Pure Souls

Last updated
"Pure Souls"
Almost black square 020305.png
Song by Kanye West featuring Roddy Ricch and Shenseea
from the album Donda
ReleasedAugust 29, 2021 (2021-08-29)
RecordedMay 25 – August 2021
Length5:59
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Kanye West
  • BoogzDaBeast

"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.

Contents

The song peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100. It has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of over 500,000 units in the United States. [1]

Background

In September 2020, West had a rant on his Twitter account where amongst posting his full recording contract with Universal, he posted a video of him urinating on one of his Grammy awards; captioning the post with "Trust me... I won't stop". [2] [3] Roddy Ricch, who is featured on the track, was nominated for six entries at the 2020 Grammy awards, but left the show empty handed. Roddy Ricch called out West in March 2021, believing that he disrespected the Grammys, saying "How do you think that makes the world look at my accomplishment?". [4] In an interview with Big Boy in June 2021, he stated that he had met up with West and recorded music together and that there was no disrespect towards him. [5] Roddy Ricch references the incident on the song, singing "They said I was mad at the Grammys, but I'm looking at my Grammy right now/Pulled up on Ye and said they don't understand me, I just want my dog to pipe down". [6]

The song was first previewed during a listening party at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 22, 2021. [6] At the August 5 listening party, West changed part of his verse, removing lines that alluded to his relationship with Barack Obama such as "44 telling me I'm still not folks". [7] At the August 26 listening party at Soldier Field, West added Jamaican singer Shenseea to the track. The collaboration came about after he had watched her freestyle at Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex, which was uploaded on July 28, 2021. [8] At the listening event, Shenseea joined West on the stairs of his remade childhood home along with artists such as Travis Scott, Marilyn Manson and DaBaby. [9]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [10]

Charts

Certifications

Certifications and sales for Pure Souls
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [25] Gold500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

"Hey Mama" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his second studio album, Late Registration (2005). The song includes additional vocals from John Legend. West composed the song in 2000, specifically intending for it to be included on the album. The song was produced by West and Jon Brion. A ballad, it contains a sample of Donal Leace's "Today Won't Come Again". In the lyrics of the song, Kanye pays tribute to his mother, Donda West.

"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. It was released to US urban contemporary radio stations as the album's fourth single on November 30, 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shenseea</span> Jamaican singer and songwriter

Chinsea Linda Lee, known professionally as Shenseea, is a Jamaican singer and songwriter. She is best known for her guest appearance alongside Roddy Ricch on Kanye West's 2021 song "Pure Souls," which entered the Billboard Hot 100. Through its parent album Donda, she received a Grammy Award nomination Album of the Year at the 64th Grammy Awards. She signed with Interscope Records to release her debut studio album Alpha (2022), which peaked at number two on the Top Reggae Albums chart and number three on the Heatseekers charts. Her other accolades include a NAACP Image Award and MOBO Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roddy Ricch</span> American rapper (born 1998)

Rodrick Wayne Moore Jr., known professionally as Roddy Ricch, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter from Compton, California. He rose to fame in 2018 following the release of his single "Die Young," which marked his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100. Moore's first two mixtapes, Feed Tha Streets (2017) and Feed Tha Streets II (2018) received widespread acclaim. Moore guest featured alongside Hit-Boy on Nipsey Hussle's 2019 single "Racks in the Middle"—which earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance—and on Mustard's single "Ballin'" that same year, which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a nomination for the same award.

"Ballin'" is a song by American record producer Mustard and American rapper Roddy Ricch. The track was released as the third single from Mustard's third studio album, Perfect Ten, on August 20, 2019, though it was available as early as the end of June 2019. The song and its accompanying video received acclaim from music critics, with Complex magazine naming it the Best Song of 2019. It peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Mustard's highest charting song in the US. The song received a nomination for Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 2020 Grammy Awards, making it the first time Ricch has been nominated for a Grammy and Mustard's first nomination as an artist.

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

Donda is the tenth studio album by the American rapper Kanye West, released through GOOD Music on August 29, 2021, with distribution handled by Def Jam Recordings, as his final release with the label. The album features a wide 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 and Young Thug, among others; vocals from Chris Brown were also included prior to the album being updated. A deluxe edition was released on November 14, 2021 and featured guest vocals from André 3000, Tyler, the Creator, and KayCyy. West himself, as well as BoozDaBeast, Dem Jointz, Mike Dean, and Ojivolta primarily helmed the albums 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.

"The Box" is a song by American rapper Roddy Ricch, released as the fourth single on December 6, 2019 from his debut studio album Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial (2019). Prior to the song being released as a single, it became Roddy Ricch's highest-charting song worldwide, spending eleven weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as topping the charts in Canada, New Zealand, Hungary, and peaking at number two in both the UK and Ireland. The song received critical acclaim, with praise for Ricch's vocal delivery. Its popularity on social media apps is credited to Ricch's iconic "eee err" ad-lib. A music video was released on February 28, 2020, directed by Ricch.

"High Fashion" is a song by American rapper Roddy Ricch, featuring production from Mustard. The song was released on May 19, 2020, as the fifth single from Ricch's debut studio album, Please Excuse Me for Being Antisocial (2019). It marks Ricch and Mustard's second collaboration, following the Grammy-nominated single "Ballin'".

<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.

"No Child Left Behind" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song includes vocals from fellow American rapper Vory. It was performed by the Sunday Service Choir on Halloween 2021, with additional contributions from Justin Bieber. In July 2021, the song was used in a Beats by Dre commercial during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, which stars Sha'Carri Richardson.

"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.

"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 features fellow American rappers Don Toliver and Kid Cudi. It initially only had an appearance from Toliver, however Kid Cudi was added after the album's first listening event. The song peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100, also reaching number 7 on the US Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart.

"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.

<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.

"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.

<i>Live Life Fast</i> 2021 studio album by Roddy Ricch

Live Life Fast is the second studio album by American rapper Roddy Ricch. It was released on December 17, 2021, through Atlantic Records and Bird Vision Entertainment. The album features guest appearances from Future, Kodak Black, 21 Savage, Takeoff, Jamie Foxx, Ty Dolla Sign, Alex Isley, Fivio Foreign, Lil Baby, Gunna, and Bibi Bourelly. The production was handled by multiple producer, including Wheezy, Boi-1da, Southside, TM88 and Kenny Beats among others.

"Twin" is a song by American rapper Roddy Ricch, released on November 14, 2022, as the third single from his third mixtape Feed Tha Streets III (2022). It features American rapper Lil Durk and was produced by Teddy Walton, Aaron Bow and Byrd.

References

  1. Mallick, Dani (2023-08-16). "Shenseea Earns Her First Gold Certification In The US". DancehallMag. Retrieved 2023-08-20.
  2. "Kanye West Whizzing On His Own Grammy... Gets Twitter Time-out". TMZ. 16 September 2020. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  3. Cordero, Rosy (16 September 2020). "Kanye West tweets pages from record contracts, video of Grammy in toilet". EW. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  4. Saponara, Michael (16 March 2021). "Roddy Ricch Calls Out Kanye West For Pissing On His Grammy Award After Winless 2021 Showing". HipHopDX. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  5. Eilbert, Mark (10 June 2021). "Roddy Ricch Clears Up Grammy Rant Directed At Kanye West". HipHopDX. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  6. 1 2 Robinson, Joshua (23 July 2021). "Roddy Ricch's Feature On "DONDA" Addresses His Past Frustrations With Kanye West". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  7. Rindner, Grant (9 August 2021). "11 Ways Kanye West's Donda Album Has Already Changed". GQ. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  8. Lee, Sasha (2 September 2021). "Five Takeaways From Shenseea's New Kanye West Features". Dancehall Mag. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  9. Watkis, Donovan (27 August 2021). "Shenseea Joins Kanye West At Chicago 'Donda' Livestream Event". Dancehall Mag. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  10. "Donda Deluxe credits". Tidal. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  11. "Kanye West – Pure Souls". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  12. "Kanye West Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  13. "Kanye West Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  14. "2021 35-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. September 3, 2021. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  15. "Kanye West – Pure Souls". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  16. "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 June 1, 2024.
  17. "Veckolista Singlar, vecka 36". Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  18. "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  19. "Kanye West Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  20. "Kanye West Chart History (Hot Christian Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  21. "Kanye West Chart History (Hot Gospel Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  22. "Kanye West Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  23. "Hot Christian Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  24. "Hot Gospel Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
  25. "American single certifications – Kanye West – Pure Souls". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved August 16, 2023.