On July 18, 2020, Kanye tweeted a tentative tracklist for Donda that contained “Tell the Vision,” however, following the release of Faith, the second posthumous album released by Pop Smoke’s label, Ye still wanted to pay tribute to him.
The song was premiered on July 22, 2021, during the Donda live stream event.
The distorted effect on Pop’s vocals simulates an electronic voice phenomenon, where people communicate with the dead through sounds found on electronic recordings, acting as a posthumous self-reflection on his success from the grave.
Tell the Vision
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We made it
We made it
We made it (grrt, woo, bah)
We made it, we made it (woo)
We made it (woo)
Thank God that I made it (grrt, bah)
Look, mama, I made it (grrt)
Look, I remember the days, same fit for a week straight
I used to eat fifty-cent cake, now it's Philippe's
It's Philippe's for the steak
Buy it, I don't care what it cost
And I always keep a pole
I did a hundred on a pro
If you droppin' a woo, we come where you live
Glock 9, infrared, pull up and empty the clip
Dread had the strap all summer
In the Floss movin' reckless
Do not play with me, yeah, I keep a K with me
We made it (grrt, woo)
We made it, we made it (woo)
We made it (woo)
Thank God that I made it
In Kanye West's song 'Tell the Vision,' featuring the late rapper DMX, the chorus is a repetition of the phrase 'We made it.' This phrase is a resounding declaration of achievement and success, and it has a dual meaning in the context of the song. On one hand, it could be interpreted as a proclamation of victory, a nod to the rappers' triumphant music careers. On the other hand, it could also be seen as a reflection of their personal journeys in the music industry, as both have faced significant challenges and overcome obstacles to make it to this point.
The verses in the song reveal a gritty and raw depiction of life, one that is often marked by struggle and pain. Kanye West raps about his humble beginnings, reminiscing about days when he could only afford a fifty-cent cake. He contrasts this with his current lifestyle, where he can now afford to dine at a high-end restaurant like Philippe's. However, despite the abundance of wealth and excess, he remains vigilant and prepared, keeping a firearm with him at all times.
In the final verse, DMX takes over to deliver a powerful and poignant verse. He speaks about the dangers of the streets, and the ways in which he has had to navigate his way through them. He raps about the need to protect oneself, and how he has always kept a gun at arm's reach. However, he also acknowledges the role that faith has played in his life, thanking God for his resilience and perseverance.
Overall, 'Tell the Vision' is a song that captures the essence of the rap genre, both in terms of its boastful bravado and its stark depictions of reality. Through its lyrics, it highlights the struggles and triumphs of two impactful rappers, proving that even in the face of adversity, perseverance and hard work can yield great rewards.
Line by Line Meaning
We made it
Celebrating success and accomplishments with self-assurance.
We made it (grrt, woo, bah)
Proud and exuberant about overcoming odds and winning against difficulties.
We made it, we made it (woo)
Savoring the taste of success by repeating the phrase and reveling in its meaning.
Thank God that I made it (grrt, bah)
Giving thanks and showing gratitude to a higher power for reaching success.
Look, mama, I made it (grrt)
Making a triumphant announcement to his mother to acknowledge and share his success with her.
Look, I remember the days, same fit for a week straight
Reflecting on past struggles and hardships, and realizing how far he's come since then.
I used to eat fifty-cent cake, now it's Philippe's
Contrasting his previous impoverished diet to his current upscale taste in food, indicating a significant improvement in his life.
It's Philippe's for the steak
Showing off his newfound wealth and ability to indulge in expensive meals.
Buy it, I don't care what it cost
Unapologetically spending or splurging on what he wants without regard for the price tag.
And I always keep a pole
Emphasizing his need and preparedness for self-defense in potentially dangerous situations.
I did a hundred on a pro
Boasting about his fast driving skills.
If you droppin' a woo, we come where you live
Warning others that if they challenge him or his group, they will take action against them.
Glock 9, infrared, pull up and empty the clip
Detailing the types of weapons and force they are willing to use as means of protection or retaliation.
Dread had the strap all summer
Referring to his associate's possession of a firearm throughout the season, implying constant preparedness for any situation.
In the Floss movin' reckless
Engaging in risky or daring behavior in the Floss area (a neighborhood in LA) with little regard for consequences.
Do not play with me, yeah, I keep a K with me
Issuing a stern warning to anyone who might think of challenging or disrespecting him, as he is ready and armed with a Kalashnikov rifle at all times.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Angie Martinez, Jalil Peraza, Luke Doyley, Ricardo Lamarre, Samuel Jackson, Steven William Victor, Terrence Thornton, Thomas Anthony Whitfield, Bashar Barakah Jackson, Isaac De Boni, Jahmal Desmond Gwin, Kanye Omari West, Malik Yusef El Shabbaz Jones, Mar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Xenoslyce
Out of every song ever made, this is definitely one of them
Domic
This definitely the most song of the decade 🔥🔥
Something IGuess
Underrated comment
Sincerely, John
Facts 💪
Pellude
Genuinely this is a song
Iron Mike
This is definitely a song 🔥💯
Alex
This is easily Kanye's best song. The lyricism, flow, production, his undeniable creativeness and proneness to push boundaries - truly a work of art.
GI S
Ever? No sir. Not even the best on this album, hello!?
Anuj March
@GI S It's a joke bruv...
William
@GI S ON GOOODDDD I LOVE THIS SONG