Kanye West’s “Believe What I Say”: The Heartfelt Message Behind the Beat

Table of Contents

Introduction

From “Jesus Walks” to “Ultralight Beam,” Kanye West has long been known for crafting tracks that explore his faith, political views and personal experiences. His latest offering, “Believe What I Say” featuring Buju Banton, is no different. This article will take a deep dive into the meaning behind the song.

A Tribute to Lauryn Hill

“Believe What I Say” samples the iconic classic “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill. Kanye uses the sample not only to flex his production skills, but also to pay tribute to one of his musical idols. The choice of sample is intentional and significant as Hill’s song is about calling out men who have failing relationships in real life but want to be seen as good guys.

The Influence of Fellini

In the track, Kanye also references his admiration for the Italian film director Federico Fellini. Considered one of the greatest filmmakers of the 20th century, Fellini’s work was known for its surrealism, and his unique avant-garde style inspired many artists of his era. Kanye references Fellini in the line “You see, we life-long learners, I was serving sandwiches” which echoes the famous line from Fellini’s film “8½ where a restaurant maitre d’ declares that he’s “a life-long student and a waiter”

Empowering Black Men

One of the biggest themes in “Believe What I Say” is the empowerment of black men, a point that perfectly correlates with the Black Lives Matter movement. For Kanye, the track is about two things- first, a warning shot to those who would try to take advantage of him and secondly to inspire Black men everywhere to believe in themselves no matter what obstacles they may face.

The Role of Buju Banton

In the track, Kanye features Buju Banton’s voice reciting an old Rastafarian poem, “Blessed be the man that trusts in him.” Buju represents the sense of empowerment that Kanye is trying to highlight with the song. It is a powerful statement to feature an artist with Banton’s lyrical prowess at a time when hip hop is at its most politically and socially charged. Banton’s contribution creates an air of spiritual purity that adds to the empowering quality of “Believe What I Say.”

Conclusion

Kanye West’s “Believe What I Say” is more than just a song. It is an anthem for the empowerment of black men everywhere. Kanye, like a true artist, is able to use his influence to shed light on significant social issues through his music. Featuring the iconic voice of Buju Banton and sampling legend Lauryn Hill’s music, Kanye crafts a track that resonates with his audience in a way that few artists can. With powerful lyrics, an innovative use of the sample, and a solid guest appearance, “Believe What I Say” is not only a great song, but also a tribute to the Black men who make art and transcend barriers no matter the circumstances.