Barry Bonds (song)

Last updated
"Barry Bonds"
Song by Kanye West featuring Lil Wayne
from the album Graduation
ReleasedSeptember 11, 2007
Recorded2007
Studio Chung King Studios
(New York, New York)
Durt Factory Studio
(Norfolk, Virginia)
Genre Hip hop
Length3:24
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"Barry Bonds" is a song by American hip-hop recording artist and record producer Kanye West. It was released as the seventh song on the track-listing of his third studio album Graduation (2007). The track was co-produced by Norfolk record producer Nottz alongside West and contains a sample from a live recording of "Long Red" by the American hard rock band Mountain. The song is built on dense, loping reggae drums and has a spare trip-hop groove driven by moaning bass guitar. In addition to early 1990s hip-hop, it also harbors elements from funk and jazz. Although the arrangement primarily maintains a stripped-down approach, its ominous instrumentation assumes a bombastic combination of twinkling keyboards, minor-key synths, and Gothic organ stabs. The song features a guest appearance from rapper Lil Wayne, who provides the one single guest rap verse on the entire studio album. With the track, West uses former Major League Baseball player and home run king Barry Bonds as a metaphor for his ability to create music hits.

Hip hop music music genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping

Hip hop music, also called hip-hop or rap music, is a genre of popular music developed in the United States by inner-city African Americans and Latino Americans in the Bronx borough of New York City in the 1970s. It consists of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted. It developed as part of hip hop culture, a subculture defined by four key stylistic elements: MCing/rapping, DJing/scratching with turntables, break dancing, and graffiti writing. Other elements include sampling beats or bass lines from records, and rhythmic beatboxing. While often used to refer solely to rapping, "hip hop" more properly denotes the practice of the entire subculture. The term hip hop music is sometimes used synonymously with the term rap music, though rapping is not a required component of hip hop music; the genre may also incorporate other elements of hip hop culture, including DJing, turntablism, scratching, beatboxing, and instrumental tracks.

Kanye West American rapper, singer, and record producer from Illinois

Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and fashion designer. His music has spanned a broad range of styles, incorporating an eclectic range of influences including hip hop, soul, baroque pop, electro, indie rock, synth-pop, industrial, and gospel.

<i>Graduation</i> (album) 2007 album by American rapper Kanye West

Graduation is the third studio album by American rapper Kanye West, released on September 11, 2007 by Roc-A-Fella Records. Recording sessions took place during 2005 to 2007 at Chung King Studios, Sony Music Studios, Chalice Recording Studios, and the Record Plant. It was primarily produced by West himself, with contributions from DJ Toomp, Mike Dean, Nottz, Brian "All Day" Miller, Eric Hudson, Warryn Campbell, Gee Roberson, Plain Pat, and Jon Brion. The album also features guest appearances from recording artists such as Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, DJ Premier, and Chris Martin of Coldplay. The album's cover art and its interior artwork were designed by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, who would also design the cover art for West's collaborative effort with Kid Cudi, eponymously titled Kids See Ghosts (2018).

Contents

The song received mixed reviews from music critics who generally praised West for delivering the superior verses between the pair while panning Lil Wayne's lyrical performance. However, the track was very well-received by audiences, and even managed to chart without ever being released as a single. "Barry Bonds" peaked at number twenty-four on the U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. Although an accompanying music video was never produced for "Barry Bonds," a special video clip was made for the track. The video clip premiered during an album listening session West held for Graduation at the New World Stages in New York City. It was one of seven clips that were designed by Kanye West and edited by film editor Derrick Lee exclusively for the event. The video clip for "Barry Bonds" features a montage of scenes taken from the 2003 South Korean film Oldboy .

Music journalism journalism genre

Music journalism is media criticism and reporting about music topics, including popular music, classical music and traditional music. Journalists began writing about music in the eighteenth century, providing commentary on what is now regarded as classical music. In the 1960s, music journalism began more prominently covering popular music like rock and pop after the breakthrough of The Beatles. With the rise of the internet in the 2000s, music criticism developed an increasingly large online presence with music bloggers, aspiring music critics, and established critics supplementing print media online. Music journalism today includes reviews of songs, albums and live concerts, profiles of recording artists, and reporting of artist news and music events.

Single (music) Type of music release usually containing one or two tracks

In the music industry, a single is a type of release, typically a song recording of fewer tracks than an LP record or an album. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, a single is a song that is released separately from an album, although it usually also appears on an album. Typically, these are the songs from albums that are released separately for promotional uses such as digital download or commercial radio airplay and are expected to be the most popular. In other cases a recording released as a single may not appear on an album.

<i>Billboard</i> (magazine) American music magazine

Billboard is an American entertainment media brand owned by the Billboard-Hollywood Reporter Media Group, a division of Eldridge Industries. It publishes pieces involving news, video, opinion, reviews, events, and style, and is also known for its music charts, including the Hot 100 and Billboard 200, tracking the most popular songs and albums in different genres. It also hosts events, owns a publishing firm, and operates several TV shows.

Background and release

"Barry Bonds" was written by American hip-hop recording artist and record producer Kanye West, who co-produced the track with Norfolk record producer Nottz. [1] The song was a late addition to the track-listing of West's forthcoming third studio album Graduation (2007). [2] West had almost completed putting the finishing touches on the album when he realized that he was in need of a street-oriented record. [3] After the name of Nottz, a record producer from Norfolk, Virginia came up during conversation, his manager sent three of his tracks over to West. [3] Nottz had been producing hip-hop beats for a roster of high-profile rappers since the late-1990s. [3] [4] They include Busta Rhymes, Ghostface Killah, Scarface, Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe, MURS and The Notorious B.I.G.. [3] [4] One of Nottz's beats caught West's ear and after making some adjustments, he chose to use it to write the lyrics for a rap song. [3] "Barry Bonds" was the latest in a string of recently released songs, including "Can't Tell Me Nothing" and "Stronger," where West declares his evolution into becoming the top lyricists in the music industry. [5] He playfully raps boastful rhymes over a tough, hard drumbeat and slow minor-key synths. [6] [7] The song is named after Major League Baseball player Barry Bonds, who West uses as a metaphor for his ability to create music hits. [8]

Record producer Individual who oversees and manages the recording of an artists music

A record producer or music producer oversees and manages the sound recording and production of a band or performer's music, which may range from recording one song to recording a lengthy concept album. A producer has many, varying roles during the recording process. They may gather musical ideas for the project, collaborate with the artists to select cover tunes or original songs by the artist/group, work with artists and help them to improve their songs, lyrics or arrangements.

Norfolk, Virginia Independent city in Virginia, United States

Norfolk is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia in the United States. At the 2010 census, the population was 242,803; in 2018, the population was estimated to be 244,076 making it the second-most populous city in Virginia after neighboring Virginia Beach and the 91st largest city in the nation.

Dominick J. Lamb, better known by his stage name Nottz, is an American hip hop record producer and rapper from Norfolk, Virginia. Nottz has produced for some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Game, The Notorious B.I.G., Pusha T, Scarface, J Dilla and Asher Roth.

The song was first heard by music listeners when the digital radio station BBC Radio 1Xtra hosted an exclusive "Audience With Kanye West" venue at the BBC Radio Music Theatre in London on August 13, 2007. [9] West guided a specially selected audience through Graduation, playing the album in its entirety directly from his MacBook Air laptop via a speaker system. [9] The premiere was part of an extensive promotional campaign that West embarked on for his third album during a trip to the United Kingdom. [10] Once he came across and played track for them, the audience enjoyed "Barry Bonds" so much that West cut off the next song, "Flashing Lights," roughly ten seconds in so that he could play it twice, which he didn't do for any other track on the album. [11] [9] Upon asking which song from the studio album he should leak, West received "Barry Bonds" as their response. He then decided to release the track onto the Internet for free digital downloading. [9] [12] Two weeks later, "Barry Bond" was one of the songs played when West hosted an album listening session for Graduation in New York City. [7] The late-night album listening session was held at the New World Stages on August 28, 2007. Inside an auditorium, West explained the influences and aspirations that went into the making of his third album. [7] Throughout the night, he played previews of its songs from start-to-finish without interruption, some with video accompaniment to match. [13] [14] As West played "Barry Barry" scenes from the 2003 South Korean film Oldboy were broadcast on a screen. [14] West refrained from ever releasing "Barry Bonds" as an official single, and instead included it as a B-side to "Can't Tell Me Nothing." [5]

Digital radio in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the roll-out of digital radio is proceeding since engineering test transmissions were started by the BBC in 1990 followed by a public launch in September 1995. The UK currently has the world's biggest digital radio network, with 103 transmitters, three national DAB ensembles and 48 local and regional DAB ensembles broadcasting over 250 commercial and 34 BBC radio stations across the UK. In the capital, London there are already more than 64 different digital stations available. In addition to DAB and DAB+, radio stations are also broadcast on digital television platform as well as internet radio in the UK. Digital radio ensemble operators and stations need a broadcasting licence from the UK's media regulator Ofcom to broadcast.

BBC Radio 1Xtra British national radio station

BBC Radio 1Xtra is a digital urban contemporary and Black music radio station in the United Kingdom that is owned and operated by the BBC. Launched at 6 PM on 16 August 2002, it had been code named Network X during the consultation period and is the sister station to BBC Radio 1. The station is broadcast from the 8th floor of New Broadcasting House, shared with Radio 1 and the Asian Network.

MacBook Air line of ultraportable notebook computers by Apple

The MacBook Air is a line of laptop computers developed and manufactured by Apple Inc. It consists of a full-size keyboard, a machined aluminum case, and a thin light structure. The Air was originally positioned as a premium ultraportable positioned above the previous MacBook line. Since then, the Air has become Apple's entry-level laptop due to the original MacBook's discontinuation in 2011, as well as lowered prices on subsequent iterations. In the current product line, the MacBook Air sits below the performance range MacBook Pro.

Similar to "Can't Tell Me Nothing", even though "Barry Bonds" did not impact commercial radio, it was very well-received by rap fans. [12] Following its debut, British DJ and BBC Radio 1 radio presenter Mistajam gave the song a rave review. He stated, "If you're someone who hates on Kanye because he doesn't make that 'real' hip-hop, prepare to eat your words. ... Featuring Lil Wayne, this is something that will not be a commercial hit but will be one of any true hip-hop head's biggest tracks from the album. So boasty and full of swagger, it's "Brooklyn's Finest" but with a dude from the Chi and a dude from Norleans." [9] Sharing similar sentiments, Rajveer Kathwadia of RWD Magazine described "Barry Bonds" as being a "straight hip hop track" that contains West's "most lyrical performance." [11] The night of the album listening session, Shaheem Reid for MTV reported that the previously released song had "spoken volumes" for West and hit hard in advance of Graduation. [7] When Kanye West was crowned by MTV as the year's #1 Hottest MC in the Game, "Barry Bonds" was cited as a street-banger alongside the unofficial remix of "Flashing Lights." [15] Additionally, "Barry Bonds" has been accredited to being one of several tracks that affirmed Lil Wayne's place within the realm of hip-hop. [16] According to Kyle "KP" Reilly, head of the popular mixtape platform DatPiff, "Songs like 'Barry Bonds' and the success of his instrumentals are what made him a legend within the mixtape circuit and mixtape world." [16]

A disc jockey, more commonly abbreviated as DJ, is a person who plays existing recorded music for a live audience. Most common types of DJs include radio DJs, club DJs, who perform at a nightclub or music festival and turntablists who uses record players, usually turntables, to manipulate sounds on phonograph records. Originally, the "disc" in "disc jockey" referred to gramophone records, but in the 2010s, DJ is used as an all-encompassing term to describe someone who mixes recorded music from any source, including cassettes, CDs or digital audio files on a CDJ or laptop. The title "DJ" is commonly used by DJs in front of their real names, adopted pseudonyms, or stage names. In the 2010s, it has become common for DJs to be featured as the credited artist on tracks they produced despite having a guest vocalist who performs the entire song, as with Marc Ronson's 2015 hit Uptown Funk.

<i>Reasonable Doubt</i> (album) 1996 studio album by Jay-Z

Reasonable Doubt is the debut studio album by American rapper Jay-Z. It was released on June 25, 1996, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Priority Records. The album features production provided by DJ Premier, Ski, Knobody and Clark Kent, and also includes guest appearances from Memphis Bleek, Mary J. Blige and The Notorious B.I.G., among others. The album features mafioso rap themes and gritty lyrics about the "hustler" lifestyle and material obsessions.

Chicago city and county seat of Cook County, Illinois, United States

Chicago, officially the City of Chicago, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and the third most populous city in the United States. With an estimated population of 2,705,994 (2018), it is also the most populous city in the Midwestern United States. Chicago is the county seat of Cook County, the second most populous county in the US, with portions of the northwest side of the city extending into DuPage County near O'Hare Airport. Chicago is the principal city of the Chicago metropolitan area, often referred to as Chicagoland. At nearly 10 million people, the metropolitan area is the third most populous in the nation.

Recording

New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne is featured on "Barry Bonds." It contains the one single guest verse on the entire studio album. Lil Wayne in Concert.jpg
New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne is featured on "Barry Bonds." It contains the one single guest verse on the entire studio album.

A majority of the songs on Graduation had contained glossy, layered synthesizer-based productions influenced by West's excursion into electronic music. [17] [18] Although with "Barry Bonds" the backing track retains a more conventional, straightforward hip-hop production. [19] [20] West desired a simplistic boom-bap beat akin to kind typically used for the backdrop of a freestyle rap in order to place lyrical wordplay in at the forefront but was also club-friendly. [21] [22] [23] Nottz incorporated his signature dense drums and low-end Moog basslines. [3] Though synthesizer was used to fashion the chord sequence of the track, it maintains a patchy, analog aesthetic. [24] [20] West integrated a cut-up vocal sample from a live recording of "Long Red" by the hard rock band Mountain into the chorus section. [25] [1]

Synthesizer Electronic instrument capable of producing a wide range of sounds

A synthesizer or synthesiser is an electronic musical instrument that generates audio signals that may be converted to sound. Synthesizers may imitate traditional musical instruments such as piano, flute, vocals, or natural sounds such as ocean waves; or generate novel electronic timbres. They are often played with a musical keyboard, but they can be controlled via a variety of other devices, including music sequencers, instrument controllers, fingerboards, guitar synthesizers, wind controllers, and electronic drums. Synthesizers without built-in controllers are often called sound modules, and are controlled via USB, MIDI or CV/gate using a controller device, often a MIDI keyboard or other controller.

Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments, digital instruments and circuitry-based music technology. In general, a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means, and that produced using electronics only. Electromechanical instruments include mechanical elements, such as strings, hammers, and so on, and electric elements, such as magnetic pickups, power amplifiers and loudspeakers. Examples of electromechanical sound producing devices include the telharmonium, Hammond organ, and the electric guitar, which are typically made loud enough for performers and audiences to hear with an instrument amplifier and speaker cabinet. Pure electronic instruments do not have vibrating strings, hammers, or other sound-producing mechanisms. Devices such as the theremin, synthesizer, and computer can produce electronic sounds.

Hip hop production

Hip hop production is the creation of hip hop music in a recording studio. While the term encompasses all aspects of hip hop music creation, including recording the rapping of an MC, a turntablist or DJ providing a beat, playing samples and "scratching" using record players and the creation of a rhythmic backing track, using a drum machine or sequencer, it is most commonly used to refer to recording the instrumental, non-lyrical and non-vocal aspects of hip hop.

Recording sessions for "Barry Bond" took place at Chung King Studios in New York City and at Durt Factory Studio in Norfolk, Virginia. [1] Once the recording sessions were complete, the track was then mixed at Chung King Studios. [1] West stated that Roc-A-Fella Records founder Damon "Dame" Dash was in his thoughts while writing "Barry Bonds." [26] During an interview, after being asked about the status of his current relationship with Dame—mentioned in the chorus of the album's thirteenth track "Big Brother"—West replied that while Jay-Z is a brother to him, Dame is more like a father figure. He claims that when working on the track, he actually imagined Dame enjoying the music, doing the original Dame Dash Dance, and reliving the glory days of the record label. [26] Jay-Z himself was originally meant to also make a guest appearance on "Barry Bonds" alongside Lil Wayne. [27] In an interview with Entertainment Weekly , Jay-Z revealed that because it was late in the day, he didn't get a chance to get his verse in. [27] This makes Graduation the very first studio album released by Kanye West not to feature a full-length guest rap verse from Jay-Z. [11]

In comparison to previous albums, Graduation in its entirety contained fewer guest appearances from other recording artists. [11] West elaborated that they inspired a conscious decision to keep his guest vocalists at a minimum. This was a result from the various rock bands and musicians he was listening to at the time. During an interview with Reuters , West stated, "When I hear the records of my favorite bands – The Killers or Coldplay – you only hear one voice from start to finish." [28] The scant singers and rappers featured in individual tracks on the record were relegated to providing melodic choruses and quick hooks. [29] At one point, West intended for Graduation to be utterly devoid of a guest rap verse in order to showcase his improvement as a lyricist. [30] But West eventually decided make an exception and invite rapper Lil Wayne on the track "Barry Bonds". [5] The collaborative track was announced less than a month prior to the release date of Graduation. [2] At the time, the two had been working closely together, with West contributing to the production of Lil Wayne's acclaimed sixth studio album Tha Carter III (2008). [31] [32] "Barry Bonds" stands as the very first song ever to feature both of the popular hip-hop artists together. [33]

Composition

The song is named after Major League Baseball player and home run king Barry Bonds. He is used a metaphor for West's music hit-making ability. BarryLamar Bonds.jpg
The song is named after Major League Baseball player and home run king Barry Bonds. He is used a metaphor for West's music hit-making ability.

"Barry Bonds" is a hip-hop song that runs for a duration of three minutes and twenty-four seconds. [1] It is a gritty mix-tape track built on a loping reggae drumbeat and spare trip-hop groove. [30] [34] [35] The musical composition also retains elements of funk and jazz, resulting in a corrosive, bass-heavy sound that recalls early 1990s hip-hop. [36] [37] It has ominous, minimalist instrumentation consisting of slow synths, dense drums, thick organ, twinkling keyboards and pulsing bass guitar. [38] [33] [7] [39] The dense beat of "Barry Bonds" is misty and bombastic, driven by low rumbling bass that swerves with languid aggressiveness. [34] [17] The song starts out slow, opening with a moaning bassline intro and a stripped-down approach. [40] [39] But then it suddenly swells to take on a sinister ambiance of gospel howls, glistening minor-key synths, and gritty drum breaks. [40] [6] West demonstrates the eccentric use of confident rhyming coughs during the chorus. [25] Later on at its refrain, the track further expands to accommodate Gothic organ stabs before being brought back by its piercing, sinuous bass run. [38] The song's hook also contains rough shouting vocals from a sample of "Long Red" by the American hard rock band Mountain. [25] [1]

West showcases his lyrical dexterity on "Barry Bonds", a competitive, playful battle-rap with Lil Wayne. [5] The pair casually exchange braggadocios rhymes regarding their success and dominance. [30] [11] The track is named after former Major League Baseball player, seven-time MVP, and home-run king Barry Bonds. [41] [8] West uses him as a metaphor in regards to his music hit-making ability, as the song has a chorus that goes: "Here's another hit, Barry Bonds." [32] [8] Throughout the track, West ecstatically revels in the trappings of success. [29] His lyrical wordplay is imbued with brash declarations of strength and triumph as well as references to golden age hip-hop anthems and MCs. [42] [43] [34] He uses baseball to make an analogy for his string of hits and compliments himself for being a better sport in the past year. [44] Meanwhile, in a raspy voice with slow, gravelly flow, Lil Wayne reels off a litany of boastful free-associative punchlines and witty one-liners laced with numerous pop-culture references. [38] [30] These include those pertaining to rapper Eminem, actress Meagan Good, singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole, former U.S. Presidents, and the Easter Rabbit. [45] [22] West and Lil Wayne proclaim themselves as hit-makers in the same league. For the song's hook, West delivers the catchphrase uttered by sport commentator Duane Kuiper whenever a player hit a home run: "We outta here baby!" [46]

Critical reception

Despite being very well-received by audiences, "Barry Bonds" received mixed reviews from contemporary music critics. [10] Washington Post staff writer Brett Johnson described the track as "addictive." [43] Going further, Nathan Brackett senior editor for Rolling Stone claimed the song has "a moaning groove that you could listen to for weeks." [39] Houston Press regarded "Barry Bonds" as among the brilliant moments of Graduation. [23] Complimenting the lack of skits and as well as the fact that guest vocalists "blend in rather than deviate from the main attraction," Noah Love of ChartAttack stated that any of the album's transgressions can be easily ignored thanks to songs like "Barry Bonds." [47] A columnist from Paste bestowed "Barry Bonds" with much acclaim and ranked it as West's fifty-ninth best album track. He writes, "Barry Bonds” is now a reminder of when Lil Wayne could do nothing but make hits, since this track predates Tha Carter III's popularity. "Barry Bonds" is little more than Wayne and West going head-to-head, knocking it out of the park with each verse." [48]

Substream Magazine 's Murjani Rawls summarizes the track as "the lyrical stacking of verbal Jenga pieces with Lil Wayne, an artist who was within a remarkable run." [49] Mark Pylik of Pitchfork was taken aback by the inspired manner in which "West confounds the odds by drastically outsmarting an uncharacteristically lazy Lil Wayne on the mic." [24] Likewise, exclaim's Del Cowie remarked, "West invites Lil’ Wayne, regarded in some circles as the best rapper breathing, and verbally annihilates him on "Barry Bonds." [50] Rajveer Kathwadia of RWD Magazine was fairly indifferent towards song's lyrics but complimented its old school-inspired boom-bap beat. [22] Dave Heaton from PopMatters considered "Barry Bonds" as one of the songs on the album that gave off a "timeless hip-hop feeling." He inferred, "...you get the sense that he’s pushing for a legacy as a pop-star and as a true-school MC. When he calls himself a "top 5 MC", he's not just bragging: he's hoping that's how he'll be remembered." [34]

The Village Voice thought that "Barry Bonds" was interesting, but concludes that it didn't feel like a "massive event-song" and the impression left was a "low-key simmer rather than an epic blast." [30] The A.V. Club staff reviewer Kyle Ryan said that "Barry Bonds" was "undercooked" and stood out as one of a couple of the album's "real clunkers." [51] The Michigan Daily writer Brian Chen labeled the recording an "egregious misstep" and was critical of the simplistic beat and lyricism. He continued writing, "The production is inconspicuous to a fault; West lacks the lyrical chops to impress on wordplay alone ... And then there's Weezy's lackluster appearance. Normally, he would eviscerate a track like this, but here he drops an uncharacteristically anemic verse. [21] Jim Farber from New York Daily News was despondent of the change in West's lyrical content. He wrote, "Unfortunately, lyrically, West has lost sight of the worldly view, and outsider's character, that earlier made him a worthy critic of power. He's in the cat seat now, and boy, does he know it. ... On one level, he's kidding of course. But if those boasts can be funny, it's deflating that he's talking only about himself. [52] Samuel Anslema of XXL Magazine asserted, "While the Lil Wayne–featured “Barry Bonds” thumps like Sasquatch's feet, it's an example of undeniable style over substance." [53] While she gave Graduation a highly favorable review, Hillary Crosley of Billboard believed "Barry Bonds" shouldn't have been included on the studio album, saying that it "would've been better saved for a mixtape." [54]

Chart performance

Even though it was not released as an official single, "Barry Bonds" still managed to chart. [5] The song made both its debut and peak at number twenty-four on the U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart, which acts as a twenty-five song extension to the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, for the issue date of September 22, 2007. [55]

Video clip

Although "Barry Bonds" doesn't have an accompanying music video, a special video clip was made for the track prior to the release of Graduation. [14] It was displayed for the very first time when Kanye West hosted a late-night album listening session for Graduation in New York City on August 28, 2007 at the New World Stages. [7] The video clip for "Barry Bonds" was one of seven that were designed by Kanye West and Derrick Lee exclusively for the event. [56] Derrick Lee was the editor of the music video for "Flashing Lights" and was able to edit all seven video clips in three days. [57] West presented the gapless playback with an evocative light-show across the stage that included theatrical smoke machines, laser beams, stage spotlights and other special effects. [56] [14] The elaborate spectacle was all set in almost perfect time with the music. [14] While the music played, a large screen positioned in the middle of the stage flashed a montage of images edited to sync up with "Barry Bonds." [13] [14] They are taken from scenes of the hammer-fight sequence from the 2003 South Korean film Oldboy . [14] Kanye West later made the video clip available for viewing on his official blog on March 26, 2008. [58]

Live performances

West provided a live performance of "Barry Bonds" while for an inaugural benefit concert promoting and raising funds for higher education. [59] The concert was sponsored by West's charity foundation and was held on August 24, 2007 at Chicago's House of Blues. [59] One of the initiatives funded by the concert is the Loops Dreams Teacher Training Institute, which encourages the incorporation of hip-hop into Chicago Public Schools curriculum. [60]

Cover versions

"Barry Bonds" has been covered and remixed by other hip-hop artists and record producers. Just six weeks after its release, Canadian rapper and singer Drake performed a freestyle rap over the instrumental of "Barry Bonds" and included it on his 2007 mixtape Comeback Season . [61] With largely braggadocios lyrics, Drake veered away from his charismatic melodic vocal style in favor of straightforward rapping. [62] [63] The track was considered as one of the highlights of the mixtape and was noted by Jaysong Rodriguez of Rolling Stone for being a demonstration of how Drake was becoming more into as his own as a hip-hop artist. [62] A remix for "Barry Bonds" was produced by Eli Escobar and included on Sky High, a remix mixtape that was mixed and compiled by DJ Benzi and Plain Pat. [64] The mixtape features remixes by various DJs and record producers of songs taken from West's first three studio albums. [65] It was made in anticipation of the release of his fourth studio album 808s & Heartbreak (2008). [64] The remix project was commissioned by Kanye West himself the year prior. He handed over a cappellas and other session tapes to DJ Benzi, who then spent his time trying to match different and DJs and producers to certain tracks. [64] ike every of the other tracks, "Barry Bonds" (Eli Escobar Remix) had at least five revisions recorded before being completely finished. [64] The song's instrumental was given a new club-friendly dance vibe. [64]

The Florida production duo Urban Noize dedicated to Kanye a remix EP entitled Mr. West that features eight remixes of his songs. [66] A remix of "Barry Bonds" was among them, and duo incorporates bass instruments into the track to engender a bluesy sound. [67] Visionary Music in-house record producer 6ix has used chopped-and-screwed technique on samples of West's vocals from "Barry Bonds" combined with a vocal sample from "My Chain" by Gucci Mane for the production of the tracks "My Chain" as well as "Life of a Don" for rapper Logic. [68] Like West, Logic uses confident lyricism to acknowledge his success, expounding that seemingly materialistic items serve to convey past accomplishments. He included the latter on his third mixtape, Young Sinatra: Undeniable, and released the former as a promotional single for his debut studio album, Under Pressure (2014). [68] Austin battle-rapper Phranchyze did a freestyle over the track under the new title "Barry Bonds Flow" for his Phranye West mixtape. [69] Odd Future rapper Earl Sweatshirt used samples from "Barry Bonds" to produce the instrumental track "Bary". [70]

Personnel

Information taken from Graduation liner notes. [1]

Charts

Chart (2007)Peak
position
US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles ( Billboard ) [55] 24

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Jordan Michael Houston, known professionally as Juicy J, is an American rapper, songwriter and record producer from Memphis, Tennessee. He is a founding member of the Southern hip hop group Three 6 Mafia, established in 1991. In 2002, he released his solo debut album Chronicles of the Juice Man, in between Three 6 Mafia projects. In 2011, Juicy J announced that he was a part-owner and A&R rep for Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Records, and the following year, he signed a solo deal with Columbia Records and Dr. Luke's Kemosabe Records. Juicy J released Stay Trippy, his third studio album under the aforementioned labels on August 27, 2013. He is the younger brother of frequent collaborator and fellow rapper Project Pat.

Swizz Beatz American record producer, rapper, DJ and entrepreneur from New York

Kasseem Dean, known professionally as Swizz Beatz, is an American hip hop recording artist, DJ, record producer, art collector, and entrepreneur from New York City. Born and raised in The Bronx, Dean began his musical career as a disc jockey (DJ). At the age of 16, he gained recognition in the hip hop industry through his friendship and work with East Coast rapper DMX and his family's Ruff Ryders Entertainment record label. Dean later found a protégé in Philadelphia-based rapper Cassidy, whose success helped the launch of his own label imprint, Full Surface Records in 1999. He went on to sign multiple artists to the label, including Eve, Mashonda, and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Dean also released two albums under the label; the first was a compilation, titled Swizz Beatz Presents G.H.E.T.T.O. Stories, released in 2002, and later his debut studio album, One Man Band Man in 2007. In November 2018, Dean released his second studio album, Poison, featuring collaborations with multiple hip hop artists.

T-Pain American rapper and record producer

Faheem Rasheed Najm, better known by his stage name T-Pain, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. His debut album, Rappa Ternt Sanga, was released in 2005. In 2007, T-Pain released his second album Epiphany, which reached number one on the US Billboard 200 chart. His third album, Thr33 Ringz, was released in 2008. T-Pain has also released a string of hit singles, including "I'm Sprung", "I'm 'n Luv ", "Buy U a Drank ", "Bartender", "Can't Believe It", "5 O'Clock" and more. T-Pain has earned two Grammy Awards, alongside artists Kanye West and Jamie Foxx respectively.

<i>Hip Hop Is Dead</i> 2006 studio album by Nas

Hip Hop Is Dead is the eighth studio album by American rapper Nas, released December 19, 2006 on Def Jam Recordings. His first album for the label, it was co-financed by Nas's previous label, Columbia Records, which once distributed for Def Jam. The album's title was inspired by Nas's view of the music industry and the state of hip hop music at the time. The album features appearances from Nas’ then wife Kelis, Kanye West, Jay-Z, will.i.am, Snoop Dogg, The Game and Chrisette Michele, among others.

<i>Tha Carter III</i> 2008 studio album by Lil Wayne

Tha Carter III is the sixth studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne, released on June 10, 2008, by Cash Money and Universal Motown. It follows a long string of mixtape releases and guest appearances on other hip hop and R&B artists records, helping to increase his exposure in the mainstream. Amid release delays and leaks, Tha Carter III became one of the most anticipated releases of 2008. It is widely-regarded as one of Wayne’s best projects, and one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time.

Pusha T American rapper and record executive from Virginia

Terrence LeVarr Thornton, better known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper, songwriter and record executive. He initially gained major recognition as half of hip hop duo Clipse, alongside his brother and fellow rapper No Malice, with whom he founded Re-Up Records. In September 2010, Thornton announced his signing to Kanye West's GOOD Music imprint, under the aegis of Def Jam Recordings. In March 2011, he released his first solo project, a mixtape titled Fear of God. Thornton released his debut solo album, My Name Is My Name, in October 2013. In November 2015, Kanye West appointed Pusha T to take over his role as president of GOOD Music.

Cant Tell Me Nothing 2007 single by Kanye West

"Can't Tell Me Nothing" is a song by American hip-hop recording artist Kanye West. It was released on May 15, 2007 as the lead single of his third studio album, Graduation. The song was produced by Kanye West and Atlanta record producer DJ Toomp. It received acclaim from music critics and was listed amongst the best tracks of the year by several publications. "Can't Tell Me Nothing" was nominated for Best Rap Song at the 50th Grammy Awards, but lost to another one of West's songs, "Good Life". Since its release, West has continually reiterated that it is his favorite song he's done. In 2012 Complex named it their song of the decade.

"Big Brother" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West. It was released on his 2007 studio album, Graduation. The song was produced by Atlanta record producer DJ Toomp. "Big Brother" is a tribute by Kanye dedicated to Jay-Z, containing lyrics that discuss the ups and downs of their friendship. The song received very positive reviews from music critics, who praised West's lyricism and storytelling ability. Though not released as a single, "Big Brother" managed to enter and peak at number nineteen on the U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.

Flashing Lights (Kanye West song) 2007 single by Kanye West

"Flashing Lights" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West. It features Detroit R&B singer Dwele and contains background vocals from Australian singer Connie Mitchell. West co-wrote and co-produced the song with Eric Hudson and released it on November 12, 2007 as the fourth single for his third studio album, Graduation. The single's cover art was designed by Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami. The single received critical acclaim from music critics and is cited as one of the best songs on Graduation.

"Us Placers" is the debut song by American supergroup Child Rebel Soldier, a musical collaboration consisting of hip-hop artists Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams. It was released as the third song on the track-listing of West's 2007 mixtape Can't Tell Me Nothing. The song was produced by Fiasco and contains samples of the recording "The Eraser" by Thom Yorke, lead singer of the alternative rock band Radiohead. On "Us Placers," the trio speak on the entrapments of fame. Having been released on a free mixtape, the song did not enter charts but became an online hit and received strong reviews from music critics.

Homecoming (Kanye West song) Kanye West song

"Homecoming" is a song by American hip-hop recording artist and record producer Kanye West. It was included as the twelfth song on the track-listing of his third studio album Graduation (2007). The track was produced by West with Warryn Campbell and features a guest appearance from Chris Martin, lead vocalist of the English alternative rock band Coldplay. Chris Martin sings the song's chorus and outro and provides a piano-driven motif. The instrumentation combines rhythmic, gospel style piano riffs with spare, reggae-tinged grooves of a heavy yet buoyant drumbeat and ponderous bass line. The song features pop-oriented refrains while also integrating elements of post-punk and new wave with arena rock sensibilities. "Homecoming" is written as a tribute dedicated to West's hometown of Chicago, Illinois. His conceptual lyricism expresses an extended metaphor where he personifies Chicago as a childhood sweetheart to convey his relationship with the city.

Put On 2008 single by Kanye West and Jeezy

"Put On" is a song written and performed by American rapper Young Jeezy and hip hop recording artist Kanye West, taken from the former's third studio album, The Recession. The song was released as the album's lead single on June 3, 2008. The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

Swagga Like Us 2008 Single by Jay-Z and T.I. featuring Kanye West, Lil Wayne & M.I.A.

"Swagga Like Us" is a song by American hip hop recording artists Jay-Z, T.I., Kanye West, and Lil Wayne and British recording artist M.I.A.. It was released on September 6, 2008 in the United States as the fifth single from T.I.'s album Paper Trail, and was also slated for inclusion on Jay-Z's eleventh album The Blueprint 3 (2009), although it ultimately did not make the final track listing. The song was produced by West and is constructed primarily around a vocal sample of "Paper Planes" by British musician M.I.A.

<i>Cant Tell Me Nothing</i> (mixtape) 2007 mixtape by Kanye West

Can't Tell Me Nothing: The Official Mixtape is a mixtape by American hip-hop artist Kanye West. It was made freely available over the internet on May 27, 2007 in anticipation of the release of his third studio album, Graduation.

Forever (Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem song) song by Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem

"Forever" is a single by rappers Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. The song is released as a single from the soundtrack to LeBron James's More Than a Game documentary. The song was also placed on the re-release of Eminem's album Relapse, titled Relapse: Refill. Eminem performed his verse of the song at the American Music Awards of 2009. Drake performed the song with Lil Wayne, Eminem, and Travis Barker at the 52nd Grammy Awards.

Chauncey Alexander Hollis, better known by his stage name Hit-Boy, is an American record producer, rapper, singer and songwriter. In May 2011, Hollis had signed a 2-year deal with Kanye West's GOOD Music production branch. With this stimulus, he produced singles such as "Niggas in Paris" by The Throne, "Trophies" by Drake, "Clique" by GOOD Music and "Racks in the Middle" by Nipsey Hussle & Roddy Ricch. In December 2012, it was revealed he had signed a recording contract with Interscope Records, and subsequently founded his own record label imprint, Hits Since '87. He has since expanded his production catalog with singles such as "Drop the World" by Lil Wayne and Eminem, "Sorry" by Beyoncé, and "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott, all of which have been certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Thank You (Busta Rhymes song) single by Busta Rhymes

"Thank You" is a song by American rapper Busta Rhymes. It was released on November 7, 2013 by Cash Money Records and Republic Records, as the intended second single from his tenth studio album E.L.E.2 which is yet to release. The song features additional vocals from fellow rappers Q-Tip, Lil Wayne and Kanye West. The song's production was handled by Busta Rhymes himself. It also samples Alicia Myers' 1981 song, "I Wanna Thank You." "Thank You" has since peaked at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart.

"I Wonder" is a song by American hip-hop recording artist and record producer Kanye West. It was released as the fourth song on the track-listing of his third studio album Graduation (2007). The track was produced by West and retains influences from stadium rock, alternative music, and a variety of electronic-music subgenres. It contains a sample from "My Song" by British singer-songwriter, musician, and poet Labi Siffre. A key development in the song's creation was West touring the world the year prior with Irish rock band U2 on their Vertigo Tour. Afterwards, he sought out to compose a hip hop-oriented variation of "City of Blinding Lights," the band's 2005 single. The layered arrangement expresses ambitious orchestrations, with distorted electronic synthesizer that act as the driving melodic instrument. The maximalist synths are further supplemented with a sweeping string section as well as winding keyboards. Its experimental musical composition is also notable for West's rapping technique. His lyrical delivery features a fragmented, forceful flow where he raps minimalist verses in an intense staccato vocal style. Lyrically, "I Wonder" is an introspective number, containing a blend of melancholic yet inspirational lines that discuss finding one's dreams.

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Bibliography

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