Praise God

Last updated
"Praise God"
Song by Kanye West featuring Travis Scott and Baby Keem
from the album Donda
ReleasedAugust 29, 2021 (2021-08-29)
Recorded2020–2021
Genre Hip Hop, trap
Length3:46
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"Praise God" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song features vocals from fellow American rappers Travis Scott and Baby Keem. It also features additional vocals from West's late mother, Donda West, for whom the album is named. The song peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100, alongside reaching number 10 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and the top of the US Gospel and Christian Songs charts.

Contents

Background

The beat for "Praise God" was originally produced by 30 Roc and Zentachi in early 2020. [1] The first version of the beat consisted of a sample of a Japanese song with a Spinz 808 pattern. At the first listening event in Atlanta, the sample was swapped out for a choir sample, and by the time of the second listening party, the drums and 808s Zen-tachi and 30 Roc added were taken out completely. [1] Though most of the track was completely different from its original version, 30 Roc and Zen-tachi still received production credits for creating the original track that inspired the song. [1] [2] Japanese music producers Machiko Ryu and Kazuhiko Katō also received writing credits for writing the original song that was sampled. [2]

KayCyy, who has writing credits on the track, talked about how the track came together in an interview with HipHopDX :

Even the grittiest side, it's still gospel. It's like 'Let's try to make gospel cooler, how can other people who may not listen to gospel music listen to it and still get the message?' That's what we were trying to crack with all of the hip hop sounding joints on there. [3]

The song appeared on numerous track listing iterations for Donda revealed by West on July 18, 2020. [4] [5] The song was first played by West at the first listening event for Donda on July 22, 2021. In the following listening event on August 6, the track received some changes such as more organs being added and the percussion being altered. [6] The first version previewed on had Travis Scott doing the first verses and the hook. On the second version, West cut some of Scott's lines out to fill himself in and substituted the entire hook with himself singing it. About collaborating with West, Keem wrote on Twitter: "Ye, an Idol, an Icon. Forever grateful for the experience of a lifetime". [7]

Composition and lyrics

Lyrically, "Praise God" sees West along with Scott and Baby Keem complimenting Jesus and what He has done for them. The song opens up with the former's late mother, Donda West, reciting an excerpt of Gwendolyn Brooks' poem, "Speech to the Young: Speech to the Progress-Toward", speaking: "Say to them, say to the down-keepers, the sun-slappers / The self-soilers, the harmony-hushers / Even if you are not ready for the day, it cannot always be night". [8] It focuses on the people who think negatively about life, reminding them that they have a lot to be thankful for in life. The chorus sees West singing: "We gon' praise our way out the grave, dawg / Livin', speakin', praise God / Walkin' out the graveyard back to life / I serve, follow your word / See with a sight", before his mother finishes the last line of the chorus by saying, "Into the night". In the chorus, West focuses on turning his life around and putting his faith and trust in God to give what is right, which helps him see things in a more positive perspective. Scott also discusses his relationship with Christ in both of his verses. In Keem's verse, which closes the song, he raps the line: "Y'all treat your Lord and Savior like renter's insurance, you know what I mean?". He tries to call out the people that do not have belief in Christ's power until something bad happens to them, in which they rely on Him; he compares that to a person ignoring their renter's insurance until they need payment. [9]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [2]

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Praise God"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [29] Gold40,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [30] Gold50,000‡
Poland (ZPAV) [31] Platinum50,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [32] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [33] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

"Off the Grid" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song features vocals from American rappers Playboi Carti and Fivio Foreign, with choir vocals performed by opera singer Justin Austin. It was released to US urban contemporary radio stations as the album's fourth single on November 30, 2021.

"On God" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his ninth studio album, Jesus Is King (2019). The song's production was handled by West, BoogzDaBeast, and Michael "CameOne" Cerda, with co-production from Pi'erre Bourne and additional production from Federico Vindver. The producers served as co-writers alongside Cyhi the Prynce and Mustard. Cerda formed the song's melody in 2017, utilizing a Prophet Rev 2 and Moog Sub 37. Young Thug indicated an appearance, though he ultimately did not make the final cut. An electronic track with gospel and house elements, it relies on synths and features an interpolation of "Mercy" by West, Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz.

<i>Donda</i> 2021 studio album by Kanye West

Donda is the tenth studio album by American rapper Kanye West. It was released by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings on August 29, 2021. The album features a broad range of guest performances from artists, including The Weeknd, Jay-Z, Marilyn Manson, Kid Cudi, Travis Scott, Lil Yachty, Baby Keem, Playboi Carti, Jay Electronica, Lil Baby, DaBaby, Roddy Ricch, Ty Dolla Sign, Fivio Foreign, Lil Durk, Pop Smoke, the Lox, Shenseea, Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Young Thug, among others; as well as vocals from Chris Brown were also included prior to the album being updated. Its deluxe version features guest vocals from André 3000, Tyler, the Creator, and KayCyy. West himself, as well as BoogzDaBeast, Dem Jointz, Mike Dean, and Ojivolta primarily helmed the album's production. West recorded much of the material at multiple locations in the summer of 2021, including Bighorn Mountain Ranch in Wyoming and Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

American rapper and record producer Baby Keem has released one studio album, two mixtapes, four extended plays (EP), and ten singles. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), he has sold one million certified albums and five million certified singles in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">24 (Kanye West song)</span> 2021 song by Kanye West

"24" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features additional vocals from Kenyan-American rapper KayCyy and the Sunday Service Choir. The rappers wrote it alongside Brian Miller, Ojivolta, and Warryn Campbell. The song is titled after the jersey number of Kobe Bryant, for whom it was recorded shortly after his death in January 2020. While the song did experience different reiterations over time, West had written its melody a day before Bryant died. A gospel song that includes church organ stabs, it is a tribute to Bryant.

"Keep My Spirit Alive" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features vocals from fellow American rappers Conway the Machine and Westside Gunn and originally featured additional vocals from KayCyy.

"Tell the Vision" is a song by American rapper Pop Smoke featuring fellow American rappers Kanye West and Pusha T from the former's second posthumous studio album, Faith (2021). West produced the song with Boogz, FnZ, Rico Beats, and SethInTheKitchen, while Jalil Peraza and Jess Jackson served as additional producers. A drill track, it samples a choir and Angie Martinez's ode to Pop Smoke. In the lyrics of the song, the rapper discusses his upbringing in Brooklyn and the struggles he experienced during this period.

"Jonah" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song features fellow American rappers Vory and Lil Durk along with additional background vocals from frequent collaborator Ty Dolla $ign. It peaked at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and made the top ten on the Billboard Christian Songs and Gospel Songs charts.

"Hurricane" is a song by American rapper Kanye West and Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd featuring fellow American rapper Lil Baby, from the former's tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song features additional vocals from the Sunday Service Choir and KayCyy. It came from a jam session at Archwood Music Studio and was passed on by Chance the Rapper to West, who shared a preview in September 2018. The song was originally slated for inclusion on West's since scrapped album, Yandhi, and went through multiple reiterations prior to release, with the final version being debuted in July 2021. On August 8, 2021, it was accidentally made available via certain streaming services before being pulled less than 24 hours later, but was officially released with the rest of the album on August 29, 2021. It was also eventually sent to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations as the album's lead single on September 14, by GOOD Music and Def Jam. An R&B, hip hop, and pop jam with an atmospheric beat, it contains organs and bass.

"New Again" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song's original version featured vocals from American singer Chris Brown.

"Come to Life" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features overlapping pianos and guitar chords, as well as a sample of David Paul Moten's sermon. The lyrics allude to the emotional fallout from West's divorce, while showcasing themes of liberation and God.

"Jail" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song includes vocals from fellow American rapper Jay-Z. Towards the end of the album, another version of the song titled "Jail pt 2" appears, which includes more vocals from DaBaby and Marilyn Manson. It won the award for Best Rap Song at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

"Moon" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song includes vocals from fellow rappers Don Toliver and Kid Cudi. The production was handled by West and E.Vax, with co-production from BoogzDaBeast and DJ Khalil. Alongside the vocalists, all the producers wrote the song. It initially only had an appearance from Toliver, however Kid Cudi was included after the album's first listening event in July 2021. Lil Yachty sought the rapper's appearance by reaching out to Vory, who arranged it through contact with West. The song had been crafted by West before Toliver worked on it in 2021, differing largely from the initial recording on the final version. A tender ballad, it features riffs of electric guitar and lyrics from Kid Cudi about reflecting to better himself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pure Souls</span> 2021 song by Kanye West featuring Roddy Ricch and Shenseea

"Pure Souls" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features vocals from fellow American rapper Roddy Ricch and Jamaican singer Shenseea.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Believe What I Say</span> 2021 single by Kanye West

"Believe What I Say" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features additional vocals from Buju Banton, Dem Jointz and Stalone; and samples "Doo Wop " by Lauryn Hill. It was serviced to US rhythmic contemporary radio as the album's third single on November 30, 2021.

"Ok Ok" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song features vocals from Lil Yachty and Rooga. Rooga recorded his verse after Lil Yachty at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2021. A second version was recorded under the title of "Ok Ok Pt 2", featuring vocals from Shenseea.

"Remote Control" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song, which features vocals from fellow American rapper Young Thug, was produced by West alongside Cubeatz, Digital Nas, Ojivolta, 88-Keys, Mike Dean and Teddy Walton.

"God Breathed" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released on his tenth studio album Donda on August 29, 2021. The song features vocals from American rapper Vory.

"Life of the Party" is a song by American rappers Kanye West and André 3000. It was intended for West's tenth studio album Donda (2021), but was left off the album due to André 3000 not agreeing to his verse being edited to a clean version. The song was later leaked by Canadian rapper Drake on Sound 42 radio amidst a feud with West. It was initially released as an exclusive to the Donda Stem Player in October 2021. The song was released fully in November 2021 on the deluxe version of Donda, and an explicit version as a single. The song ends with audio of a clip of DMX and his daughter on an amusement park ride.

"Silent Hill" is a song by American rappers Kendrick Lamar and Kodak Black. It was sent to rhythmic contemporary radio and urban contemporary radio through PGLang, Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records as the first US single from Lamar's fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, on May 31, 2022. The song was produced by Boi-1da, Sounwave, and Jahaan Sweet, with additional production by Beach Noise.

References

  1. 1 2 3 703izzy (December 6, 2021). "15-year-old producer Zentachi on creative vision, his contributions to praise god and the box, and more…". 703 Global. Archived from the original on December 7, 2021. Retrieved 11 February 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. 1 2 3 "Credits / Donda / Kanye West" . Tidal. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022.
  3. ↑ HipHopDX (26 September 2021). "Kanye West Held Daily Bible Studies At DONDA Sessions w Preacher & Fivio Foreign". YouTube. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  4. ↑ Curto, Justin (September 1, 2021). "An Exhaustive, Exhausting Attempt at Understanding Kanye West's Donda". Vulture. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  5. ↑ Rolli, Bryan (July 18, 2020). "Kanye West Is Apparently, Maybe, Releasing A New Album Called 'Donda' Next Week". Forbes .
  6. ↑ Rindner, Grant (August 9, 2021). "11 Ways Kanye West's Donda Album Has Already Changed". GQ. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  7. ↑ @babykeem (July 22, 2021). "Ye, an Idol, an Icon. Forever grateful for the experience of a lifetime" (Tweet). Retrieved August 29, 2021– via Twitter.
  8. ↑ Lewczyk, Maria (July 23, 2021). "On the scene at Kanye West's 'Donda' playback in Atlanta: "It feels cathartic"". NME. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  9. ↑ Gralia, Luke (August 29, 2021). "The Real Meaning Behind Kanye West's 'Praise God' Featuring Travis Scott". Nicki Swift. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  10. ↑ "Kanye West – Praise God". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  12. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 35. týden 2021 in the date selector. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Track Top-40 Uge 35, 2021". Hitlisten . Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Kanye West – Praise God" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  15. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Tónlistinn – Lög - Vika 35 – 2021". Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on September 6, 2021. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Top Singoli – Classifica settimanale WK 35" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  18. ↑ "2021 35-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. September 3, 2021. Retrieved September 4, 2021.
  19. ↑ "Kanye West – Praise God". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  20. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 35. týden 2021 in the date selector. Retrieved September 6, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100: 27/08/2021 to 02/09/2021". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on September 9, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
  22. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  23. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  24. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot Christian Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
  25. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot Gospel Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 25, 2021.
  26. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  27. ↑ "Hot Christian Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  28. ↑ "Hot Gospel Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Kanye West – Praise God". Music Canada . Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  30. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Kanye West – Praise God" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  31. ↑ "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved October 23, 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Praise God in the search box.
  32. ↑ "British single certifications – Kanye West – Praise God". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved June 30, 2023.
  33. ↑ "American single certifications – Kanye West – Praise God". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved April 10, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.