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The song "Ultralight Beam" features vocals from Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Answer: False
While the song features numerous collaborators, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are not credited with vocals on the final version of "Ultralight Beam."
Justin Bieber contributed vocals to the final version of "Ultralight Beam".
Answer: False
Although Justin Bieber was present during recording sessions and contributed, his vocals were ultimately omitted from the final release of "Ultralight Beam."
Kelly Price and Kirk Franklin were contacted by Derek Watkins after he envisioned their contributions for the track.
Answer: True
Producer Derek Watkins felt that Kelly Price and Kirk Franklin were essential to the track and contacted them after hearing their voices in his mind's ear.
The sample of Natalie Green's voice was taken from a YouTube video.
Answer: False
The sample of Natalie Green's voice was sourced from a video uploaded to Instagram, not YouTube.
The song features a ten-piece choir and additional vocals from Natalie and Samoria Green.
Answer: True
Indeed, "Ultralight Beam" incorporates a ten-piece choir and features additional vocals provided by Natalie and Samoria Green.
Which of the following artists is NOT featured on "Ultralight Beam"?
Answer: Kendrick Lamar
While Kelly Price, Chance the Rapper, and The-Dream are credited performers on "Ultralight Beam," Kendrick Lamar is not listed among the featured artists.
What did Natalie Green say in the Instagram clip sampled for the song?
Answer: "We don't want no devils in the house, God! We want the Lord, and that's it!"
The sampled audio from Natalie Green features her stating, "We don't want no devils in the house, God! We want the Lord, and that's it!"
"Ultralight Beam" is the closing track on Kanye West's album *The Life of Pablo*.
Answer: False
Contrary to the statement, "Ultralight Beam" served as the opening track for *The Life of Pablo*. It was initially planned as the closing track but was later repositioned.
The song "Ultralight Beam" was officially released on February 14, 2016.
Answer: True
The song "Ultralight Beam" was officially released as part of Kanye West's seventh studio album, *The Life of Pablo*, on February 14, 2016.
The handwritten tracklist for *The Life of Pablo* showed the song title as "Ultra Light Beam".
Answer: True
A handwritten tracklist shared by Kanye West prior to the album's release indicated the song's title as "Ultra Light Beams," a slight variation from the final title, "Ultralight Beam."
"Ultralight Beam" was promoted primarily through a series of music videos released after the album.
Answer: False
Promotion for "Ultralight Beam" primarily occurred through its inclusion as the album's opening track and its live performance on Saturday Night Live shortly before the album's release, rather than a series of post-release music videos.
The song "Ultralight Beam" has a duration of approximately 7 minutes.
Answer: False
The official duration of "Ultralight Beam" is 5 minutes and 21 seconds, not approximately 7 minutes.
The song is associated with the labels GOOD Music and Roc-A-Fella Records.
Answer: False
The song is associated with GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. Roc-A-Fella Records is not listed as an associated label for this track.
The song was considered a "working document" reflecting Kanye West's finalized vision before release.
Answer: False
The song, along with the album *The Life of Pablo*, was characterized as a "working document," signifying an iterative creation process where the final form was not fixed until the album's release.
What album features the song "Ultralight Beam"?
Answer: The Life of Pablo
"Ultralight Beam" is featured on Kanye West's seventh studio album, *The Life of Pablo*, released in 2016.
What was the initial title of the song mentioned in Kanye West's handwritten tracklist?
Answer: Ultra Light Beam
Kanye West's handwritten tracklist, shared prior to the album's release, listed the song's title as "Ultra Light Beams," a slight variation from the final title, "Ultralight Beam."
What was the original placement of "Ultralight Beam" on *The Life of Pablo* according to Chance the Rapper?
Answer: It was originally planned as the closing track.
Chance the Rapper indicated that "Ultralight Beam" was initially intended to be the closing track on *The Life of Pablo* before its final placement as the opening song.
Pitchfork ranked "Ultralight Beam" as the number 1 best song of 2016.
Answer: True
Pitchfork indeed ranked "Ultralight Beam" as the number one best song of 2016, praising its profound spiritual and emotional impact.
"Ultralight Beam" received nominations for two Grammy Awards at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
Answer: True
The song garnered two Grammy nominations at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards: Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song.
"Ultralight Beam" was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
Answer: False
While "Ultralight Beam" received two Grammy nominations, they were for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song, not for Best Rap Album.
*Slate* magazine suggested "Ultralight Beam" indicated *The Life of Pablo* would be similar in tone to West's album *Yeezus*.
Answer: False
On the contrary, *Slate* magazine's analysis suggested that "Ultralight Beam" signaled *The Life of Pablo* would represent an "anti-Yeezus" direction, indicating a departure from the abrasive sound of *Yeezus*.
Critics widely considered it a snub that "Ultralight Beam" was nominated for Song of the Year at the Grammys.
Answer: False
The critical discourse did not frame the Grammy nominations as a snub for Song of the Year; rather, the discussion centered on the perceived oversight of the song not being nominated in that category at all, despite its critical acclaim.
*Complex* magazine described "Ultralight Beam" as a calming influence, comparing it to Xanax.
Answer: True
*Complex* magazine characterized the song's effect as "audio weed, Xanax on wax, and a Bible verse rolled into one," highlighting its dual nature of relaxation and spiritual resonance.
*The Guardian* described the song's structure as conventionally linear and predictable.
Answer: False
Reviewer Alexis Petridis of *The Guardian* described the song's structure not as linear, but as "fractured" rather than episodic, suggesting a more complex arrangement.
*Pitchfork* described the song as providing a "Godlike perspective from a man who spent most of the year appearing to have none."
Answer: True
*Pitchfork* lauded the song as an "exalted space, a promise of redemption and healing," and noted it offered a "Godlike perspective from a man who spent most of the year appearing to have none."
*Rolling Stone* suggested the song's collaborators helped Kanye West "plant a foot on the devil's neck."
Answer: True
*Rolling Stone* commented that the collaborative efforts on "Ultralight Beam" empowered West, stating the artists helped him "plant a foot on the devil's neck."
*Premier Gospel* suggested that *The Life of Pablo* would have been considered gospel music breakthroughs if released by another artist.
Answer: True
*Premier Gospel* posited that tracks like "Ultralight Beam" from *The Life of Pablo* would have been hailed as significant gospel music breakthroughs had they been released by artists other than Kanye West.
Which publication ranked "Ultralight Beam" as the number 1 best song of 2016?
Answer: Pitchfork
Pitchfork placed "Ultralight Beam" at the top of its list of the best songs of 2016, citing its profound artistic and spiritual qualities.
"Ultralight Beam" received Grammy nominations in which two categories?
Answer: Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song
At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, "Ultralight Beam" was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Performance and Best Rap Song.
What did *Complex* magazine liken "Ultralight Beam" to in its description?
Answer: Audio weed, Xanax on wax, and a Bible verse
*Complex* magazine poetically described "Ultralight Beam" as "audio weed, Xanax on wax, and a Bible verse," capturing its multifaceted calming and spiritual impact.
What did *Slate* magazine suggest about "Ultralight Beam" in relation to Kanye West's previous album *Yeezus*?
Answer: It indicated *The Life of Pablo* would be an "anti-Yeezus."
*Slate* magazine interpreted "Ultralight Beam" as a sign that *The Life of Pablo* would adopt an "anti-Yeezus" stance, suggesting a departure from the sonic intensity of West's previous album.
Which publication described the song's structure as "fractured" rather than "episodic"?
Answer: The Guardian
Reviewer Alexis Petridis of *The Guardian* characterized the song's structure as "fractured" rather than conventionally episodic.
What did *Entertainment Weekly* say about "Ultralight Beam" as an opening track?
Answer: It was described as a "powerful" and "electric opening track."
*Entertainment Weekly* lauded "Ultralight Beam" as a "powerful" and "electric opening track," highlighting its immediate impact and quality.
What did *Rolling Stone* suggest about the role of the song's collaborators?
Answer: They helped West "plant a foot on the devil's neck."
*Rolling Stone* commented that the collaborators on "Ultralight Beam" provided essential support, enabling West to "plant a foot on the devil's neck."
What did *Premier Gospel* suggest about the gospel elements in *The Life of Pablo*?
Answer: Tracks like "Ultralight Beam" would be gospel breakthroughs if by another artist.
*Premier Gospel* suggested that tracks such as "Ultralight Beam" demonstrated significant gospel influence, positing they would be recognized as gospel music breakthroughs if released by artists other than Kanye West.
Which publication ranked "Ultralight Beam" fifth on its list of best songs for 2016?
Answer: Rolling Stone
*Rolling Stone* included "Ultralight Beam" at the fifth position on its list of the best songs released in 2016.
What did *Premier Gospel* suggest about *The Life of Pablo*'s classification?
Answer: It could be considered a "gospel album of 2016."
*Premier Gospel* suggested that *The Life of Pablo* could be classified as a "gospel album of 2016," noting that tracks like "Ultralight Beam" would be considered gospel breakthroughs if released by other artists.
What did *The Guardian* note about the song's arrangement?
Answer: It felt "fractured" rather than episodic.
*The Guardian* described the song's arrangement not as conventionally episodic, but rather as "fractured," indicating a less linear structure.
What did *Premier Gospel* suggest about *The Life of Pablo* in relation to gospel music?
Answer: It was considered a potential "gospel album of 2016."
*Premier Gospel* suggested that *The Life of Pablo* could be viewed as a "gospel album of 2016," noting that tracks like "Ultralight Beam" would be considered gospel breakthroughs if released by other artists.
What did *Pitchfork* describe the song as providing in its review?
Answer: An "exalted space, a promise of redemption and healing"
*Pitchfork* characterized "Ultralight Beam" as offering an "exalted space, a promise of redemption and healing," highlighting its profound spiritual and emotional resonance.
"Ultralight Beam" was released as a major commercial single, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Answer: False
"Ultralight Beam" was not released as a commercial single and did not top the Billboard Hot 100; however, it did chart on several Billboard lists, including the Hot 100 at number 67.
The song "Ultralight Beam" has been certified Platinum in the United States by the RIAA.
Answer: True
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has certified "Ultralight Beam" as Platinum in the United States, signifying one million equivalent units sold.
What was the peak position of "Ultralight Beam" on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart?
Answer: 67
Despite not being released as a single, "Ultralight Beam" charted on the US Billboard Hot 100, reaching a peak position of number 67.
What certification does the song hold in the UK?
Answer: Gold
In the United Kingdom, "Ultralight Beam" has been certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).
What was the peak position of "Ultralight Beam" on the UK charts?
Answer: 63
The song "Ultralight Beam" achieved a peak position of number 63 on the UK charts.
Chance the Rapper wrote the shortest verse on the song "Ultralight Beam".
Answer: False
Chance the Rapper's verse is noted as being the longest on the song, not the shortest. He penned it after putting on headphones during the recording session.
The genre classification of "Ultralight Beam" is exclusively trap music.
Answer: False
While containing hip-hop elements, "Ultralight Beam" is characterized by a blend of genres, prominently incorporating gospel, soul, and R&B influences, rather than being exclusively trap music.
Chance the Rapper stated that the line "Tubman of the underground, come and follow the trail" referred to Harriet Tubman's historical role.
Answer: False
Chance the Rapper clarified that the line "Tubman of the underground, come and follow the trail" was a self-referential statement about his own role in guiding other artists toward independence within the music industry.
The gospel influences in "Ultralight Beam" contributed to *The Life of Pablo* being perceived as a gospel album.
Answer: True
The pronounced gospel elements within "Ultralight Beam" and other tracks were significant factors in the perception of *The Life of Pablo* as an album deeply influenced by gospel music.
What did Kelly Price describe the song "Ultralight Beam" as? A street parable that conveyed messages of hurt, shame, hope, and redemption.
Answer: True
Kelly Price characterized "Ultralight Beam" as a "street parable," articulating its capacity to convey profound messages encompassing hurt, shame, hope, and redemption.
The song's primary theme is Kanye West's exploration of his relationship with God and finding solace through faith.
Answer: True
The central thematic focus of "Ultralight Beam" is Kanye West's engagement with his spirituality, particularly his relationship with God and the process of finding solace and guidance through faith.
According to producer Derek Watkins, what does the "ultralight beam" symbolize?
Answer: A connection that goes straight to heaven
Producer Derek Watkins explained that the "ultralight beam" represents "the connection that goes straight to heaven," an intangible concept central to the song's spiritual narrative.
What did Chance the Rapper say about the meaning of "Ultralight Beam"?
Answer: It was about Kanye West's faith in God and finding light when down.
Chance the Rapper articulated that "Ultralight Beam" centers on Kanye West's faith, describing it as a narrative about finding divine light and reassurance during periods of adversity.
What did Chance the Rapper say about his verse on "Ultralight Beam"?
Answer: He penned it after putting on headphones.
Chance the Rapper stated that he wrote his verse for "Ultralight Beam" after putting on headphones during the recording session.
A lawsuit was filed in 2019 by Natalie Green's biological mother against Kanye West regarding the song's sample.
Answer: False
The lawsuit filed in February 2019 concerning the sample of Natalie Green's voice was initiated by her adoptive parents, Andrew and Shirley Green, not her biological mother.
Kanye West's legal team argued that the copyright registration status of the sample was irrelevant to the lawsuit.
Answer: False
West's legal team contended that the copyright registration status was indeed relevant, arguing that statutory damages and attorney fees could not be claimed if the sample was unregistered at the time of release. This argument was ultimately denied concerning Natalie's claims.
The lawsuit filed by the Green family claimed that Natalie's biological mother had full legal authority to license the sample after the adoption.
Answer: False
The lawsuit's core claim was that Natalie's biological mother *lacked* the legal authority to license the sample post-adoption, and that West did not secure proper consent from the legal guardians.
Kanye West's legal team's motion regarding copyright registration was ultimately granted, dismissing Natalie's claims.
Answer: False
The motion filed by West's legal team concerning copyright registration was denied with respect to Natalie's claims, as she was the registered owner of the sample's source material.
What did the source cite as the reason for the lawsuit filed in February 2019?
Answer: Unauthorized use of Natalie Green's voice sample by her biological mother.
The lawsuit filed in February 2019 alleged that Natalie Green's biological mother, Alice Johnson, granted permission for the sample's use without possessing the requisite legal authority post-adoption, thereby constituting unauthorized use.
What was the legal team's argument regarding attorney fees in the lawsuit?
Answer: They argued attorney fees were not applicable if the sample wasn't registered.
Kanye West's legal team argued that attorney fees were not applicable if the sample had not been registered with the U.S. Copyright Office at the time of the song's release.
An alternate version of the song, titled "Ultralight Prayer," was released on Christmas 2016.
Answer: False
An alternate version titled "Ultralight Prayer" was shared on SoundCloud on Easter 2016, not Christmas 2016. This version is a shorter, gospel-focused rendition.
Kanye West considered "Ultralight Beam" to be his least significant artistic achievement.
Answer: False
Conversely, Kanye West himself referred to "Ultralight Beam" as potentially his greatest artwork, indicating its profound significance to him.
Several artists, including Harry Styles and Stormzy, have covered "Ultralight Beam".
Answer: True
The song's impact has led to notable covers by artists such as Harry Styles and Stormzy, among others, demonstrating its widespread influence.
Harry Styles' cover of "Ultralight Beam" retained the original song's prominent gospel elements.
Answer: False
Harry Styles' rendition notably stripped away the original gospel elements, reinterpreting the song with a distinct mood, described as a "moody Purple Rain makeover."
The Sunday Service Choir's version of "Ultralight Beam" replaced Chance the Rapper's verse with new arrangements by Jason White.
Answer: True
The Sunday Service Choir's rendition of "Ultralight Beam" indeed replaced the verses by Chance the Rapper and Kanye West with new arrangements created by the choir's director, Jason White.
Kim Kardashian launched "Ultra Light Beam Highlighters" for her KKW Beauty brand in 2017 as a tribute to the song.
Answer: True
In November 2017, Kim Kardashian introduced "Ultra Light Beam Highlighters" for her KKW Beauty line, explicitly citing it as an "unexpected tribute" to Kanye West's song.
Filmmaker Arthur Jafa used "Ultralight Beam" as the soundtrack for his 2016 video artwork *Love Is The Message, The Message Is Death*.
Answer: True
Filmmaker Arthur Jafa incorporated "Ultralight Beam" as the musical score for his 2016 video artwork titled *Love Is The Message, The Message Is Death*.
Kim Kardashian listed "Ultralight Beam" among her least favorite Kanye West songs in a 2016 tweet.
Answer: False
In August 2016, Kim Kardashian actually listed "Ultralight Beam" among her favorite Kanye West songs, contradicting the premise of this statement.
How did Harry Styles' cover of "Ultralight Beam" differ from the original?
Answer: It stripped away gospel elements for a different mood.
Harry Styles' rendition notably departed from the original by removing its gospel elements, creating a distinct atmosphere described as a "moody Purple Rain makeover."
What was the context of Kim Kardashian's "Ultra Light Beam Highlighters" launch?
Answer: A tribute to Kanye West's song.
Kim Kardashian's launch of "Ultra Light Beam Highlighters" for KKW Beauty in 2017 served as an explicit tribute to Kanye West's song of the same name.
What did Kanye West himself call "Ultralight Beam" in terms of his artwork?
Answer: Potentially his greatest artwork
Kanye West expressed a high regard for "Ultralight Beam," referring to it as potentially his greatest artwork.
What was the purpose of filmmaker Arthur Jafa using "Ultralight Beam" in his artwork?
Answer: As the soundtrack for his video artwork *Love Is The Message, The Message Is Death*.
Filmmaker Arthur Jafa utilized "Ultralight Beam" as the soundtrack for his 2016 video artwork, titled *Love Is The Message, The Message Is Death*.
How did the Sunday Service Choir's version of "Ultralight Beam" differ from the original regarding verses?
Answer: They were replaced with arrangements by Jason White.
The Sunday Service Choir's rendition replaced the original verses with new arrangements developed by Jason White, focusing on the choir's vocal performance.