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Ultralight Beam
Kanye West
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- Album
- The Life Of Pablo
- Released
- 2016
- Genres
- rap
- Length
- 5:21
- Tempo
- 105 BPM
- Label
- Rock The World/IDJ/Kanye LP7
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About this song
The track features pentecostal-style chants and prayers along with heavy gospel influences, including a prominent feature by Pastor Kirk Franklin. Kanye called the album a gospel record a month before its release. An extended version of the prayer in the outro was released on March 27, 2016, under the title "Ultralight Prayer". The song was nominated for Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 2017 Grammys.
What it's about
The song expresses Kanye West's faith in God. It draws parallels between his own life and that of Saint Paul, who was blinded by a light from Heaven before dedicating his life to serving the Lord.
Fun facts
- Samples “Natalie praying and she's only 4 years old! by Natalie is Great (Ft. Samoria Green)”.
- Sampled in 18 other songs, like “40 Years of Hip-Hop by The Hood Internet”.
- Covered 9 times, including “Ultralight Beam by Harry Styles”.
- Written by Kanye West, The-Dream, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin, Chance the Rapper and MIKE DEAN.
- Produced by Kanye West, Chance the Rapper, MIKE DEAN, Swizz Beatz and DJDS.