started from nothing but he got this strong
I began with nothing but have become incredibly resilient and successful

Built the Roc from a pebble, peddled rock before I met you
I created an empire from humble beginnings, selling drugs before I achieved fame

Peddled bikes, got my nephews peddle bikes because they special
I provided bikes for my nephews as a way to show them they are important

Let you tell it man I'm fallin' well
According to what others may say, I am losing my success

Somebody must have caught him 'cause
Someone must have saved me because

Every fourth quarter, I like to Mike Jordan 'em
During critical moments, I excel and perform like Michael Jordan

Number one albums what I got, like four of 'em
I have achieved multiple number one albums

More of them on the way, the eighth wonder on the way
I have even more successful albums coming, surpassing expectations

Clear the way, I'm here to stay
Make space for me because I am here for the long haul

Y'all can save the chitter chat, this and that
You can keep your gossip and idle conversation

This is Jay, dissin' Jay will get you Mase'd
This is me, Jay-Z, warning that criticizing me will lead to negative consequences like what happened to Mase

When I start spittin' them lyrics niggas get very religious
When I rap my verses, it evokes strong emotions and reactions in listeners

Six hail Mary's please Father forgive us
People start saying prayers to seek forgiveness for their sins

Young, the archbishop, the Pope John Paul of y'all niggas
I am a respected and influential figure among my peers

They way y'all all follow Jigga
Everyone in the industry tries to emulate and imitate me

Hov's a livin' legend and I'll tell you why
I am a legendary figure who will explain the reasons

Everybody want to be Hov and Hov's still alive
Everyone desires to be like me, and I am still thriving

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: James Richardson, Michael Bolton, Shawn C. Carter, Bruce Kulick, Kanye West

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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