Bold, creative, whimsical, and fiercely outspoken are just a few words to describe the Atlanta-born, Chicago-bred Kanye West. Known as Ye since October 2021, West has evoked eyes and ears throughout his entire career. As a result, the multi-faceted Grammy winner has become one of the best-selling music artists of all time. With all that he’s accomplished to date, many are most likely unaware of how it all started. As an English major at Chicago State University, a then 20-year-old West dropped out to pursue a music career.
Beginning with producing for artists in the Chicago area, West eventually became an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records. Soon after, he co-produced multiple prolific songs and albums, including Jay-Z’s The Blueprint (2001). Wanting to take his production expertise to the next level, West eventually worked with Roc-A-Fella as a recording artist. Fast-forward to 2003. West releases “Through the Wire”, the first single from his forthcoming debut album, The College Dropout. With its humorous, yet intellectually socially conscious lyrics, the album was released on February 10, 2004, and debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200.
Ultimately, the College Dropout went on to win Best Rap Album at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards in 2005. Although West’s sound became more experimental in later years, true fans will always remember the hits that introduced one of the most prolific musical figures of the 21st Century. With that being said, here are 10 of the best Kanye West songs of all time.
Slow Jamz (2003)
Video of Slow Jamz official music video courtesy of Station
Taken from his stellar debut album The College Dropout (2004 ), “Slow Jamz” features Chicago rapper Twista and actor/singer Jamie Foxx. Produced by West, the R&B-drenched hip-hop hit was written by Ye and Twista. With its memorable references to soul legends, Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross, the song’s lyrics describe the ultimate Romeo.
With its creative sampling of Luther Vandross’ iconic cover of Dionne Warwick‘s classic, “A House Is Not a Home“, the song brings a fun vibe to a romantic atmosphere. Ultimately, “Slow Jamz” was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards in 2005. It also peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated February 21, 2004, where it remained for 22 weeks
“Jesus Walks” (2004)
Video of Jesus Walks official music video courtesy of Kanye West official YouTube channel
Also featured on The College Dropout (2004), “Jesus Walks” is solely produced by Ye. The song discusses how Jesus accepts all people, whether they are sinners or saints. It also mentions experiences that cause us to contemplate our relationships with God. With its mid-tempo vibe, “Jesus Walks” is equally danceable and thought-provoking.
Although his choice to address matters of faith raised many eyebrows, he did it anyway. Ye’s defiance of succumbing to traditional industry standards worked in his favor. At the 47th Annual Grammy Awards, “Jesus Walks” won the award for Best Rap Song. It was also nominated for Song of the Year.
“All Falls Down” featuring Syleena Johnson (2004)
Video of All Falls Down official music video courtesy of Kanye West official YouTube channel
The third single, “All Falls Down” from The College Dropout, was written and produced by Ye and features Syleena Johnson. With its interpolation of Lauryn Hill’s “Mystery of Iniquity”, the song quickly became a fan favorite. The song was supposed to feature Hill singing the hook, but due to issues receiving proper clearance, Johnson was used instead.
With its R&B/hip hop groove, “All Falls Down” describes Ye dealing with personal insecurities and being riddled with self-doubt. He also discusses the part that society plays in humans becoming materialistic and feeling guilty about their participation.
Released on March 8, 2004, “All Falls Down” entered the UK Singles Chart at number ten and peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also became Ye’s first solo US Top 10 hit. The song was nominated for multiple accolades, including Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 47th Grammy Awards in 2005.
“Gold Digger” featuring Jamie Foxx (2005)
Video of Gold Digger official music video courtesy of Kanye West official YouTube channel
She give me money when I’m in need”
She take my money when I’m in need
Yea she’s a triflin’ friend indeed
Oh she’s a gold digger way over town
That digs on me”
With its opening line, comedically delivered by Jamie Foxx, “Gold Digger” samples Ray Charles‘s 1954 classic, “I Got a Woman.” Also featured on Ye’s second album, Late Registration, the uptempo pop-rap hit remains one of Ye’s best and most popular songs. One of Ye’s most danceable tracks, the song hilariously describes how men often fall victim to the treachery of gold diggers.
Produced by Ye and Jon Brion, “Gold Digger” went on to top the US Billboard Hot 100. At the 48th Annual Grammy Awards in 2006, the song won Best Rap Solo Performance and was nominated for Record of the Year.
“Heard Em” Say” featuring Adam Levine (2005)
Video of Heard Em Say official music video courtesy of Kanye West official YouTube channel
Featured on his second album, Late Registration (2005), “Heard ‘Em Say” features additional vocals from Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. Produced by Ye and Jon Brion, “Heard ‘Em Say” samples Natalie Cole’s 1980 classic, “Someone That I Used to Love”. With its piano-driven, hip-hop vibe, the socially conscious tune features Ye narrating how he’s conflicted by the world around him.
It also chronicles the multiple issues facing African Americans while still advising everyone to appreciate the present. Peaking at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song lasted for 16 weeks on the chart. To date, “Heard ‘Em Say” remains one of Ye’s best and most underrated songs.
“Touch the Sky” featuring Lupe Fiasco (2006)
Video of Touch the Sky official music video courtesy of Kanye West official YouTube channel
What do a melodic Curtis Mayfield sample and a prismatic Evel Knievel-inspired music video have in common? They are both rhythmic ingredients of Ye’s blissful concoction called “Touch the Sky”. Featured on his second album, Late Registration (2005), the song chronicles how his struggles would never get the best of him.
With its stellar production and an additional verse from the lyrically gifted Lupe Fiasco, “Touch the Sky” became one of the most-played songs of 2006. The same year, Ye performed the song live at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards and the 2006 Brit Awards 2006. Peaking at number 42 on the US Billboard Hot 100, the song reached the top 10 of charts in the UK, Australia, and Scotland.
“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” (2007)
Video of Can’t Tell Me Nothing official music video courtesy of Kanye West official YouTube channel
“La, La, La, La, wait till I get my money right”. This haunting opening lyric had our attention right before that iconic beat dropped. Showcased on his third album, Gradation, Can’t Tell Me Nothing” also contains vocals from Connie Mitchell and Young Jeezy. With its seductive, old-school R&B vibe, the song was produced by Ye and DJ Toomp.
The song also received a nomination for Best Rap Song at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, ultimately losing to Ye’s other song, “Good Life“. That marked the only time that evening that two songs from the same artist were in the same category. Today, “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” is certified triple platinum.
“Stronger” (2007)
Video of Stronger official music video courtesy of Kanye West official YouTube channel
The Friedrich Nietzsche mantra of “What doesn’t kill me, will make me stronger has been repeated by many of us for years. In a world of never-ending challenges, this particular quote has provided the hope that we all need to keep going. Ye knew this feeling all too well, as featured on his self-empowerment anthem, “Stronger”.
An electronica-driven hip-hop hit, the song details Ye’s motivation, along with his deliverance from previous mistakes. His paraphrasing of Nietzsche’s quote on the chorus brilliantly reminded us of how resilient he would always be. “Stronger” topped the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming West’s third number-one single in the United States. The song was also awarded Best Rap Solo Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards.
“All of the Lights” featuring various artists (2011)
Video of All of the Lights official music video courtesy of Kanye West official YouTube channel
Extracted from his fifth album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, “All of the Lights” was produced by Ye and features additional vocals from multiple recording artists, including Rihanna, The Dream, John Legend, Drake, Alicia Keys, and Fergie. With its bombastic horn selection and futuristic vibe, “All of the Lights” features some of Ye’s most experimental production and climactic themes.
The song was successful in the U.S., peaking at number two on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, “All of the Lights” won Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards and was nominated for Song of the Year. The song has since become sextuple platinum.
“Ni**as In Paris” (2011)
Video of Ni**as in Paris courtesy of Anthony Lee 69
With its up-tempo hip-hop vibe, “Ni**as In Paris is featured on Ye and Jay-Z’s collaborative album, Watch the Throne. The song is a testament to black empowerment, in which the rappers chronicle combating obstacles to achieve an abundance of wealth and success.
Produced by Ye, Hit-Boy, Mike Dean, and Anthony Kilhoffer, the song features samples from “Baptizing Scene” by Reverend W.A. Donaldson and excerpts from the 2007 Will Ferrell comedy, Blades of Glory. One of the best hip-hop songs of the 2000s, “Ni**as In Paris” went on to receive multiple accolades, including Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in 2013.
With over 150 million records sold and 24 Grammy Awards, Kanye “Ye” West remains one of the most prolific and iconic musical artists in the world.
