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.

Gone )
kanye west Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wished I had told, was the only one (uh-oh)
But it's too late, it's too late
She's gone

You sweat her, and I ain't talkin' 'bout a Coogi
You a big L, and I ain't talkin 'bout Cool J
See me at the airport, at least twenty Louis
Treat me like the Prince and this my sweet brother Numpsay

Brother Numpsay! Groupies sound too choosy
Take 'em to the show and talk all through the movies
Says she want diamonds, I took her to Ruby Tuesdays
If we up in Friday's, I still have it my way

Too late, we gone, we strivin' home
Gone, I ride on chrome
It's too late

Y'all don't want no prob' from me
What you rappers could get is a job from me
Maybe you could be my intern, and in turn
I'll show you how I cook up summer, in the winter
Aaron love the raw dog, when will he learn
Caught somethin' on the Usher tour he had to "Let it Burn"
Plus he already got three chil'run
Arguin' over babysitters like, "Bitch, it's yo' turn!"
Damn 'Ye, it'd be stupid to ditch you
Even your superficial raps is super official
Are-are-are-Roc pastel with Gucci on
With TV's in the ride, throw a movie on
Said he couldn't rap now he at the top with doobie long
Cause the dookie's on any song that they threw me on, gone

We strivin home, gone
I ride on chrome
We strivin' home, gone
Killa, I ride on chrome

Knock knock, who's there
Killa Cam, Killa who
Killa Cam, hustler, grinder, gorilla true
Oh my chinchilla blue, blue you ever dealt with a dealer
Well here's the deal ma we goin' to the dealer
No concealin', no ceiling I don't need a roof
Act up, get out, I don't need you poof
Poof, be gone, damn tough luck dag
Dag, niggas still doin' puff puff pass
Pull the truck up fast and I tell 'em
Hey, back in a touched up Jag, shit
Y'all niggas want Killa Cam, cerebellum
An old man just goin' tell 'em (Too late, he, gone)
Then I see how y'all gonna react when I'm (Gone)
My last girl want me back then I'm on
Fine stay, you got the grind hey
Came back, read what the sign say (Too late, he, gone)
Yes I know you want to see my demise
Yeah you church boy actin' like a thief in disguise
Ain't leavin' my side, see the greed in my eyes
Ask Abby y'all hustle for a week to the Chi, shit
And that ain't leavin' alive, please believe me
Gave Weezy a piece of the pie, and
You can ask George or Regina
The whole Westside I explore with the Beemer now

We strivin' home, I ride on chrome
Listen homeboy move on
That's your best bet, why's that
Cause

I been pourin' out some liquor for the fact that my pal's gone
And tryin' to help his momma with the fact that her child gone
And since we used to bubble like a tub full of Calgon
Guess it's only right that I should help her from now on
But since they got a foul on, what coulda' gone wrong
Now they askin' Cons, how long has this gone on
And maybe all this money mighta' gone to my head
Cause they got me thinkin' money mighta' gone to the feds
So I ain't goin' to the dread, but he'll go on up to bed
And when I came the next mornin' he was gone with my bread
And with that bein' said, I had gone on my instincts
And gone to the spots where they go to get mixed drinks
But lookin' back now shoulda' gone to the crib
And rented "Gone With the Wind," cause I'da gone about 10
But I had gone with my friend, and we had gone to the bar
And heard a nigga talkin shit so I had gone to the car
And now the judge is tellin' me that I had gone too far
And now we gone for 20 years, doin' time behind bars
And since I gone to a cell for some petty crimes
I guess I gone to the well one too many times, cause I'm gone

I'm
Ahead of my time, sometimes years out
So the powers that be won't let me get my ideas out
And that make me want to get my advance out
And move to Oklahoma and just live at my Aunt's house
Yeah, I romance the thought of leavin' it all behind
Kanye step away from the limelight, like, when I was on the grind
In the "One, Nine, Nine, Nine"
Before, model chicks was bendin' over or
Dealerships asked me Benz or Rover, man
If I could just get one beat on Hova
We could get up off this cheap-ass sofa
What the summer of the Chi got to offer an eighteen year old
Sell drugs or get a job, you gotta play gyro
My dog worked at Taco Bell, hooked us up plural
Fired a week later the manager count the churros
Sometimes I can't believe it when I look up in the mirror
How we out in Europe, spendin' Euros
They claim you never know what you got 'til it's gone
I know I got it, I don't know what y'all on
I'mma open up a store for aspiring MC's
Won't sell 'em no dream, but the inspiration is free
But if they ever flip sides like Anakin
You'll sell everything includin' the mannequin
They got a new bitch, now you Jennifer Aniston
Hold on I'll handle it, don't start panickin', stay calm
Shorty's at the door 'cause they need more

Inspiration for they life, they souls, and they songs
They said sorry Mr. West is gone

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics of "Gone" by Kanye West indicate regret for not expressing feelings towards the subject of the song earlier. The rest of the song touches upon themes such as fame, money, and success, and how they can alter people's priorities and relationships. The first verse follows the story of a man who treats a woman like royalty, but realizes it's too late when she's gone. The second verse is a rap by common collaborator Consequence, and it touches upon the topic of fame and how it changes people. In his verse, Consequence mentions how he's helped people in his life but realizes that he's gone too far in helping them. The third verse is a rap by Cam'Ron, where he talks about the sort of crimes he committed to warrant his imprisonment, among other things.

Line by Line Meaning

Wished I had told, was the only one (uh-oh)
I regret not expressing my feelings when I had the chance, as I was the only one who felt this way.

But it's too late, it's too late
Unfortunately, the opportunity has passed and now it's too late to change the situation.

She's gone
The person I wanted to be with has left and is no longer part of my life.

You sweat her, and I ain't talkin' 'bout a Coogi
You are infatuated with her, but I'm not referring to a popular clothing brand.

You a big L, and I ain't talkin 'bout Cool J
You are taking a significant loss, but I'm not comparing it to LL Cool J.

See me at the airport, at least twenty Louis
You see me at the airport with numerous Louis Vuitton bags.

Treat me like the Prince and this my sweet brother Numpsay
Treat me like royalty, similar to how Prince would treat his close associate Numpsay.

Brother Numpsay! Groupies sound too choosy
The women who flock around me are too particular in their choices.

Take 'em to the show and talk all through the movies
When I bring them to a concert, they talk incessantly during the film screenings.

Says she want diamonds, I took her to Ruby Tuesdays
She claims she desires expensive jewelry, so I took her to a moderately-priced restaurant, Ruby Tuesdays.

If we up in Friday's, I still have it my way
Even if we are at a different restaurant chain like T.G.I. Friday's, I still have control over the situation.

Too late, we gone, we strivin' home
It's too late to salvage the relationship, so we are no longer together and focused on returning home.

Gone, I ride on chrome
I am leaving, and I travel in a flashy car with gleaming chrome accents.

Y'all don't want no prob' from me
You don't want any trouble or conflict with me.

What you rappers could get is a job from me
Instead of pursuing a rap career, you may end up working for me.

Maybe you could be my intern, and in turn
Perhaps you can work as my apprentice, and as a result,

I'll show you how I cook up summer, in the winter
I will teach you how to create success and positive experiences even during difficult times.

Aaron love the raw dog, when will he learn
Aaron enjoys unprotected sex, but he needs to understand the risks associated with it.

Caught somethin' on the Usher tour he had to 'Let it Burn'
He contracted a sexually transmitted infection while being on tour with Usher, which he had to deal with.

Plus he already got three chil'run
In addition, he already has three children.

Arguin' over babysitters like, 'Bitch, it's yo' turn!'
He is engaged in disputes with his partner over who is responsible for taking care of their children.

Damn 'Ye, it'd be stupid to ditch you
Damn, it would be foolish to abandon Kanye West.

Even your superficial raps is super official
Even your seemingly shallow and materialistic lyrics are undeniably authentic and valid.

Are-are-are-Roc pastel with Gucci on
I'm dressed in Roc-A-Fella fashion, wearing Gucci with pastel colors.

With TV's in the ride, throw a movie on
There are television screens installed in the car, so we can watch a movie while driving.

Said he couldn't rap now he at the top with doobie long
He claimed he had no rapping skills, but now he is extremely successful and prominent in the industry.

Cause the dookie's on any song that they threw me on, gone
Because I perform exceptionally on any track they assign to me, I am now gone.

Killa Cam, Killa who
I am Cam'ron, known for being a killer in the game.

Killa Cam, hustler, grinder, gorilla true
I am Cam'ron, a hardworking, determined, and authentic individual in the streets.

Oh my chinchilla blue, blue you ever dealt with a dealer
Oh, my chinchilla fur coat is blue. Have you ever interacted with a successful drug dealer like me?

Well here's the deal ma we goin' to the dealer
Well, here's my proposition, we are going to meet with the drug dealer together.

No concealin', no ceiling I don't need a roof
There's no need to hide or limit ourselves, as I feel limitless and don't need a shelter.

Act up, get out, I don't need you poof
If you cause trouble, leave immediately, as I don't require your presence anymore.

Poof, be gone, damn tough luck dag
Disappear, be gone, unfortunate circumstances, my friend.

Dag, niggas still doin' puff puff pass
Damn, people are still engaging in passing around and smoking cannabis.

Pull the truck up fast and I tell 'em
I quickly bring my vehicle closer and inform them.

Hey, back in a touched up Jag, shit
Hey, I'll return shortly in my newly enhanced Jaguar, damn!

Y'all niggas want Killa Cam, cerebellum
You all desire Cam'ron, the mastermind.

An old man just goin' tell 'em (Too late, he, gone)
An elderly individual is about to reveal the truth to them, but it's too late, he has already left.

Then I see how y'all gonna react when I'm (Gone)
I am curious to witness your response and behavior once I am no longer present.

My last girl want me back then I'm on
My previous girlfriend wants me back, but as soon as I return to her, I quickly leave again.

Fine stay, you got the grind hey
If you insist on staying, continue working hard.

Came back, read what the sign say (Too late, he, gone)
I returned briefly, but upon reading the sign, it confirms that it's too late, as I have already left.

Yes I know you want to see my demise
I am aware that you desire to witness my downfall.

Yeah you church boy actin' like a thief in disguise
Yes, you portray yourself as a religious person, but your actions resemble those of a deceitful thief.

Ain't leavin' my side, see the greed in my eyes
You are not separating yourself from me, as you can discern my ambitious and covetous nature through my eyes.

Ask Abby y'all hustle for a week to the Chi, shit
You can approach Abby, who is knowledgeable about working hard for a week in Chicago.

And that ain't leavin' alive, please believe me
Engaging in such hustle won't ensure survival, trust me.

Gave Weezy a piece of the pie, and
I shared a portion of my success with Lil Wayne.

You can ask George or Regina
Feel free to inquire with either George or Regina for confirmation.

The whole Westside I explore with the Beemer now
I now navigate through the entire Westside using my BMW.

Listen homeboy move on
Listen, my friend, it's time to move forward.

That's your best bet, why's that
That is your most favorable option, may I ask why?

Cause
Because

I been pourin' out some liquor for the fact that my pal's gone
I have been solemnly drinking alcohol to mourn the loss of my friend.

And tryin' to help his momma with the fact that her child gone
I am attempting to assist his mother in coming to terms with the reality that her child is no longer here.

And since we used to bubble like a tub full of Calgon
Back when we were successful and thriving, similar to a bathtub filled with Calgon bubbles.

Guess it's only right that I should help her from now on
It seems appropriate for me to support her in the present and future circumstances.

But since they got a foul on, what coulda' gone wrong
However, now that they are facing legal trouble, what could have possibly gone awry?

Now they askin' Cons, how long has this gone on
Now, Cons (Consequence) is being questioned about the duration of these unfavorable events.

And maybe all this money mighta' gone to my head
Perhaps the wealth and fame I acquired have started to affect my judgment.

Cause they got me thinkin' money mighta' gone to the feds
Because now I am suspicious that the authorities may be investigating the source of my wealth.

So I ain't goin' to the dread, but he'll go on up to bed
Therefore, I am not going to the drug dealer, but instead, he will retire for the night.

And when I came the next mornin' he was gone with my bread
When I returned the next morning, he had disappeared with my money.

And with that bein' said, I had gone on my instincts
Considering the situation, I had relied on my intuition.

And gone to the spots where they go to get mixed drinks
I headed to the establishments where people go to enjoy mixed alcoholic beverages.

But lookin' back now shoulda' gone to the crib
In retrospect, I should have gone home instead.

And rented 'Gone With the Wind,' cause I'da gone about 10
I should have rented and watched the movie 'Gone With the Wind,' as I would have spent about ten hours doing so.

But I had gone with my friend, and we had gone to the bar
However, I chose to accompany my friend, and we ended up at the bar.

And heard a nigga talkin shit so I had gone to the car
We overheard someone disrespecting us, so I quickly went to my car.

And now the judge is tellin' me that I had gone too far
Now, the judge is informing me that my actions went beyond acceptable limits.

And now we gone for 20 years, doin' time behind bars
As a consequence, we are sentenced to spend the next twenty years incarcerated.

And since I gone to a cell for some petty crimes
Considering that I have already been imprisoned for minor offenses.

I guess I gone to the well one too many times, cause I'm gone
I suppose I have taken risks too often, leading to my current absence.

Ahead of my time, sometimes years out
I am ahead of my peers and contemporaries, often foreseeing things that will happen years in the future.

So the powers that be won't let me get my ideas out
However, the influential figures in control prevent me from fully expressing and implementing my innovative ideas.

And that make me want to get my advance out
This frustrates me, inspiring a desire to access and use my financial advance.

And move to Oklahoma and just live at my Aunt's house
As a result, I contemplate relocating to Oklahoma and settling in my Aunt's home.

Yeah, I romance the thought of leavin' it all behind
Yes, I fantasize about escaping and abandoning my current lifestyle.

Kanye step away from the limelight, like, when I was on the grind
Kanye West, remove yourself from the public eye, much like when I was hustling and striving for success.

In the 'One, Nine, Nine, Nine'
During the year 1999.

Before, model chicks was bendin' over or
Back when female models were not widely objectified and exploited.

Dealerships asked me Benz or Rover, man
Car dealerships would inquire whether I preferred a Mercedes-Benz or a Range Rover, my friend.

If I could just get one beat on Hova
If only I could produce one track for Jay-Z.

We could get up off this cheap-ass sofa
We could elevate ourselves from this inexpensive and unimpressive couch.

What the summer of the Chi got to offer an eighteen year old
Considering the opportunities available in Chicago during the summer for a young eighteen-year-old like me.

Sell drugs or get a job, you gotta play gyro
The options are either to engage in illegal drug trade or find employment, as you must survive in this hustle-driven environment.

My dog worked at Taco Bell, hooked us up plural
My friend was employed at Taco Bell and provided us with extra benefits and discounts.

Fired a week later the manager count the churros
Unfortunately, he was dismissed within a week when the manager discovered inconsistencies with the inventory of churros.

Sometimes I can't believe it when I look up in the mirror
Occasionally, I find it hard to comprehend what I have achieved when I observe myself in the mirror.

How we out in Europe, spendin' Euros
It amazes me that we are currently overseas in Europe, utilizing and spending Euros.

They claim you never know what you got 'til it's gone
People say you only appreciate something once you have lost it.

I know I got it, I don't know what y'all on
I am fully aware of my own capabilities and possessions, but I cannot understand what you all are focused on.

I'mma open up a store for aspiring MC's
I am going to establish a shop specifically for aspiring rappers.

Won't sell 'em no dream, but the inspiration is free
I will not deceive them with false promises, but I will provide them with free inspiration.

But if they ever flip sides like Anakin
However, if they were to suddenly change their loyalties, similar to Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars,

You'll sell everything includin' the mannequin
You will be willing to sell every possession, even the display mannequin.

They got a new bitch, now you Jennifer Aniston
They found a new woman, and now you feel like Jennifer Aniston, left behind.

Hold on I'll handle it, don't start panickin', stay calm
Wait a moment, I will deal with the situation, there's no need to panic, remain calm.

Shorty's at the door 'cause they need more
The girls are at the door because they require further assistance.

Inspiration for they life, they souls, and they songs
They seek inspiration for their own lives, their spirits, and their musical compositions.

They said sorry Mr. West is gone
They apologized, informing them that Mr. West has already left.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Ultra Tunes, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHUCK WILLIS, JON BRION, GILES CAMERON, DEXTER RAYMOND JR MILLS, KANYE WEST

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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