A fan favourite, it blends Labi Siffre’s soulful piano melody and hook from 'My Song' with West’s forward-thinking drum beats and synth flares. This soulful selection from Graduation celebrates the success West had achieved at that point with two stellar albums under his belt. Sonically, it’s absolutely bonkers in practically every way, sounding like everything but the kitchen sink has been thrown into his apparently challenging production, yet the result is a track that is so unique and magical, only West could conjure it up. 'RoboCop' twinkles and glistens in all its synth glory like a lost track out of Disney’s Fantasia or a retro videogame perhaps one of the poppiest yet underappreciated tracks from 808s and Heartbreaks. It’s refreshing to hear the pair speak so candidly about racial politics and is one of West’s most powerful tracks, lyrically and sonically.
The opening sample feels regal and grandiose in styling, fitting in with the album’s themes. The track details how the wealth of West and Jay goes against the grain of an oppressive system set up against them.
It’s a soft, sweet and redemptive moment in West’s discography.įrom the opulent collaborative album Watch The Throne with Jay-Z, ‘Murder to Excellence’ is the innovative juxtaposition of both the struggles and violence on the streets of Black America (specifically in West’s hometown of Chicago). It’s a touching ode to West's late mother Donda, sung from her perspective, speaking of her pleasure that Kanye has had children and how she’ll always be there for them, as West sings “Tell Nori about me” you can hear his voice begin to choke up. This one-off single was released on New Years Day back in 2015, a surprise collaboration with Paul McCartney that perhaps fell under the radar compared to ‘FourFiveSeconds’. Bonus points if you listen to the live version which ingeniously merges in Foreigners' ‘Cold as Ice’.
Before DJ Khaled was a household name he could be found screaming ‘KANYEEE WEST’ to open this hard-hitting anthem full of the most narcissistic lines West has ever rapped (and that’s saying something!). However, it’s home to some of the most audacious and bold tracks West has ever created. Kanye’s 2012 G.O.O.D Music collective album Cruel Summer somehow slipped under the radar upon its release. The beautiful and soulful hook sung by Charlie Wilson will be reverberating in your head long after the song is finished. Whilst now divorced from Kim Kardashian, the track is an ode to the strength of their relationship during West’s tumultuous journey with his mental health. Kanye West pulls out of Jay-Z's Tidal streaming service in money dispute 'No Mistakes'Īt only two minutes, this short but very sweet track is the least streamed, most striking track on Kanye’s YE.