We've given you the deep cuts and we've given you the singles, but what about those features? As one of the most notorious hip hop artists ever, Kanye West has done it all. And that includes a boatload of features.
One of his earliest features came before he ever had a proper release under his own name, on the Talib Kweli's "Get By" remix. Shortly after that, the likes of Brandy, Common, and Cam'ron employed 'Ye to add his signature flow to songs that, in many cases, he also produced.
Among these tracks are celebrated classics and forgotten tunes alike. Today we'll explore both instances, so long as Mr. West is on the feature.
When Talib Kweli and Mos Def combine to form Blackstar, things can get pretty magical.
When Kanye West and Jay Z got together for the Watch The Throne album -- that was pretty epic too.
When Busta Rhymes adds a verse into the mix, you have one Quality track.
Dilated Peoples - This Way featuring Kanye West
Check out a baby-faced Kanye spit about cozying multiple women on this Dilated Peoples joint. This is a throwback that you may not have heard in a while, and since the weather has been so beautiful lately, it's a perfect time to open up the windows and play it loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear.
Slum Village - Selfish featuring Kanye West & John Legend
Kanye West and John Legend together is always a beautiful thing. But when you add Slum Village into the mix, it's just too good. It wasn't produced by J Dilla, but you can tell West channeled his inner Yancey with this joint.
Common - They Say featuring Kanye West
Be is an unforgettable collaborative record from Common and Mr. West, and although Kanye's voice appears on multiple tracks, it isn't until "They Say" that he gets a chance to kick a verse.
"The media aims at us
And you be up so high
If you ever fall off, it feel like a plane crash
But God don't ever give me nothin I can't handle
So please don't ever give me records I can't sample"
The Game - Wouldn't Get Far featuring Kanye West
The Game and Kanye have always been a bit of an unlikely couple, but they've made magic together more than just once. On the Doctor's Advocate, Kanye laced the West Coast gangster rapper's "Wouldn't Get Far" with some soulful heat. 2007 has never sounded so good.
Lil Wayne - Lollipop (Remix) featuring Kanye West
At one point, "Lollipop" was the hottest song in the country. Lil Wayne was on top of his game, and you just couldn't escape this one. Kanye West jumped on the remix and made it even hotter with a fire first verse. If Diddy invented the remix, Kanye revived it by bodying this one.
"Lollipop, lollipop
Breasts is just like Dolly Parton
She ride my spaceship 'til she hit the top
That hit the spot, 'til she ask
'How many li-i-li-i-licks do it take 'til she get to shop?'
Don't worry why my wrists got so freeze?
Tell her, 'Girl, like Doritos, that's nacho cheese'
Tell her friends, 'Like Fritos, I'm trying to lay'
I can't only have one and I ain't tryin to wait'"
Estelle - American Boy featuring Kanye West
Before too many rappers were hopping on dance beats, Kanye West was doing it. The forefather of this generation's rap music broke some new ground when this one hit it big.
Young Jeezy - Put On featuring Kanye West
This one is still regular played in high school gymnasiums across the country... that's the kind of staying power that Jeezy and Kanye West created when they got together with the hype-up anthem of the century. Everyone wants to rep their city, and the Chicago-Atlanta connection provided something for everyone with "Put On."
Rick Ross - Maybach Music 2 featuring T-Pain, Kanye West and Lil Wayne
This one is straight magic. T-Pain, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne supporting the ringmaster Rick Ross is something special. The luxurious production allows each artist to kick rich bars, with Mr. West's contribution containing his sense of humor along with playful boasts.
Chris Brown - "Deuces" (Remix) featuring Drake, T.I., Kanye West, Fabolous, & Andre 3000
An incomprehensible list of all-stars were brought on to assist Chris Brown with the remix for "Deuces." Each artist actually brings his A-game as well, which makes the occasion that much more special. Drake warms things up, Kanye West makes it fun, and then Andre 3000 absolutely annihilates it, per usual.