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.
Welcome to the World
Kanye West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayy, Ye
Why don't you let me welcome these niggas to the world they ain't welcome to
You understand?
It bring me great pleasure to welcome the real and banish the fake
No big mouth that hold cake, fag, bait-ass niggas allowed
But to everybody else
To the world of (world of)
Fast money, fast cars, big diamond rings
Chief chains and the girls of (girls of)
Fake smiles, broken hearts and if you lookin' (what?)
For your real love (real love)
You wont find it here
Yeah, if you lookin' for your real love (what? who?)
Well goodnight my dear
Ooh, if you lookin' for real love
Don't come around here
Ooh, if you lookin' for real love
It ain't here my dear
Mm-mm
Move on
It's my pleasure to welcome you to the world of
Fast money, flashy cars, big guns
Undone, threw away for the love of
The game, I don't need a chain or the fame, still shine
Spend time with the girls of
Fake smiles, broken hearts tryin' hard in the club lookin' for
Her real love
You won't find it here
All I got is hard dick and conversation for you
I was just high, even lyin' when I say I love you
My mind sayin' it want both
I just wanna fuck you, her too
Blowin' loud, smellin' like a Bubba Kush perfume
She comin' home with me, she finna meet her doom
She ain't sayin' I'm the greatest finna change her tune
The coldest and the hottest call me December June
Deliver euphoria straight to your room
I hit that ass, and I wait, I zoom
Make it rain nonstop call me young typhoon
Top spot already filled up, no room
Thought I would put some paper in your purse so soon?
Well wrong she is and mistaken she was
Tip broke, never heard no such thin' of
I'll fuck you up, don't touch me cuh
Just trust me bruh, it must be
Li-li-li-livin' my dreams don't wake me up
Yo-yo-you fake it 'til you make it, must suck
All of the-the-the haters hate us for the flav' of the paper
Tha-tha-that's why I cant love my neighbors
D-d-d-dangerous, stomp, kick, cut you
If you ain't welcome in my world, bitch, fuck you
D-d-d-dangerous, stomp, kick, cut you
If you ain't welcome in my world, bitch, fuck you
I would like to welcome you
To the world of (world of)
Fast money, fast cars, big diamond rings
Chief chains and the girls of (girls of)
Fake smiles, broken hearts and if you lookin' (what?)
For your real love (real love)
You wont find it here
Yeah, if you lookin' for your real love (what? who?)
Well goodnight my dear
Ooh, if you lookin' for real love
Don't come around here
Ooh, if you lookin' for real love
It ain't here my dear
Mm-mm
Move on
I would like to welcome you to the world of
Fake bitches no love, what the fuck you take me for?
Show love, I hate haters in the club
You must not really know where I come from
Exactly where my heart or you would never, never, never
Ugh, where do I start?
People ask me shit about Illuminati
First off, fuck that mean?
He loved Jesus when he, he, he was worse off
Oh, I see, when they, think a nigga is, stupid rich
People just start comin' up with stupid shit
Man, shit I could never predict
Hold up, let me hit you with this
Rollin' in a Bugatti with fo' chains is some foolishness
Yeah, yeah, that'd be the shit
They'd rather see a nigga locked up, why?
For stupid shit
Look how they did my nigga Tip
Soon as Wayne get out, Tip go in
Wonder why the nigga wanna make the clip go in?
Wonder why it so hard when it get goin'?
Hold ya head my niggas the system is
Made to make niggas fall
Made to make niggas fail
Uh, especially if you ball
They don't take niggas well (hell nah)
Nah, you cant come through flyin' in a, in a Bentley shinin'
I'm in the back, backseat drivin'
Screamin' on a nigga like I'm actually drivin'
Welcome you
To the world of (world of)
Fast money, fast cars, big diamond rings
Chief chains and the girls of (girls of)
Fake smiles, broken hearts and if you lookin' (what?)
For your real love (real love)
You wont find it here
Yeah, if you lookin' for your real love (what? who?)
Well goodnight my dear
Ooh, if you lookin' for real love
Don't come around here
Ooh, if you lookin' for real love
It ain't here my dear
Mm-mm
Move on
The opening line of Kanye West’s song “Welcome to the World” featuring Kid Cudi and TI is a statement of power. Kanye states, “Why don’t you let me welcome these n****s to the world they ain’t welcome to, you understand?” This establishes the tone of the song, which focuses on welcoming the real and banishing the fake. The track goes on to describe the world of fast money, cars, big diamond rings, chains, and fake smiles. The song warns against looking for real love in this world, telling the listener that they won’t find it.
The lyrics touch on a range of topics such as feeling powerful, struggling with inner conflict, and speaking out against people who fake their wealth or status. At one point, Kanye touches on the subject of the Illuminati, rapping, “People ask me shit about Illuminati, first off, what the fuck is that mean?” This line shows how the rapper feels about the subject, while reflecting a broader theme of questioning authority and being true to oneself.
Overall, “Welcome to the World” is a song about entering a glitzy world that doesn't always lead to happiness. It is a chaotic place, but the song’s chorus encourages people to move on, suggesting that they may find real love somewhere else.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Acknowledgement and agreement.
Ayy, Ye
Addressing Kanye West.
Why don't you let me welcome these n****s to the world they ain't welcome to
Requesting permission to introduce people to the true reality.
You understand?
Checking for comprehension.
It bring me great pleasure to welcome the real and banish the fake
Enjoys revealing the truth and excluding falsehood.
No big mouth that hold cake, fag, bait-ass n****s allowed
Excludes those who brag, use slurs, or manipulate others.
But to everybody else
Addressing the rest of the audience.
I would like to welcome you
Offers a friendly greeting.
To the world of (world of)
Introducing the reality of the world.
Fast money, fast cars, big diamond rings
The world values wealth, luxury, and status symbols.
Chief chains and the girls of (girls of)
Describing additional objects of desire and wealth.
Fake smiles, broken hearts and if you lookin' (what?)
Reveals the emotional toll and pain caused by the world.
For your real love (real love)
It is often difficult to find genuine, reciprocating love in this world.
You wont find it here
Discourages searching for real love in this setting.
Yeah, if you lookin' for your real love (what? who?)
Reiterating the lack of genuine love in this environment.
Well goodnight my dear
Wishing those seeking love a peaceful rest and offering sympathy.
Ooh, if you lookin' for real love
Cautioning against searching in a place that does not value love.
Don't come around here
Further discouragement against seeking love in this world.
It ain't here my dear
Confirms that this world is not conducive to finding genuine love.
Mm-mm
Emphasizes the previous statements.
Move on
Encourages leaving this world for a better environment.
It's my pleasure to welcome you to the world of
Introduces a different perspective on the world.
Fast money, flashy cars, big guns
This is still a world of wealth, power, and materialism.
Undone, threw away for the love of
One may easily lose oneself in pursuit of these things.
The game, I don't need a chain or the fame, still shine
Does not rely on material possessions or attention to make an impact.
Spend time with the girls of
Describes another desirable object in this realm.
Fake smiles, broken hearts tryin' hard in the club lookin' for
People still suffer emotional pain and search for happiness in this world.
Her real love
People still yearn for genuine love.
You won't find it here
Reiterates the difficulty in finding real love in this place.
All I got is hard dick and conversation for you
Rather than promising love or wealth, offers honesty and companionship.
I was just high, even lyin' when I say I love you
Admits to previous dishonesty fueled by intoxication.
My mind sayin' it want both
Is conflicted between physical desire and emotional connection.
I just wanna fuck you, her too
Is upfront and honest about sexual desires.
Blowin' loud, smellin' like a Bubba Kush perfume
Describes the use of marijuana to enhance pleasure.
She comin' home with me, she finna meet her doom
Plans to engage in sexual activity with this person.
She ain't sayin' I'm the greatest finna change her tune
Does not expect affection or admiration after the encounter.
The coldest and the hottest call me December June
Believes to be both charming and cool.
Deliver euphoria straight to your room
Promises to satisfy physical desires.
I hit that ass, and I wait, I zoom
Describes the act of engaging in sex.
Make it rain nonstop call me young typhoon
Boasts about financial success and being a generous patron.
Top spot already filled up, no room
Acknowledges fierce competition for material success.
Thought I would put some paper in your purse so soon?
Asks if the promise of financial gain was expected and appreciated.
Well wrong she is and mistaken she was
Indicates that the expectation was incorrect and implies that she was used.
Tip broke, never heard no such thin' of
Denies knowledge of any financial promise or obligation.
I'll fuck you up, don't touch me cuh
Defensive statement indicating physical aggression if provoked.
Just trust me bruh, it must be
Encourages trusting despite previous questionable actions.
Li-li-li-livin' my dreams don't wake me up
Celebrates attaining personal success.
Yo-yo-you fake it 'til you make it, must suck
Believes that pretending to be successful or confident is cowardly.
All of the-the-the haters hate us for the flav' of the paper
Acknowledges that envy and resentment stem from financial success.
Tha-tha-that's why I cant love my neighbors
Suggests that one cannot trust or befriend those who resent financial success.
D-d-d-dangerous, stomp, kick, cut you
Threatens physical violence against those who pose a danger.
If you ain't welcome in my world, bitch, fuck you
Excludes and dismisses those who do not fit into this world.
I would like to welcome you to the world of
Introduces another world.
Fake bitches no love, what the fuck you take me for?
Rejects false displays of affection and questions the listener's intentions.
Show love, I hate haters in the club
Encourages kindness and condemns negativity.
You must not really know where I come from
Suggests that the listener does not understand the harsh reality of the artist's past.
Exactly where my heart or you would never, never, never
Implies that one would need to understand the artist's past to comprehend their current mindset.
Ugh, where do I start?
Expresses frustration with attempting to explain oneself.
People ask me shit about Illuminati
Acknowledges that people ask about conspiracy theories regarding secret societies.
First off, fuck that mean?
Rejects the relevance and validity of such theories.
He loved Jesus when he, he, he was worse off
Reveals that faith and religion played a role in overcoming adversity.
Oh, I see, when they, think a nigga is, stupid rich
Believes that conspiracy theories arise when people become envious of wealth.
People just start comin' up with stupid shit
Convinced that conspiracy theories lack any basis in reality.
Man, shit I could never predict
Expresses disbelief and puzzlement at the bizarre theories.
Hold up, let me hit you with this
Pausing to offer a new explanation or point of view.
Rollin' in a Bugatti with fo' chains is some foolishness
Believes that flaunting wealth and materialism is unnecessary and detrimental.
Yeah, yeah, that'd be the shit
Agrees that such behavior may be considered impressive, but maintains it is unwise.
They'd rather see a nigga locked up, why?
Asks why some people punish or imprison those who succeed.
For stupid shit
Suggests that people may be punished for trivial or unjust reasons.
Look how they did my nigga Tip
Refers to a specific experience of seeing someone punished unjustly.
Soon as Wayne get out, Tip go in
Denounces the system's tendency to imprison or punish successful Black men.
Wonder why the nigga wanna make the clip go in?
Asks why some people become violent or aggressive in response to the system's oppression.
Wonder why it so hard when it get goin'?
Questions why success seems to be met with such resistance and obstacles.
Hold ya head my n****s the system is
Offers words of encouragement and support in the face of systemic oppression.
Made to make n****s fall
Suggests that the system aims to prevent and discourage Black success.
Made to make n****s fail
Reiterates the message that success is difficult under the current oppressive system.
Uh, especially if you ball
Suggests that success and wealth bring added difficulties and hardships in the system.
They don't take n****s well (hell nah)
Acknowledges that the system discriminates against Black people and responds poorly to their success.
Nah, you cant come through flyin' in a, in a Bentley shinin'
Explains that even flashy luxury items may invite suspicion or discrimination.
I'm in the back, backseat drivin'
Suggests that even those who attain success may still be subjected to unequal treatment.
Screamin' on a n**** like I'm actually drivin'
Expresses frustration and anger at being treated unfairly despite success.
Welcome you
Concludes by welcoming one to these two different worlds.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Clifford Joseph Harris, Dexter Mills, Kanye Omari West, Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@friendswitdadealer
One of the greatest collabs in Hip Hop history.
@JFlawd
And they're still sleeping on this 2 years after your comment!! 😴😴
@J972M
@@JFlawd And they're STILL sleeping on this 5 months after your comment 😴😴
@MASTERofCTHULHUx
Ti entire no mercy was fire! Rap died shortly after this.
@handolo1266
@@J972M goddammit, here we are July 5th 2022..... STILL SLEEP! SMH🤦🏾♂️😤
@TheMarkoPoloProgram
Kids these days won't understand how amazing this song was and still is.
@gebsus
Certified classic and this album was heavily slept on
@SickeyLegg
I understand! -Sickey Legg
@MrCrayz2
These days!
@marcusmcgraw3519
@@gebsus the song was a classic but the album was horrible aside from a few tracks
It was supposed to be King Uncaged until TI’s stupid ass got arrested yet again. They had to half the album after, and it showed in the quality of tracks. This track was a classic and the exception rather than the rule for this album