Kanye West is one of the most influential rappers of his time, with a unique style unlike any other rapper. The musical genius has reinvented himself with every album of his, while still remaining true to the music. Before we all knew him as a rapper he was a music producer who transitioned into super producer status. Aside from making hits for rappers, Yeezy also lent his talents to the R&B world. Here are 6 songs produced by Kanye West.
- Alicia Keys- You Don’t Know My Name: When Alicia Keys recorded her sophomore album “Dairy” she teamed up with the newly popular artist for her albums leading single. “You Don’t Know My Name” is produced by West and written by the both of them. The 70’s throwback feeling track won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song” in 2005. The song samples “Let Me Prove My Love to You” by The Main Ingredient. The song left guys with the name Michael blushing and believing she was talking to them.
- Brandy- Talk About Our Love: In March of 2004 B Rocka enlisted the producer for the leading single of her fourth album “Afrodisiac.” The song is about a relationship that receives negativity and lack of support from family and friends. West wrote and produced the track, along with spitting a verse on the up-tempo track. The song was added the albums tracklist at the last minute along with “Where I Wanna Be” also produced by West.
- Mariah Carey- Stay The Night: In 2005 when Mariah decided to emancipate herself and introduce the world to “Mimi” it was immediately called “The Comeback” album. Carey called on all the heavy hitters to work on the project and Kanye indeed came through and gave her “Stay The Night.” In the song she sings about being vulnerable and confused, while her soon to be ex man is begging her to spend the night so he can show her a good time. Although the song does contain a sample from a cover of “Betcha By Golly Wow” you’ll never know over Mariah’s golden voice.
- Monica- Knock Knock: Although Mr. West is listed as co-producer following Missy Elliott’s production, the produced track was originally a song titled “Apologize” featured on his mixtape. The street track is about a woman who’s ex is begging her to come back after her many warnings of leaving. The song was part of a dual single following her chart topping “So Gone,” and also showcased the singer flexing her rap skills.
- Keyshia Cole- I Changed My Mind: Keyshia wrote this song about a cheating ex who she was going to take back before changing her mind at the last minute. Produced by West with sample help from Dr. Dre’s “Chronic Intro,” and background vocals from John Legend, who also wrote the songs bridge. The track was the introduction song off the singer’s platinum selling debut album “The Way It Is.” The song didn’t perform as well as imagined, but it still remains as Cole’s first impression.
- John Legend- Heaven: Kanye’s protégé John Legend was ready to take things to another level with his second single off his sophomore album “Once Again.” The up-tempo track co-written and produced by West won Legend his second Grammy Award for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.” Along with that the track also received two different videos to support the song. Both video were shot in the UK and directed by Hype Williams.
Bonus: Lil Wayne- Comfortable: Not only did Kanye produce the song, but he also wrote the song. If you listen closely you can hear Ye’s entire style and flow. Not too mention, when has Lil Wayne ever written a rap that didn’t contain profanity? The song doesn’t contain one cuss word in it.
Drake- Find Your Love: Aubrey Drake Graham was riding the wave of his mixtape success. Kanye being a fan of Drake, did him a solid and gave him a leftover track from his “808s & Heartbreak” sessions for his album. The song ended up being Drake’s second single off his debut album.
Alicia Keys- If I Ain’t Got You (remix): already working together on “You Don’t Know My Name.” Keys enlisted the rapper once more to remix her hit song “If I Ain’t Got You.” What’s genius about this song is Kanye took the original version and sampled it for the remix.