Big Brother

Kanye West

About Big Brother

"Big Brother" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West. It was released on his 2007 studio album, Graduation. The song was produced by Atlanta record producer DJ Toomp. "Big Brother" is a tribute by Kanye dedicated to Jay-Z, containing lyrics that discuss the ups and downs of their friendship. The song received very positive reviews from music critics, who praised West's lyricism and storytelling ability. Though not released as a single, "Big Brother" managed to enter and peak at number nineteen on the U. S. Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. 


Year:
2007
7:20
523 
#5

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Stadium status

My big brother was B.I.G's brother
Used to be Dame and B.I.G's brother
Who was hip hop brother, who was No I.D friend
No I.D. my mentor, now let the story begin

It's The Hard Knock Life Tour, sell out
Picture us in the mall coppin' iceberg and yell out Jigga
Yeah, that's what we'll yell out, yell out
You know the name do, I gotta spell out or tell 'bout?

J A why and Ye' so shy
Now he won't even step to his idol to say hi
Standin' there like a mime and let the chance pass by
Back of my mind, he could change your life

With all these beats I did, at least let him hear
At least you can brag to your friends back at the gig
But he got me out my mama crib
Then he helped me get my mama a crib

Big brother was B.I.G's brother
Used to be Dame and B.I.G's brother
Who was hip hop brother, who was No I.D. friend
No I.D. my mentor, now let the story begin, begin
Let the story begin, the story begin
If you feel the way I feel why don't you wave your hands?

Fresh off the plane, I'm off the base line
Nothin' handed out, I'm 'bout to take mine
Round the same time of that 'Blueprint 1'
And these beats in my pocket was that blueprint for 'em

I played my little songs in that old back room
He'd bop his head and say, "Damn, oh, that's you?"
But by the 'Black Album', I was blackin' out
Party at S.O.B's and we had packed the crowd

Big brother got a show up in Madison Square
And I'm like, yeah, yeah, we gon' be there
But not only did I not get a chance to spit it
Carlene told me I could buy two tickets

I guess big brother was thinkin' a little different
And kept little brother at bay, at a distance
But everything that I felt was more bogus
Only made me more focused, only wrote more potent

Only thing I wanna know is why I get looked over
I guess I understand when I get more older
Big brother saw me at the bottom of the totem
Now I'm on the top and everybody on the scrotum

My big brother was B.I.G's brother
Used to be Dame and B.I.G's brother
Who was hip hop brother, who was No I.D. friend
No I.D. my mentor, now let the story begin, begin
Let the story begin, begin
If you feel the way I feel why won't you wave your hands?

Have you ever walked in the shadow of a giant?
Not only a client, the presedito
Hola' Hovito', the game gettin' foul
So here's a free throw

I was always on the other side of the people
Then I dropped 'Jesus Walks', now I'm on a steeple
And we know, New Jack City gotta keep my brother
But to be number one, I'ma beat my brother

On that 'Diamonds Remix', I swore I'd spaz
Then my big brother came through and kicked my ass
Sibling rivalry only I could see
It was the pride in me that was drivin' me

At the Grammy's I said I inspired me
But my big brother who I always tried to be
When I kicked the flow, it was like pick and roll
'Cause even if he gave me the ROC, it's give and go

I guess being styled was more of a slam dunk
And my shit was more like a finger roll
But I had them singles though
And them hoes at the show gon and mingle yo, y'all know

I told Jay I did a song with Coldplay
Next thing I know, he got a song with Coldplay
Back of my mind, I'm like, "Damn, no way"
Translate Espanyol, "No way, Jose"

Then I went and told Jay Brown
Should have known that was gonna come back around
Should have talked to you like a man, should have told you first
But I told somebody else and that's what made shit worse

My big brother was B.I.G's brother
So here's a few words from your kid brother
If you admire somebody, you should go 'head and tell em'
People never get the flowers while they can still smell em'

A idol in my eyes, God of the game
Heart of the city, Roc-A-Fella chain
Never be the same, never be another number one
Young Hov' or so my big brother

My Big brother was B.I.G's brother
Used to be Dame and B.I.G's brother
Who was hip hop brother, who was No I.D friend
No I.D. my mentor and that's where the story ends

Don't kill this shit

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Kanye West

Kanye Omari West ( /ˈkɑːnjeɪ/; born June 8, 1977) is an American musician, film director and fashion designer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and Janet Jackson. His style of production originally used pitched-up vocal samples from soul songs incorporated with his own drums and instruments. However, subsequent productions saw him broadening his musical palette and expressing influences encompassing '70s R&B, baroque pop, trip hop, arena rock, folk, alternative, electronica, synthpop, and classical music. more »

6 fans

Written by: JEREMY PETER NOLAN DAVIS, MERVYN GOLDSWORTHY, PETER STEWART JUPP, JAMES MITCHELL KIRKPATRICK, STEPHEN MARK OVERLAND

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Song Inspiration
"Big Brother" by Kanye West was inspired by his relationship with Jay-Z, whom he considered a mentor and older brother figure in the music industry.
Album Inclusion
The song is part of Kanye West's third studio album, "Graduation," which was released in 2007.
Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics narrate events from Kanye's career, including a tour with U2 and disputes with Def Jam. He also acknowledges how Jay-Z's success motivated him.
Song Length
"Big Brother" is one of the longest tracks on the "Graduation" album, with a duration of approximately 4 minutes and 47 seconds.
Production Team
The song was produced by Kanye West and DJ Toomp.
Song Analysis
This track is mostly seen as Kanye West’s letter of assurance to Jay-Z. He expresses his frustrations, adoration, jealousy, and gratitude toward Jay-Z, emphasizing his role as a guiding figure.
Live Performance
"Big Brother" has been performed live by Kanye West on multiple occasions, including on his "Glow in the Dark" tour in 2008.
Album Success
"Graduation" album, which included "Big Brother," was a massive success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 and selling over 957,000 copies in its first week.
Critical Reception
The song was received positively by many critics and fans, with particular praise going to its emotional and open-hearted lyrics.
Sampling
"Big Brother" doesn't feature any samples, a rarity for Kanye West. The song has a simple melody, displaying Kanye's ability to create great tracks without relying on samples.
Music Video
Even though “Big Brother” is one of the most discussed songs from the album, it never had an official music video. The only video available is the live performance from the tour.
Chart Performance
Despite its popularity, "Big Brother" did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it reached number 61 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) chart.
Jay-Z's Response
Jay-Z was reportedly touched by the song when he heard it. He appreciated Kanye's honesty in expressing both admiration and occasional envy. This song, in turn, deepened their relationship.
Personal Element
Beyond the music industry, the song reflects Kanye's deep personal emotions and vulnerability, making it one of his most personal and honest tracks.

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