Kanye West is one of the most successful artists in music. He has tons of awards, albums, and songs that have been huge hits for Kanye and his fans.
Kanye has had a long career with many ups and downs, but he remains one of the top rappers in the world today. That is why we created this list of the 10 best Kanye West songs.
Love Lockdown
Love Lockdown was Kanye’s first single off of his fourth studio album, “808s and Heartbreak” in 2008. The song is Kanye’s highest-charting as a solo artist peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
Black Skinhead
Black Skinhead was Kanye’s second single off of his 2013 album “Yeezus,” Kanye had some issues with this song and the video.
The lyrics in the chorus were originally written by Marilyn Manson for a remix to Kanye West, but Kanye ended up taking them and putting them into one of his songs. Kanye ended up having issues with the music video and not being able to release it for a while.
Runaway
Kanye’s self-directed 35 minute short film Runaway was released in 2010 as Kanye’s fourth single off of his album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.”
The song is Kanye reflection on how he feels about his fame and how he could lose it all. Kanye has said that the song is a “real put down to women”. This song debuted at number 12 in Billboard Hot 100.
Jesus Walks
Jesus walks was Kanye’s fourth single off of his debut album, “The College Dropout” in 2004 Kanye has said that this song was originally going to be a bad song, but he decided not to make it one.
The music video for the song featured Kanye walking around New York City and rapping in front of a church about how we should all love each other and stop judging others because we are worse than they are in Kanye’s eyes.
Can’t tell me nothing
Can’t tell me nothing was Kanye’s second single off of his third studio album “Graduation”. Kanye has said that this song is an anthem for people who think they are better than everyone else.
This song won Kanye West a grammy and Kanye also performed this song with Young Thug at Coachella in 2016.
Stronger
Stronger was Kanye second single off of his 2007 album “Graduation.” Kanye had some issues with this song as well. Kanye wanted Daft Punk on this track.
Kanye had to come up with a song he could rap over Daft Punk’s music. Kanye also performed this song at Coachella in 2016.
Niggas In Paris
Niggas In Paris was Kanye and Jay-Z single off of their 2011 album “Watch The Throne.” Kanye has said that this song was originally going to be called “Ball So Hard,” but Kanye decided against it.
The music video for the song featured Kanye and Jay-Z rapping in front of a crowd while pictures of Parisian landmarks like Notre Dame, L’Arc de Triomphe, being displayed.
All Falls Down
All Falls Down was Kanye’s third single off of his debut album “The College Dropout”. The song is about Kanye West explaining how drugs and money are ruining society.
This song was released in 2004 and featured at number seven in the billboard hot 100. The song was collaboration between Kanye west and Lauryn Hill.
Heartless
Heartless was a single from Kanye’s 2008 album “808s & Heartbreaks”. Kanye has said that this song is about how he feels when a girl leaves him, Kanye also performed this song with Sting at Coachella in 2016. This song featured at number two in billboard hot 100.
Gone
Gone was Kanye’s first promotional single off of his 2005 album ” Late Registration.” Kanye has said that the song is about how he felt before he got famous and after he became famous, saying that it feels like a movie with him as the lead role.
This song became famous when a lady made a video dancing to this song in 2013 after quitting her job gaining millions of views on YouTube and ranking at number twenty in billboard hot 100.
Hurricane
This introspective pop-rap beat is an excellent example of Kanye’s unique genius. His vocals are spiritual and uplifting, while sparsely arranged trap beats give the track an ethereal, psychedelic vibe.
There is a powerful combination of gospel and rap that makes this one of the strongest tracks on the Donda album.
Lord I Need You
Another highly spiritual track but with a romantic twist, listening to this song is an opportunity for fans to hear Kanye grow into his own faith. With lines like “Lord, I need you to wrap your arms around me and tell me everything is going to be all right,” it’s the perfect comfort for lost or struggling souls.
And lyrics like “The Devil run the playground, but God own the building,” Kanye proves that his wit is still as sharp as ever, fueling such profoundly philosophical statements.
Jail
As if he needed any proof that his music still has the ability to slap even when he’s really leaning into his Christian influences, there’s this undeniable hit. “Take what you want, take everything,” exemplifies the desperation present in this song.
When Jay Z makes his entrance in this jam, it feels like the stuff of cinematic masterpieces. With a perfect synergy of music and spirituality, listening to this song is a moving experience.
Donda Chant
Most Kanye fans know that the Donda album is named after the artist’s mother, who recently passed away. This song is quite literally a chant, and it’s a very clear ode to his mom.
The track consists of the name “Donda” repeated in chant form 58 times, which was Donda’s age when she passed. Grammy-winning recording artist Stalone provides the vocals for the chant.
Remote Control
Those who have listened carefully to the very end of this track may have wondered what the charming character voice is in the background.
Discerning Christian animated film viewers might have recognized the voice as Globglogabgalab from a movie called “Strawinsky and the Mysterious House.” Although no one is certain why Kanye wanted the sample in this track, some theorize that his daughter North showed him the movie.
Off the Grid
If you love amazing rappers expressing their love for their bestie, God, over top of a drill beat, this is the song for you.
It’s the perfect blend of talent, from Carti to Fivio to Ye, and everyone puts in the work to make this track unforgettable.
Praise God
Another direct tribute to his mother, this song kicks off with a spoken-word sample from Donda. She gives an inspiring sermon that guides listeners into the perfect frame of mind for digging this jam.
A powerful beat drop transitions the track from this opening spoken-word section into lyrics full of powerful imagery and motivational lines that give you the strength to carry on.
No Child Left Behind
Whether you consider yourself a religious person or not, you’re sure to be moved by this beautiful piece of music.
From the refrain, “He’s done miracles on me,” to the title line, “No child left behind,” the words and churchlike chords give listeners a sense that they are ascending to a higher level of consciousness.
The only complaint from some fans is that this healing, meditative track isn’t long enough. A simple remedy: put it on repeat.
Come to Life
Another track on the Donda album featuring Ye, some of the rapper’s fans consider it to be his greatest and most beautiful work. Incredibly, the piano on this song is performed by a girl named Zen Micheline, who was a sixth-grade student at a public music school at the time of the recording.
This is just another way that Kanye is lifting up the voices of young people and providing opportunities that allow them to shine. The refrain of “Hallelujah” in the background throughout this song gives the track an uplifting vibe that’s impossible to resist.
Believe What I Say
This is a groovy jam that Kanye fans keep coming back to. Letting his musical instincts guide him, Kanye has created a track that does something new while hearkening back to his early days.
With the catchy beats and strong lyrics, it’s a great song that has helped make hardcore Kanye fans out of casual listeners.
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Born and raised in Austin, David is a dedicated writer and avid fragrance lover. When he's not trying out perfumes, he enjoys traveling and exploring new restaurants.