Songs Kanye Produced for Other Artists
Throughout his career, Kanye West has not only produced numerous hit songs for himself but has also collaborated with other artists, lending his production skills to elevate their music. Let’s explore some of the notable songs Kanye has produced for other artists.
Key Takeaways
- Kanye West has produced several influential songs for artists from various genres.
- His unique production style blends different musical elements, resulting in distinct and innovative soundscapes.
- Kanye’s collaborations have helped other artists achieve commercial success and critical acclaim.
The Early Collaborations
Kanye’s production prowess gained attention even before his solo career took off. In the early 2000s, he worked with artists like Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and John Legend.
His work on Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint” album showcased his ability to blend soulful samples with hard-hitting beats.
Some notable songs Kanye produced during this period include:
- “Izzo (H.O.V.A.)” – Jay-Z
- “You Don’t Know My Name” – Alicia Keys
Mainstream Success
As Kanye rose to mainstream prominence, his collaborations expanded to various genres, showcasing his versatility as a producer.
His production on Rihanna’s “Umbrella” revolutionized pop music with its heavy use of synthesizers.
| Artist | Song |
|---|---|
| Rihanna | Umbrella |
| Beyoncé | Run the World (Girls) |
Other notable songs produced by Kanye during this period include:
- “Run the World (Girls)” – Beyoncé
- “Diamonds from Sierra Leone” – Kanye West
Crossover Collaborations
Kanye’s eclectic taste in music led him to collaborate with artists across different genres, including rock and alternative music.
His work with The Black Keys resulted in an explosive and gritty sound on “Black Skinhead.”
| Artist | Song |
|---|---|
| Fort Minor | High Road |
| The Black Keys | Black Skinhead |
Some other noteworthy collaborations in this genre include:
- “High Road” – Fort Minor
- “Heard ‘Em Say” – Kanye West ft. Adam Levine
Diverse Collaborations and Continuing Influence
Kanye’s production range extends beyond conventional genres, as demonstrated by his collaborations with artists like Bon Iver and Kid Cudi.
His work on Kid Cudi‘s “Pursuit of Happiness” created an atmospheric and introspective vibe.
Other unique collaborations featuring Kanye’s production include:
- “Lost in the World” – Kanye West ft. Bon Iver
- “FourFiveSeconds” – Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney
Conclusion
Kanye West‘s production contributions to other artists’ songs have demonstrated his versatility, innovation, and lasting influence in the music industry. From his early collaborations to his continued diverse collaborations, Kanye’s production has left an indelible mark on the songs he has worked on.
Common Misconceptions
1. Kanye West only produces music for himself.
One common misconception about Kanye West is that he only produces music for himself. While Kanye is known for his solo career, he has also produced numerous popular songs for other artists.
- Kanye has produced multiple tracks for artists such as Jay-Z, Drake, and Rihanna.
- He has been credited as a producer on hit songs like “Stronger” by Britney Spears and “E.T.” by Katy Perry.
- His production work extends beyond hip-hop, as he has also worked with artists in various genres, including rock and electronic music.
2. Artists that Kanye produces for lose creative control.
Another misconception is that artists who collaborate with Kanye West for production lose creative control over their music. However, this is not necessarily true.
- Kanye is known for his collaborative approach to music production, often involving the artist in the creative process.
- He has stated in interviews that he values the artist’s vision and aims to enhance it through his production skills.
- Kanye’s reputation as a perfectionist and attention to detail can help elevate an artist’s work rather than overshadow it.
3. Kanye West only produces mainstream music.
Another misconception is that Kanye West only produces mainstream music. While he has undeniably had great success in the mainstream music industry, he has also ventured into more experimental and alternative sounds.
- Kanye’s production credits feature collaborations with artists like Bon Iver and Tame Impala, showcasing his willingness to explore different genres and sounds.
- He has worked with indie artists, contributing to their unique artistic vision and expanding his repertoire.
- Kanye’s approach to production often involves pushing boundaries and challenging traditional music norms.
4. Artists working with Kanye West are only doing it for commercial success.
There is a misconception that artists who choose to work with Kanye West are solely motivated by commercial success. While it’s true that Kanye has been involved in many commercially successful projects, there are other reasons why artists collaborate with him.
- Kanye’s reputation as a musical genius and his innovative production style make him an appealing collaborator for artists looking to push artistic boundaries.
- Artists may also appreciate Kanye’s unique perspective and creative vision, which can bring fresh perspectives to their own work.
- Working with Kanye can also provide opportunities for artistic growth and experimentation, allowing artists to tap into new creative avenues.
5. Kanye West only produces music for established artists.
The last misconception is that Kanye West only produces music for established artists. While he has undoubtedly worked with many well-established names in the industry, he also offers support and production to emerging artists.
- Kanye has been known to discover and mentor new talents, offering them the chance to work with him and benefit from his expertise.
- His production work with emerging artists helps them gain exposure and recognition within the music industry.
- Kanye’s willingness to collaborate and invest in rising talents showcases his commitment to supporting and nurturing new voices in music.
Songs Kanye Produced for Other Artists
Kanye West is not only a prolific rapper and producer, but he has also made a significant impact in the music industry by producing tracks for other artists. His production style is known for its innovative sound and bold choices, often pushing the boundaries of traditional hip-hop. Here are 10 examples of songs where Kanye’s production prowess shines through:
1. “E.T.” by Katy Perry
Released in 2010, “E.T.” became a massive hit for Katy Perry, thanks in part to Kanye’s production. The song features futuristic and distorted sound elements, blending elements of pop and hip-hop seamlessly.
2. “Umbrella” by Rihanna
In 2007, Kanye collaborated with Rihanna to produce “Umbrella,” a song that became Rihanna’s breakthrough hit. The track showcases Kanye’s unique ability to incorporate innovative and catchy melodies into his productions.
3. “Black Skinhead” by Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino, the alter ego of actor Donald Glover, enlisted Kanye’s production skills for his impactful track “Black Skinhead.” Kanye’s heavy drums and aggressive sound set the tone for Glover’s powerful lyrics on this thought-provoking song.
4. “Formation” by Beyoncé
Kanye’s production on “Formation” helped elevate Beyoncé’s anthem of empowerment to new heights. The track features a combination of hard-hitting drums and vibrant synths, creating a powerful and energetic atmosphere.
5. “FourFiveSeconds” by Rihanna, Kanye West, and Paul McCartney
Teaming up with Rihanna and Paul McCartney in 2015, Kanye co-produced “FourFiveSeconds.” The stripped-down acoustic arrangement, combined with Kanye’s unique touch, brought a refreshing sound to the collaboration.
6. “American Boy” by Estelle ft. Kanye West
Estelle’s infectious hit “American Boy” became a global success, in part due to Kanye’s production contributions. The song’s groovy beats and catchy melodies helped establish Estelle’s career internationally.
7. “Clique” by Kanye West ft. Big Sean & Jay-Z
In this collaboration with Big Sean and Jay-Z, Kanye’s production on “Clique” showcased his ability to blend different rap styles seamlessly. The song’s intense energy and infectious chorus made it an instant hip-hop classic.
8. “Jesus Walks” by Kanye West
Kanye’s own track “Jesus Walks” demonstrates his production skills alongside his lyrical talent. Released in 2004, the song’s gospel influence and powerful beats made it a standout on his debut album and a critical success.
9. “Run This Town” by Jay-Z ft. Rihanna & Kanye West
Kanye’s production on “Run This Town” created a dark and intense atmosphere that perfectly complemented Jay-Z’s and Rihanna’s powerful performances. The song became a hit and continues to be recognized as one of their most iconic collaborations.
10. “Heartless” by Kanye West
Rounding out the list is Kanye’s introspective track “Heartless.” The song’s melancholic production and vulnerable lyrics cemented its place as one of Kanye’s most impactful releases, showcasing his artistic growth.
These examples of songs produced by Kanye West serve as a testament to his undeniable talent and his influential contributions to the music industry. Through his innovative production choices, he has helped shape the sound of numerous artists, leaving an indelible mark on popular music.
