"Amazing" is a song by American recording artist and record producer Kanye West from his fourth studio album, 808s & Heartbreak. It was released to US rhythmic contemporary and urban contemporary radio stations as the third single from the album by Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam. The song was written by West, who co-produced it with Jeff Bhasker. The song includes vocals from American rapper Young Jeezy and was produced by West along with co-producer Jeff Bhasker. It also features background vocals from Mr Hudson and Tony Williams. The musical style of the song includes piano, bass and drums. The lyrics see West boasting and attempting to capture some of his former bravado, though his auto-tuned vocals on the song sound draggy, low-pitched and depressed.
Reception[]
Since being released, "Amazing" has received mixed to positive reviews from music critics. Young Jeezy's appearance was commented on by a number of them, as well as the song's position on 808s & Heartbreak. The song peaked on the Swedish Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100 at number 42 and 81 respectively in 2009, and it was later certified platinum in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2015. The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Hype Williams and includes aerial shots of the Hawaiian Islands, with appearances from both West and Young Jeezy. The video was well received by critics. "Amazing" received nominations at the 2009 BET Hip Hop Awards as well as the Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. It was used by the NBA during the 2009 Playoffs, and is featured on both the NBA 2K10 and NBA 2K13 soundtracks. UFC Fighter Frank Mir has walked out to the song before his fights.
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1: Kanye West]
It's amazing, I'm the reason
Everybody fired up this evening
I'm exhausted, barely breathing
Holding on to what I believe in
[Chorus: Kanye West]
No matter what, you'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
[Verse 2: Kanye West]
I'm a monster, I'm a killer
I know I'm wrong, yeah
I'm a problem
That'll never ever be solved
[Chorus: Kanye West]
And no matter what, you'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
[Verse 3: Kanye West]
I'm a monster, I'm a maven
I know this world is changing
Never gave in, never gave up
I'm the only thing I'm afraid of
[Chorus: Kanye West]
No matter what, you'll never take that from me
My reign is as far as your eyes can see, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
[Verse 4: Young Jeezy]
I'm amazing (Amazing) yeah I'm all that (All that)
If I ain't on my grind, then what you call that? (What you call that?)
Victorious, yeah we warriors
We make history, strive off victory (Yeah)
Standing at my podium, I'm trying to watch my sodium
Die high blood pressure, either let the Feds catch ya (Yeah)
I'm amazing, born on a full moon
I was bred to get it in, no spoon
That's why I'm so goon, summertime, no June
Big family, small house, no room
They like "Oh God, why he go so hard?
Look what he's been through, he deserves an applause"
[Outro: Kanye West]
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing
So amazing, so amazing, so amazing, it's amazing