Never Let You Down
Kanye West feat. Jay-Z & Saul Williams Lyrics

When it comes to being true, at least true to me
I prioritize authenticity and staying true to myself

One thing I found, one thing I found
I've discovered something important

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

Get up, I get down
I face challenges, but I persevere

Yo, first I snatched the streets then I snatched the charts
I dominated both the underground and mainstream music scenes

First I had they ear, now I have their heart
I gained their attention and now I've earned their love and loyalty

Rappers came and went, I've been here from the start
I've witnessed the rise and fall of other artists, but I've remained successful

I seen them put it together, watched them take it apart
I've observed artists build their careers and also witnessed their downfall

Seen the rovers roll up wit ribbons
Luxury cars were flaunted with pride

I seen them repo'd, resold then redriven
I witnessed cars being seized, sold, and then repurchased

So when I reload, he holds number one position
When I release new music, it quickly becomes the top charting song

When you hot I'm hot
When you're successful, I'm also thriving

And when your feet cold, mines is sizzlin'
Even in your lowest moments, I remain strong and successful

It's plain to see, niggas can't fuck with me
It's obvious that no one can compete with my talent and success

'Cause I'm a be that nigga for life
I will always be the respected and influential figure in the music industry

This is not an image, this is God given
My talent and success are not superficial, but gifts from a higher power

This is hard livin', mixed with Cristal sippin'
My journey to success was filled with challenges, but also moments of celebration

It's the most consistent, Hov
I am the most reliable and consistent artist, known as Hov

Give you the most hits you can fit inside a whole disc and
I have delivered a multitude of chart-topping songs throughout my career

Nigga I'm home on these charts, y'all niggas visitin'
The music charts are my domain, while other artists are just temporary visitors

It's Hov tradition, Jeff Gordon of rap
My success and influence in rap music are legendary, like Jeff Gordon in racing

I'm back to claim pole position, holla at ya boy
I've returned to dominate the top position in the music industry, so pay attention

I get down for my grandfather who took my momma
I show respect and gratitude to my grandfather for his sacrifices

Made her sit in that seat where white folks ain't want us to eat
He fought against racial discrimination by ensuring my mother's equal rights

At the tender age of 6 she was arrested for the sit in
My mother was involved in peaceful protests against segregation at a young age

And with that in my blood I was born to be different
My upbringing instilled in me a determination to challenge the status quo

Now niggaz can't make it to ballads to choose leadership
People of color still face barriers in attaining positions of power

But we can make it to Jacob's and to the dealership
We have achieved financial success and can afford luxury items

Swear I hear new music and I just don't be feelin' it
I'm unimpressed with the current state of music

Racisms still alive, they just be concealin' it
Racism still exists, but it's often hidden and not openly acknowledged

But I know they don't want me in the damn club
I understand that certain establishments discriminate against people like me

They even make me show I.D to get inside of Sam's club
Even in seemingly inclusive spaces, I'm subjected to unnecessary scrutiny

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

Swear I've been baptized each 3 or 4 times
I've sought spiritual cleansing multiple times in my life

But in the land where niggas praise Yukons and getting paid
In a society where material possessions and wealth are worshiped

Its goin' take a lot more than coupons to get us saved
Overcoming societal problems and achieving salvation requires more than superficial solutions

Like it take a lot more than durags to get you waves
Success and respect require substantial effort, not just superficial appearances

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

So I promised to Mr. Rany I'm gonna marry your daughter
I made a commitment to marry his daughter and take care of her

And you know I gotta thank you for the way that she was brought up
I express gratitude to him for raising his daughter well

And I know that you were smiling when you see the car I bought her
I'm aware that he would have been happy to see the car I bought for her

You sent tears from heaven when you seen my car get balled up
I believe he shed tears from heaven when my car got wrecked

But I can't complain what the accident did to my left eye
I can't dwell on the consequences the accident had on my physical appearance

'Cause look what an accident did to Left Eye
The tragic accident that took Left Eye's life serves as a reminder of how fragile life is

First Aaliyah, now Romeo must die
The untimely deaths of Aaliyah and other artists are tragic events

I know I got angels watchin' me from the other side
I believe that deceased loved ones are looking out for me

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

You don't need a curriculum to know that you're apart of the math
You don't need formal education to understand your role in the world

Cats think I'm delirious but I'm so damn serious
Others may doubt me, but I'm genuinely committed and focused

That's why I expose my soul to the globe; the world
I share my true self with the world, baring my soul

I'm tryin' to make it better for these little boys and girls
I strive to create a better future for the next generation

I'm not just another individual
I'm unique and have a significant role to play

My spirit is a part of this that's why it's spiritual
My essence is connected to something greater, which is why it's spiritual

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

So it's not me it's he that's lyrical
It's not solely my talent, but the influence of the divine that makes my lyrics powerful

I'm not a miracle, I'm a heaven sent instrument
I'm not a supernatural phenomenon, but rather a vessel with a divine purpose

My rhythmatic regiment navigates melodic notes
My musical style and flow blend harmoniously with captivating melodies

For your soul and your mental
My music is meant to nourish and uplift your soul and mind

That's why I'm instrumental, vibrations is what I'm into
I am an instrument for conveying positive vibrations through my music

Yeah I need my loot by rent day
I need to earn money to pay my bills and expenses

But that ain't what gives me the heart of Kunta Kinte
My motivation stems from a desire for freedom and empowerment, not just financial gain

I'm tryin' to give us us free like Sinke
I aim to liberate and empower my community, inspired by historical figures like Sinke

I can't stop, that's why I'm hot
My drive and determination prevent me from slowing down, which is why I'm successful

Determination, dedication, motivation
I'm fueled by determination, unwavering dedication, and strong motivation

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

When I say I can't let you or self down
I won't allow myself or you to experience disappointment or failure

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

And if you slipped off the side and clinched on to your life
If you were in danger and holding on to life

In my grip I would never ever let you down
I would always hold on and never let go, ensuring your safety

And when these words are found
When these lyrics are discovered

Let it be known that God's penmanship has been signed
Recognize that the divine has influenced and shaped these words

With a language called love
The underlying language and essence of these words is love

That's why my breath is felt by the death
My influence and impact extend beyond the living, reaching even the deceased

And while my words are heard and confined to the ears of the blind
Although my lyrics may be heard, they may not be truly understood by those who lack insight

I too dream in color and in rhyme
Like everyone else, I also have vibrant dreams and poetic aspirations

So I guess I'm one of a kind in a full house
In a world full of people, I stand out as a unique individual

Cause whenever I open my heart, my soul or my mouth
When I express myself openly and honestly, whether through my emotions or words

A touch of god reigns out
A divine essence is revealed and resonates through my actions and words

Who else you know been hot this long
I've maintained a high level of success for an extended period of time

Started from nothing but he got this strong
I began from humble beginnings and yet I've grown tremendously

Built the ROC from a pebble, peddled rock before I met you
I turned a small venture into the successful company known as Roc-A-Fella Records even before we crossed paths

Peddled bikes, got my nephews peddle bikes because they special
I bought bikes for my nephews because they are important to me

Let you tell it man I'm fallin' well
According to what you say, I'm losing my touch

Somebody must have caught him 'cause
But someone must have caught him, implying that the criticism is unwarranted

Every fourth quarter, I like to Mike Jordan 'em
Just like Michael Jordan excelled in the fourth quarter, I thrive under pressure

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

More of them on the way, the 8th wonder on the way
I have more number one albums coming, and the next one will be a remarkable achievement

Clear the way, I'm here to stay
Make room for me, as I am a permanent fixture in the music industry

Y'all can save the chitter chat, this and that
You can stop with the unnecessary gossip and rumors

This is Jay, dissin' Jay will get you Mase'd
This is my true self, and criticizing me will have consequences like it did for Mase

When I start spittin' them lyrics niggas get very religious
When I rap my profound lyrics, it evokes strong reactions and spiritual feelings in people

Six hail Mary's please Father forgive us
People pray and seek forgiveness due to the intensity and impact of my words

Young, the archbishop, the Pope John Paul of y'all niggas
I, as a young artist, hold a position of authority and influence over others like the Pope

They way y'all all follow Jigga
The way everyone follows and imitates my style and decisions

Hov's a livin' legend and I'll tell you why
I am a legendary figure in hip-hop, and I can explain why

Everybody want to be Hov and Hov's still alive
Many aspire to be like me, and I continue to thrive and succeed