Meaning of On God by Kanye West

“On God” from “Jesus is King” (2019) is like Kanye’s letter to both his fans and his critics, encased in this fast-paced, synth-heavy beat. It talks about his journey, his struggles, his triumphs, and of course, his faith, which has been a prominent theme throughout his career.

Produced with Pi’erre Bourne, the beat has a video-game-like quality, doesn’t it? The song talks about everything from his mental health to his financial struggles, all while attributing his successes and survival to the divine. It’s a reflection of his state of mind during this period – a fusion of unwavering faith and an industry hustler mentality.

Release and Credits:

• Release Date: October 25, 2019
• Album: “Jesus Is King”
• Producers: A beast team consisting of Kanye West, Pi’erre Bourne, and Labrinth.

Sonic Atmosphere:

• Unconventional Gospel: This track isn’t your usual gospel. With sci-fi-esque synths, Kanye brings a futuristic edge to gospel hip-hop.
• High-Pitch Synths: The laser-like synths are a standout, almost reminiscent of classic video game soundtracks.

Delving into Lyrics:

• Faith & Success: Kanye ties in his faith with his career journey, mentioning how God’s presence has been pivotal in his success.
• Socio-Political Bits: He also gets a bit political, addressing taxes, the prison system, and his economic status.

Chart Performance:

• Billboard Hot 100: “On God” jumped on the chart, peaking at the 23rd spot.

Critical Acclaim & Critique:

• Public Reception: Fans and critics were polarized – some hailed his new direction while others raised eyebrows.
• Deep or Surface-level? Critics debated whether the track’s lyrical exploration of faith and social issues was profound or merely surface-level.

Production Peculiarities:

• Pi’erre Bourne’s Touch: Known for his work with Playboi Carti, Bourne’s co-production brings an interesting blend of trap and electronica.
• Not Just Beats: The production isn’t purely about beats but creates a sort of an electro-choir vibe, aligning with the album’s gospel tones.

Iconic Lines:

• Potent Quotes: “Thirteenth amendment, gotta end it, that’s on me” – Ye doesn’t shy away from making strong statements on societal matters.

Live Performances:

• Sunday Service: Ye presented this track in his iconic Sunday Service sessions, creating a unique spiritual and musical atmosphere.

Impact and Future:

• New Ye: This track (and the entire album) marked a different path for Kanye, as he ventured deep into gospel rap.
• Cultural Conversations: It sparked conversations around faith, wealth, and societal structures within and outside the hip-hop community.

Trivia:

• Jay-Z Reference: Ye name-drops Jay-Z, who also happened to release a track named “On God” earlier in 2019.