"FIRST TIME IN A LONG TIME"[1] (initially titled "FIRST TIME") is a song by Kanye West that was released as the eighteenth and final track to his eleventh studio album under the name "DONDA", DONDA 2, on April 29, 2025.[2] The song features a verse from Soulja Boy, who, leading up to the album's release, had been in a feud with Ye about his removal from "Remote Control" on Donda.[3]
The song was among that was released prior to its release on streaming on the 2.24.22 copy of the album on the Stem Player. The song features production done by Ojivolta and Twisco.
In Ye's verse, he reflects on his faith in God and feeling stemming from his divorce, while Soulja reflects on his humble beginnings and hard work he put in to achieve success.[2]
Background[]
According to insider Waterfalls, this song was one of the first that was made for Donda 2, and it was originally made in either December 2021 or January 2022. Several artists, including JAYLIEN, Token, Flash Garments, Gunna, Fat Money, and CyHi, recorded reference tracks for this song. Soulja Boy wouldn't record his vocals for the song until February 21, one day before the Donda Experience Performance.[4]
The song was originally set to be the sixteenth track on the album, as revealed in a track list posted by Kanye on February 18.[1] It was previewed at the Donda Experience Performance on February 22.
After Donda 2 released on the Stem Player, Mike Dean updated the song's mixing, although his new mix was never released.[5] During the "LAST WEEK" video, a new version of the song was previewed with reference vocals from E. Ness.[6]
Lyrics[]
[Intro]
For the first time in the longest time
For the first time in the longest time
For the first time in the longest time
For the first time in the longest time
[Chorus]
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
[Verse 1]
I could see, I could breathe
Don't believe me? Jesus freed me, now I'm free
I got kicked out the house, they hate the way I run my mouth
Know you hear me, name ring through the city
My doctors on Sebi, my Christ is on heavy
Whole gang, I'm the king of this, war time, I'm ready
These mountains ain't heavy, John Madden, come and get me
When I'm feeling mad, let me put it in the bag, hefty, tie it up
I ran the world, but never trade it for my soul, though
Now the line I drew set the goal, though
Yeah, I lost my best man and I lost my spouse
Only billionaire you know that's sleepin' on the couch (What?)
[Chorus]
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
[Verse 2]
Let it rain, rain, rain
I've never been one to complain
Let it rain, rain, rain
I put that on everything
Laugh/Love at me, never the same
What is they lookin' to gain?
Everyone look to the future
I hope we do something resorting in change, baby
[Chorus]
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long (Yeah)
This the first time in a long time (Yeah)
This the first time in a long (Draco)
This the first time in a long time (Soulja)
This the first time in a long
[Verse 3]
This the first time in a long time
Used to be broke but I'm on now
I was just stuck at the bottom, grindin'
Now I'm shinin', sittin' at the top
I was just stuck in my feelings
Now I'm just ridin' 'round playin' with millions
Now I'm havin' racks to the ceilin'
Stackin' up cash, what a wonderful feelin'
We used to go walk in the mall to go shop
But now, we can walk in and buy the whole buildin'
We havin' mansions with acres
But honestly, we used to live in the trenches
I'm on fire like a candle
And God ain't gon' give you no fight you can't handle
Back in the trap, we ain't even have cable
Now I see my face on the channel
And R.I.P. Virgil, that OFF-WHITE is on me
The 'Rari, it's swervin'
I went to jail for that Draco
I guess that nobody perfect
Ain't givin' out bond I sat in that cell for a long time
Big Draco, big 'Ye
First time in a long time
[Chorus]
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
This the first time in a long time
This the first time in a long
Trivia[]
- This is the first (and, as of today, only) released collaboration between Ye and Soulja Boy.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/02/18/kanye-west-says-donda-2-not-available-for-streaming-plans-industry-shakeup/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://genius.com/Kanye-west-first-time-in-a-long-time-lyrics
- ↑ https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/4041583/what-happened-between-kanye-west-soulja-boy/
- ↑ https://plwcse.top/f/9118a3b7a5b18a66c667e01680e611f6
- ↑ https://plwcse.top/f/2b2909b8dc0847ba1cc182f78bf26c33
- ↑ https://plwcse.top/f/267d21f5e9921cc84a46073c3f939a93
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