Kanye West‘s relationship to the gospel runs deep. His recent release Jesus Is King is no different. A likely foreshadow, West uses classic gospel tracks and special guests like Fred Hammond and Christian artist No Malice (formerly of Clipse) to expand on his journey with Christ.
The 11-track project showcases his flaws and battle with addiction while responding to critics about his controversial Sunday Service events across the country. In addition to seemingly vulnerable lyrics, West takes us back to the early recordings of Sunday Service with the previously-released tracks like “Water” and “Everything We Need.” There’s also the strong samples and interpolations of classic gospel songs.
Take a listen at some of Kanye’s inspirations for Jesus Is King below.
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“Every Hour” feat. Sunday Service Choir
Producer: Kanye West, Budgie, Federico Vinder
“Selah”
Producer: Kanye West, E. Vaz, Federico Vinder, BoogzDaBeast, Francis Starlite, benny blanco
Samples: “Hallelujah, Salvation and Glory”
Interpolates: “Ultralight Beam” by Kanye West, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin, The Dream and Chance The Rapper
https://youtube.com/watch?v=6oHdAA3AqnE
“Follow God”
Producer: Kanye West, BoogDaBeast, Xcelence
Sample: “Can You Lose By Following God” by Whole Truth
“Everything We Need” feat. Ty Dolla $ign and Ant Clemons
Producer: Kanye West, Ronny J, FNZ, Federico Vindver, BoogzDaBeast, Mike Dean
Interpolates: “The Storm” by Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign and XXXTentacion
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iBlam4GqJC4
“On God”
Producer: Pi’erre Bourne, Kanye West, BoogDaBeast, Micheal Cerdia, Frederico Vinder
Interpolates: “Mercy” by Kanye West feat. Big Sean, Two Chainz, Pusha T
“Water” feat. Ant Clemons
Producer: Kanye West, BoogzDaBeast, Federico Vinder, Angel Lopez, Timbaland
Interpolates: “We Are All Water” by Yoko Ono
Samples: “Snow Job” by Bruce Haack
“God Is”
Producer: Kanye West, Angel Lopez, Federico Vinder, Robert Fryson, Timothy Lee Mckenzie, Victory Elyse Boyd, Warryn Campbell
Samples: “God Is” by James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir
“Hands On” feat. Fred Hammond
Producer: Kanye West, Angel Lopez, Federico Vinder, Timbaland
No samples but fun fact: Timbaland’s style of production on the track has a liking to the work he did with Tamlea Mann on her 2016 project, One Way
“Use This Gospel” feat. Clipse and Kenny G
Producer: Kanye West, Timbaland, DrtWrk, Pi’erra Bourne, BoogzDaBeast, Fedrico Vinder
Samples: “Costume Party” by Two Door Cinema Club