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.
U Know
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh you know
I just want you to know
Kanye: “I just got off the plane Chicago.”
“Its your boy Kanye West on the beat.”
“Eh, White Boy!”
I just want you to know
I just want you to know
(You know)
I just want you to know
This boy here can flow
(You know)
South side up in here
West side up in here
East side up in here
Throw your hands in the air
(You know)
I just want you to know
I just want you to know
(You know)
I just want you to know
This boy here can flow
(You know)
South side up in here
West side up in here
East side up in here
Throw your hands in the air
Kanye: Kanye the best in the game now we got that fact made clear
Kanye West is the name South side up in here
Ya'll niggers stole the show
Ya'll niggers all some clones
Ya'll need to change ya'll tone
Nigger I control the gold
Muthafucker close the door
Light the weed and let the odor blow
Why you keep balling old girl
You ain't been around hoes before?
Why my chain rosy gold?
Why my wrist below zero?
How the hell I know B-Lo?
Why them girls figure no means no?
No means no just as sure as green means go
Green means paper dream team capper
We see ya haters like shorty on the sixes
Ya'll finna see some dead people
Come through your block and egg people
My people ain't scared people
Only fear God, yeah people
Chorus: You know
I just want you to know
I just want you to know
(You know)
I just want you to know
This boy here can flow
(You know)
South side up in here
West side up in here
East side up in here
Throw your hands in the air
White Boy: White Boy back in the mix and I'm in the atmosphere
Caught for presackin the fifth and we got them gats in here
This is not a game (no)
Chris is not a lame (no)
Chi-Town drop the flame (yes!)
White Boy got them thangs
White Boy a hot damn shame
White Boy hot like Mars
Ya'll flow hot like marsh
Ya'll can't stop these bars
White Boy top these charts
White Boy got the ball
Lyrics gon' shock you boy
Chris don't cop them cars
Get a couple foxy broads
Out there shoes, socks, and bra
This is not so hard
Chris gotta Rocky heart
Pimp with the mobster walk
Chris got hostile thoughts
Ya'll better watch it ya'll
Midwest rock you ya'll!
Chorus: You know
I just want you to know
I just want you to know
(You know)
I just want you to know
This boy here can flow
(You know)
South side up in here
West side up in here
East side up in here
Throw your hands in the air
(You know)
I just want you to know
I just want you to know
(You know)
I just want you to know
This boy here can flow
(You know)
South side up in here
West side up in here
East side up in here
Throw your hands in the air
White Boy: Yeah…
Brat prophet
Black gothic
Slash comic
Rats jockin
Fat pockets
Mad hoppin
Crack poppin
Stacks droppin
Can't stop it
Weights knocking
Hate in your face
Watching base
On relate
Gossip facin
I make options
Yeah
Incase I catch a case
gots to pay
Confrontate
Need to break
From this place
Cuz it ain't common (no)
If this ain't the way Kanye
Then its straight colleges
In your veins
Cuz you spent
What you gain
From straight knowledge
I was raised in the street
Praisin my heat
Holdin on my Nextel
Hopin for the next El
Focused on the best sell
Smokin on the fresh El
Posted like Fed Ex mail
Chorus: You know
I just want you to know
I just want you to know
(You know)
I just want you to know
This boy here can flow
(You know)
South side up in here
West side up in here
East side up in here
Throw your hands in the air
(You know)
I just want you to know
I just want you to know
(You know)
I just want you to know
This boy here can flow
(You know)
(Ohhh, Ohhh)
South side up in here
West side up in here
East side up in here
Throw your hands in the air
The lyrics to Kanye West's song "U Know" are primarily focused on self-expression, asserting dominance, and representing one's hometown. The song opens with Kanye West introducing himself and his presence, specifically referencing his hometown of Chicago. The chorus, sung by an unidentified artist, emphasizes the desire to be recognized and acknowledged for one's talent and skills in the rap game. The chorus also mentions different sides of Chicago, implying that their influence and presence are felt across the city.
In Kanye West's verse, he boasts about being the best in the game, establishing his name and influence on the South side of Chicago. He criticizes other artists as clones, suggesting that they lack authenticity and individuality. He points out his own success and control over wealth, juxtaposed with the need to close the door to ensure privacy. Additionally, he questions why women are surprised or impressed by his material possessions, suggesting that he has encountered similar situations before. Kanye also references various symbols of wealth and success, such as his gold chain and below-zero wrist, hinting at his extravagant lifestyle. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of fearing God as the only fear his people have.
In the verse by an artist referred to as White Boy, he claims his place in the music industry, announcing his return and presence in the rap scene. He suggests that he is not to be underestimated and carries a sense of authority, with the mention of guns and flames. White Boy also articulates his own talent and success, comparing himself to the planet Mars, which signifies his hotness and uniqueness in the game. He challenges others to surpass his skills and reach the top of music charts. The verse also carries a strong sense of pride in representing the Midwest and encourages others to pay attention to the talent coming from that region.
The second verse by White Boy continues the theme of self-expression and establishing one's identity. He uses a mix of aggressive and boastful language, highlighting his ability to shock and captivate listeners with his lyrics. He presents himself as a non-conformist, rejecting typical societal norms and stereotypes. With witty wordplay, he addresses the idea of gaining wealth and knowledge, suggesting that Kanye West's way may not align with traditional education but finds value in his experiences growing up in the streets. The verse concludes with references to the urban environment, Nextel phones, and the pursuit of success and elevated status.
Overall, the lyrics of "U Know" focus on asserting dominance, representing urban culture, and expressing individuality within the rap game. The artists highlight their talents, success, and pride in their hometown, aiming to leave a lasting impact on listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
You know
I want to ensure that you are aware
Oh you know
Indeed, you are already aware
I just want you to know
My sole intention is to make sure you are informed
Kanye: “I just got off the plane Chicago.”
As Kanye West, I have recently arrived in Chicago
“Its your boy Kanye West on the beat.”
I, Kanye West, am responsible for the production of this song
“Eh, White Boy!”
Referring to a white individual with familiarity or camaraderie
South side up in here
Representing the south side of Chicago in this context
West side up in here
Representing the west side of Chicago in this context
East side up in here
Representing the east side of Chicago in this context
Throw your hands in the air
Encouraging the audience to raise their hands
Kanye the best in the game now we got that fact made clear
Asserting Kanye West's dominance and superiority in the music industry
Ya'll niggers stole the show
Indicating that other artists have imitated and copied Kanye's style and success
Ya'll niggers all some clones
Referring to the lack of originality and distinctiveness in other artists
Ya'll need to change ya'll tone
Suggesting that other artists should adopt a different approach or style
Nigger I control the gold
Claiming that Kanye has the power and influence in the music industry
Muthafucker close the door
Asking someone to shut the door, possibly to create a private or intimate setting
Light the weed and let the odor blow
Referring to the act of smoking marijuana and enjoying its fragrance
Why you keep balling old girl
Questioning someone's excessive spending or frivolous lifestyle
You ain't been around hoes before?
Suggesting that someone lacks experience or is naïve about certain aspects of life
Why my chain rosy gold?
Questioning the choice of having a rose gold chain
Why my wrist below zero?
Wondering about the extremely low temperature or coolness of his wrist
How the hell I know B-Lo?
Expressing confusion or disbelief about knowing someone named B-Lo
Why them girls figure no means no?
Questioning why certain women do not understand or respect the concept of consent
No means no just as sure as green means go
Stating that the word 'no' has a clear and unequivocal meaning, similar to how 'green' represents permission to proceed
Green means paper dream team capper
Drawing a parallel between the color green representing money and the aspirations of a successful team
We see ya haters like shorty on the sixes
Haters are being spotted or noticed, similar to how someone is observed riding in a vehicle
Ya'll finna see some dead people
Implying that the haters will face severe consequences or be unsuccessful
Come through your block and egg people
Referring to the act of throwing eggs at individuals or causing mischief in a neighborhood
My people ain't scared people
Expressing confidence that his associates or supporters are not easily intimidated
Only fear God, yeah people
Revealing that the only fear or reverence is reserved for God
White Boy back in the mix and I'm in the atmosphere
Referring to the presence of a white individual in the music scene, emphasizing their influence or involvement
Caught for presackin the fifth and we got them gats in here
Being apprehended for possessing a firearm and asserting the presence of weapons in the vicinity
This is not a game (no)
Emphasizing the seriousness or intensity of the situation or circumstances
Chris is not a lame (no)
Asserting that the person named Chris is not inexperienced or lacking skill
Chi-Town drop the flame (yes!)
Acknowledging Chicago's ability to produce incredible talent or music
White Boy got them thangs
Asserting that the white individual possesses weapons or illicit substances
White Boy a hot damn shame
Expressing the notion that the white individual is highly impressive or influential
White Boy hot like Mars
Comparing the white individual's attractiveness or desirability to the planet Mars
Ya'll flow hot like marsh
Referring to the lack of creativity or skill in other artists' lyrical delivery
Ya'll can't stop these bars
Asserting that other artists are incapable of matching or surpassing his lyrical prowess
White Boy top these charts
Implying that the white individual's music dominates or achieves high rankings on music charts
White Boy got the ball
Holding control or power in the music industry
Lyrics gon' shock you boy
Suggesting that his lyrics will astonish or surprise the listeners
Chris don't cop them cars
Stating that Chris avoids purchasing expensive cars
Get a couple foxy broads
Referring to the acquisition of attractive or desirable women
Out there shoes, socks, and bra
Possibly emphasizing a woman's revealing or provocative attire
This is not so hard
Suggesting that his success or achievements are not as difficult as they may appear
Chris gotta Rocky heart
Indicating that Chris has a resilient or tough mindset similar to Rocky Balboa
Pimp with the mobster walk
Describing a confident or swaggering walking style associated with a pimp or mobster
Chris got hostile thoughts
Implying that Chris harbors aggressive or confrontational ideas
Ya'll better watch it ya'll
Warning or cautioning others to be careful or vigilant
Midwest rock you ya'll!
Asserting that the music from the Midwest region will captivate or impress the listeners
Brat prophet
Referring to oneself as a prophetic figure or someone with deep insights
Black gothic
Possibly alluding to a dark or mysterious aesthetic associated with the Gothic subculture
Slash comic
Combining elements of comedy and storytelling, possibly in a satirical manner
Rats jockin
Indicating that rodents or individuals of lower status are imitating or copying
Fat pockets
Referring to having a significant amount of money or wealth
Mad hoppin
Engaging in energetic or lively activities
Crack poppin
Possibly referring to the sound of opening a bottle or the use of narcotics
Stacks droppin
Suggesting that large sums of money are being spent or wasted
Can't stop it
Indicating the unstoppable or relentless nature of something
Weights knocking
Possibly referring to lifting heavy weights or a loud banging sound
Hate in your face
Referring to the presence of animosity or hostility directed towards someone
Watching base
Monitoring or observing the foundation or essence of something
On relate
Being relatable or able to connect with others
Gossip facin
Acknowledging the existence or impact of rumors and gossip
I make options
Creating opportunities or choices through one's actions or decisions
Incase I catch a case
Preparing in the event of being involved in a legal or criminal situation
Gots to pay
Must fulfill financial obligations or settle debts
Confrontate
Possibly a colloquial or creative variation of the word 'confront'
Need to break
Requiring a change or escape from the current circumstances
From this place
Expressing a desire to leave or move away from a specific location or situation
If this ain't the way Kanye
If this way of life or approach does not align with Kanye's beliefs or ideology
Then its straight colleges
Suggesting that pursuing higher education or attending college is the alternative route
In your veins
Symbolizing a deep connection or influence flowing through someone
Cuz you spent
Because you have used or gone through
What you gain
Referring to the benefits or advantages acquired
From straight knowledge
Denoting the wisdom or understanding gained from direct learning and education
I was raised in the street
Indicating a childhood or upbringing in a challenging or urban environment
Praisin my heat
Showing appreciation for one's firearm or personal safety
Holdin on my Nextel
Possibly referring to keeping a Nextel cell phone close at hand or using it frequently
Hopin for the next El
Anticipating the arrival of the next elevated train (El) as a mode of transportation
Focused on the best sell
Prioritizing the task or objective of achieving the highest level of sales or success
Smokin on the fresh El
Engaging in the act of smoking marijuana while riding on the clean or new elevated train (El)
Posted like Fed Ex mail
Positioned or situated in a manner comparable to a securely delivered parcel handled by FedEx
(Ohhh, Ohhh)
Vocalization indicating an emotional or intense expression
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hoodsmoke2141
Still bumping in 2024
@JonTDX
This who topping me off tonight
@Jtstacks1999
😂😂😂😂
@optimaldefiance4605
What does that mean?
@dutchvilletv9587
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🎉
@JonTDX
@@optimaldefiance4605 Search it on YouTube and you will find the artist of this song he does pranks now
@facksvillain2296
Hahaha
@retroesso
You had to be from the city to understand how important this song was!!!!! This and Bump J Move Around played every hour on the hour
@uncaged172
Boy pass me that microphone boy.
@VIRALHEALTH4U
Classic. White boy do comedy pranks now🔥🎥😂