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About the Song
Artist and Album
"Ultralight Beam" is a seminal song by American recording artist Kanye West, featured on his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). The track is distinguished by its rich tapestry of vocal contributions, including R&B singers The-Dream and Kelly Price, rapper Chance the Rapper, gospel singer Kirk Franklin, and a ten-piece choir. It was first publicly performed on Saturday Night Live in February 2016.
Musical and Thematic Core
Deeply influenced by soul and gospel music, "Ultralight Beam" centers on West's profound exploration of his faith in God. Producer Derek Watkins described the titular "ultralight beam" as representing "the connection that goes straight to heaven." The song's genesis involved extensive jam sessions, capturing an improvisational and spiritual essence that resonated deeply with listeners and critics alike.
Critical Recognition
Upon its release, "Ultralight Beam" garnered universal acclaim from music critics, who lauded its profound message and the exceptional performances of its featured artists, particularly Chance the Rapper. The song earned Grammy nominations for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song, and was frequently cited on year-end best-of lists, solidifying its status as a significant artistic achievement of the decade.
Background and Recording
Genesis of the Track
The creative process for "Ultralight Beam" began with producer Derek Watkins (Fonzworth Bentley) encountering Mike Dean playing the song's foundational chords. Swizz Beatz later contributed the drum programming. An impromptu jam session involving West, Chance the Rapper, Watkins, and Plain Pat, featuring tambourines, laid the groundwork for the final mix. Justin Bieber and Poo Bear were also involved in early sessions, though their contributions were ultimately omitted.
Spiritual Collaboration
Watkins envisioned Kelly Price and Kirk Franklin contributing to the track, sensing a spiritual resonance. Price described her involvement as feeling "spiritual," and Franklin meticulously coached the choir, teaching each member their parts in a remarkably short time. Chance the Rapper crafted his verse during these sessions, reflecting on his personal journey and faith.
Evolving Masterpiece
The song, much like the album it belongs to, was considered a "working document," evolving until its final release. This iterative process allowed for the seamless integration of diverse talents and spiritual themes, culminating in a piece that felt both meticulously crafted and divinely inspired.
Composition and Lyrics
Genre Fusion
"Ultralight Beam" is a notable example of hip hop infused with strong elements of soul and gospel music. Its structure features West's opening verse, followed by contributions from The-Dream, Kelly Price, and Chance the Rapper, culminating in a powerful gospel choir arrangement featuring Kirk Franklin.
Lyrical Themes
The lyrical content primarily revolves around West's relationship with God and his personal faith. Chance the Rapper's verse delves into his spiritual journey, his daughter, and his Chicago upbringing, referencing his leadership role for other artists. Price's verse explores questions of faith and finding solace in "the light" during trials.
The "Ultralight Beam" Concept
The concept of the "ultralight beam" is central to the song's spiritual narrative, symbolizing a direct connection to the divine. This intangible force is interpreted as a source of hope, redemption, and spiritual guidance, as articulated by the artists involved.
Critical Reception
Universal Acclaim
Music critics widely lauded "Ultralight Beam," with many hailing it as a masterpiece. AllMusic described it as an "angelic" track, highlighting the gospel influence and its "jaw-dropping climax." The song was praised for its powerful opening, signaling a departure from West's previous work and establishing a profound emotional tone for the album.
Standout Performances
Chance the Rapper's verse received particular commendation, often cited as a highlight and a defining moment of his career. Critics described it as "dexterous and forceful," a "star turn" that built a legacy. The collective performances were recognized for their intensity and spiritual depth, contributing significantly to the song's critical success.
Accolades and Recognition
Year-End Lists
Numerous publications recognized "Ultralight Beam" among the best songs of 2016 and the 2010s. It frequently appeared at the top of year-end rankings from outlets such as Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Complex, celebrated for its artistic merit, spiritual resonance, and impactful collaborations.
Grammy Nominations
The song earned two Grammy nominations for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song. While it did not win in these categories, its nominations underscored its critical importance and artistic impact within the music industry.
Live Performances
Saturday Night Live Debut
The song's initial public performance occurred on Saturday Night Live just prior to the album's release, featuring an ensemble cast including Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, The-Dream, Kelly Price, and a gospel choir. This performance was widely praised for its emotional intensity and the powerful delivery of Chance the Rapper's verse.
Tour and Concerts
The song was a notable inclusion on Kanye West's Saint Pablo Tour, often serving as a powerful closing number. Its live renditions, sometimes featuring guest artists, were noted for their communal and cathartic effect on audiences. Chance the Rapper has also performed his verse at various events, including his own concerts and the NBA All-Star Game halftime show.
Commercial Performance
Chart Impact
Despite not being released as a single, "Ultralight Beam" achieved significant commercial success, charting in multiple countries. It reached notable positions on the UK Singles Chart, Billboard Hot 100, and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts, demonstrating its broad appeal and the album's strong performance.
International Presence
The song charted in Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and Sweden, indicating its international reach. Its presence on these charts, often as one of the highest-charting non-singles from The Life of Pablo, highlights its popularity beyond traditional single releases.
Chart Data
The following tables detail the song's performance on various music charts:
| Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Canada (Canadian Hot 100) | 88 |
| Ireland (IRMA) | 78 |
| New Zealand Heatseekers (RMNZ) | 10 |
| Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan) | 5 |
| UK Singles (OCC) | 63 |
| UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) | 15 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 67 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 22 |
Sunday Service Choir Chart Performance
The Sunday Service Choir's rendition also charted, particularly on gospel-specific charts, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the song's spiritual core.
| Chart | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Gospel Songs (Billboard) | 11 |
Certifications and Sales
Recording Industry Certifications
The song has achieved significant certifications in major markets, reflecting its substantial commercial performance and enduring popularity.
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark) | Gold | 45,000[129] |
| United Kingdom (BPI) | Gold | 400,000[79] |
| United States (RIAA) | 2× Platinum | 2,000,000[77] |
|
[129][79][77] Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
||
Enduring Legacy
Artistic Benchmark
Post-release, "Ultralight Beam" has cemented its legacy as one of Kanye West's most significant artistic achievements, with West himself reportedly considering it his greatest artwork alongside "Jesus Walks." Its profound spiritual message and collaborative spirit have inspired subsequent musical interpretations and critical analysis.
Gospel Influence
The song's deep integration of gospel traditions has led to discussions about its potential classification as a gospel album track. Its ability to resonate with both secular and religious audiences highlights its unique position in contemporary music, bridging genres and spiritual themes.
Cultural Resonance
The track has been described as the "official song of Christians who love Jesus but curse a little," reflecting its ability to connect with a modern audience that embraces complex identities. Its influence is evident in its sampling in other media and its continued performance by various artists, underscoring its lasting cultural impact.
Legal Proceedings
Sample Usage Dispute
In February 2019, Kanye West faced a lawsuit concerning the sample used at the beginning of "Ultralight Beam." The plaintiffs, the family of Natalie Green (the child featured in the sample), alleged that West obtained permission from Green's biological mother rather than her legal guardians, and that proper licensing and payment were not secured.
Legal Arguments and Resolution
West's defense argued that statutory damages could not be claimed as the sample was not registered with the U.S. Copyright Office by the plaintiffs at the time of release. However, this motion was denied concerning Natalie Green's claims. The case was ultimately settled out of court in October 2020.
Cover Versions and Media Usage
Notable Covers
The song has been notably covered by various artists, including Local Natives, Stormzy, Harry Styles, and Austin Gleason. These renditions often reinterpret the song's gospel and soul elements, showcasing its versatility and broad appeal across different musical styles.
Artistic Integration
"Ultralight Beam" has also been featured in other artistic contexts, such as Arthur Jafa's video artwork Love Is The Message, The Message Is Death. Kim Kardashian also paid homage by naming a makeup line, KKW Beauty's Ultra Light Beam Highlighters, after the song.
Sunday Service Choir Version
Reimagined Gospel Rendition
In 2019, the Sunday Service Choir released their interpretation of "Ultralight Beam" on the album Jesus Is Born. This version, composed by Kanye West and Nikki Grier, strips down the original to its gospel core, focusing on the choir's powerful vocal arrangements and retaining the song's spiritual message.
Critical Reception of Choir Version
Critics generally received the choir's rendition positively, noting its faithfulness to the original's spiritual essence while offering a distinct gospel perspective. It was seen as a captivating rendition that appealed to fans of both West's work and traditional gospel music.
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily Wikipedia, and may not represent the most current or complete information available. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the AI cannot guarantee the absolute correctness or timeliness of the information presented.
This is not professional music analysis or endorsement. The information provided herein should not be considered a substitute for professional critical review or personal listening experience. Always consult official sources and expert opinions for comprehensive understanding.
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