"Santeria" is a song by Pusha T that was released as the fifth track from his third studio album, DAYTONA, on May 25, 2018.[1] The song features uncredited vocals from 070 Shake.[2]
In the song, Pusha T raps about his friend and road manager, De'Von "Day Day" Pickett, who died due to stabbing injuries in February 2015.[3] The song is named Santería, an Afro-Caribbean religion, which connects to De'Von's love for attending church.[2]
Production[]
The instrumental of the song samples Soul Mann and the Brothers' 1971 song, "Bumpy's Lament".[4]
Background[]
The song was originally created on March 8, 2015, during the sessions for Pusha T's previous album, King Push – Darkest Before Dawn: The Prelude. It originally sampled the song, "É Preciso Dar Um Jeito, Meu Amigo".[5] While it was eventually scrapped from King Push, it was brought back in 2018 during the DAYTONA sessions. Producer Kanye West originally sang the hook for the song, interpolating the aforementioned Spanish song in English.[6] Kid Cudi also recorded vocals for the song, which were eventually scrapped.
Ye still wasn't happy with the song, so he got 070 Shake to sing new lyrics for the hook in Spanish. However, the night before DAYTONA released, it was revealed that the sample had not been cleared, so Ye told 070 Shake to make up a new melody for the song, which she did in "less than an hour".[7]
Lyrics[]
[Verse 1]
Now that the tears dry and the pain takes over
Let's talk this payola (Payola)
You killed God's baby when it wasn't his will
And blood spill, we can't talk this shit over (This shit over)
The Lord is my shepherd, I am not sheep
I am just a short stone's throw from the streets
I bring my offerin', I will not preach
Awaken my demons, you can hear that man screaming
I'm no different than the priest, priest
Santería (Santería, Santería, Santería)
[Verse 2]
They say that death comes in threes, how appropriate ('Propriate)
Triple back, they rush in like Soviets (Soviets)
At the Kremlin
Searchin' for the green like a Gremlin, presidential emblem
Presidential tint on this shit that I am driven in (Woo!)
I just place orders and drop dollars
Rottweilers roam the grounds, the Glock hollers
The three of y'all too accessible
Seen all the wrong moves, watchin' The Untouchables
We don't do vegetables, n*ggas get flatlined
Welcome all beef, then we heat 'em with flat irons
Your plans are backfiring, think of double-crossin' a priest
Hail Mary, repeat after me
Santería!
[Refrain]
Ya te vas a la mañana (Mañana)
Ha-ah, los ángeles te esperarán
Es el fuego que yo—conozco
Es el fuego que yo—
Ya te vas a la mañana (Mañana)
Ha-ah, los ángeles te esperarán
Es el fuego que yo—conozco
Es el fuego que yo—
[Verse 3]
Of all the things I've ever paid for
Know that it's no price tag when I wage war
It's no more to pray for, n*ggas get preyed on
Darken my doorstep, they told me the day's gone
You listenin', De'Von?
As I'm talkin' to your spirit, for God's sakes
I'm dealin' with heartbreak
Checkin' my ego, I'm livin' with lost faith
I'm backin' this hit, n*gga, you ever seen Shark Tank?
I paid 'em in small bills, all of 'em small face
I bet when we draw blood, you n*ggas will draw a blank
Dress you in all black, partnered with All Saints
Our numbers is all facts, my shooters give all thanks
And all praise, no jail bars can save
Leave you like Malcolm where X marks your grave
Hey, it's probably better this way
It's cheaper when the chaplain prays
Santería!
[Refrain]
Ya te vas a la mañana (Mañana)
Ha-ah, los ángeles te esperarán
Es el fuego que yo—conozco
Es el fuego que yo—
Trivia[]
- This is the first released collaboration between Ye and 070 Shake.
References[]
- ↑ https://genius.com/albums/P"usea-t/Daytona
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://genius.com/Pusha-t-santeria-lyrics
- ↑ https://www.xxlmag.com/road-manager-nicki-minaj-pusha-t-fabolous-stabbed-death/
- ↑ https://www.whosampled.com/Pusha-T/Santeria/
- ↑ https://pillowcase.su/f/e6e8af6918678e5541017a5cf3f88e16
- ↑ https://pillowcase.su/f/4d12121aaab5e2f4884a340b08cf15c7
- ↑ https://djbooth.net/features/2018-07-23-070-shake-santeria-sample-story/