Jesus Walks

Jesus Walks is a song by American hip hop artist Kanye West, featuring Che Vicious and John Legend, from his debut studio album The College Dropout. The song was produced by Kanye West and Che Vicious, and features a sample of Arc Choir's Walk with Me. Kanye West has stated that the song was inspired by his own experiences with Christianity and his desire to create a song that would appeal to a wider audience, including fans of Gospel music such as Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin. The song has been praised for its innovative production and Kanye West's thought-provoking lyrics, which address themes of Faith, Hope, and Redemption, similar to those explored by Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson.

Background and release

The song was released in December 2003 as the fourth single from The College Dropout, which also featured the hit singles Through the Wire and Slow Jamz. The album was a critical and commercial success, and is widely regarded as one of the best hip hop albums of all time, alongside classics like The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and The Chronic. Kanye West has stated that he was inspired to create The College Dropout after dropping out of Chicago State University and pursuing a career in music, following in the footsteps of other successful hip hop artists like Jay-Z and DMX. The song has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork Media, alongside other classics like Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin.

Composition and production

The song features a sample of Arc Choir's Walk with Me, which was also sampled by other artists like DJ Shadow and The RZA. The production is characterized by its use of piano and choir samples, which create a sense of drama and urgency, similar to the soundscapes created by Hans Zimmer and Klaus Badelt in their film scores for The Lion King and Pirates of the Caribbean. Kanye West has stated that he was inspired by the production style of The Neptunes and Timbaland, and sought to create a sound that was both innovative and accessible, like the music of Michael Jackson and Prince. The song's lyrics are notable for their thought-provoking commentary on Faith, Hope, and Redemption, and feature references to Biblical figures like Jesus Christ and Moses, as well as historical events like the Civil Rights Movement and the American Revolution.

Critical reception

The song received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its innovative production and Kanye West's thought-provoking lyrics, which have been compared to those of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.. The song has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork Media, and has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), alongside other classic songs like Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana and Viva la Vida by Coldplay. The song has also been praised by artists like Jay-Z and Nas, who have cited Kanye West as an influence, alongside other hip hop legends like The Wu-Tang Clan and A Tribe Called Quest.

Music video

The music video for the song was directed by Michael Haussman and features Kanye West walking through a desert landscape, interspersed with images of war and poverty, similar to the themes explored in the music videos of Bob Marley and Peter Gabriel. The video has been praised for its powerful imagery and thought-provoking commentary on social justice, and has been compared to the work of other music video directors like Spike Jonze and Hype Williams. The video features appearances by John Legend and Common, and has been viewed millions of times on YouTube and other online platforms, alongside other classic music videos like Thriller by Michael Jackson and Like a Prayer by Madonna.

Chart performance

The song was a commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and reaching number 2 on the US Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart, alongside other hit songs like In da Club by 50 Cent and Crazy in Love by Beyoncé. The song has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has been named one of the greatest songs of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and Pitchfork Media, alongside other classic songs like Hey Jude by The Beatles and Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. The song's success helped establish Kanye West as a major force in hip hop music, alongside other artists like Jay-Z and Dr. Dre.

Legacy and cultural impact

The song's legacy and cultural impact are undeniable, with many citing it as one of the greatest songs of all time, alongside other classics like Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin and Imagine by John Lennon. The song's innovative production and thought-provoking lyrics have influenced a generation of hip hop artists, including Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole, who have followed in the footsteps of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G.. The song has also been praised for its powerful commentary on social justice, and has been cited as an inspiration by artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, who have used their music to address issues like racism and inequality, similar to the work of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The song's impact can be seen in the work of other artists like Chance the Rapper and Logic, who have followed in Kanye West's footsteps and used their music to address issues like mental health and social justice, alongside other hip hop legends like The Wu-Tang Clan and A Tribe Called Quest. Category:Hip hop songs