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Remote Control (Kanye West song)
Remote Control (Kanye West song)
Remote Control (Kanye West song)
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"Remote Control"
Song by Kanye West featuring Young Thug
from the album Donda
ReleasedAugust 29, 2021 (2021-08-29)
RecordedMay 26, 2021 – August 2021
Length3:19
Label
Songwriters
Producers

"Remote Control" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album Donda (2021). The song, which features vocals from fellow American rapper Young Thug, was produced by West alongside Cubeatz, Digital Nas, Ojivolta, 88-Keys, Mike Dean and Teddy Walton.

Background

[edit]

In April 2021, music producer Digital Nas was invited to work with West in Los Angeles after West had heard some of his songs through Mowalola Ogunlesi, who is the design director for West's Yeezy Gap collaboration.[1] Digital Nas gave West a folder of 150 beats, of which West freestyled over approximately 60 of them.[1] Out of those 60 that made the album was two – "Junya" and "Remote Control", with four of them originally expected to make the track listing. Talking about the songs, Digital Nas said: "That sound was so mantra-like. It was just simple. It was like a feeling. [Ye and I] call it monk music".[1]

Young Thug's feature on the track came about after warning West that their friendship would come to an end if he was not to be included on the album, saying "I just hit Kanye like, 'Bro, if I ain't on the album, we are not speaking". Young Thug clarified that his contribution to the song was not inspired or instructed by West.[2][3][4]

American rapper Soulja Boy originally recorded a verse for the track, although he was not included on the final version of the song. Following the album's release, Soulja Boy shared a snippet of his verse on Instagram, with the caption of the post saying "Fuck Kanye". Soulja Boy expressed distaste towards West secretly taking his verse off, posting a series of tweets aimed at West, saying that "if he didn’t like the verse he should have said that".[5][6] On November 5, 2021, in an interview with N.O.R.E. on Drink Champs, West said that he believed that Soulja Boy is one of the top 5 most influential artists, and when asked why he was taken off Donda, West joked "You ain't hear that verse?". N.O.R.E. asked "The verse wasn't good?", and West followed up with "Nah, I'll tell you what though, Soulja Boy is the future, Future the future...".[7][8] Soulja Boy responded to the interview, saying that West's words on Drink Champs stunned him and claimed that West had praised his verse in person.[9][10]

Pt 2

[edit]

Following the album's first listening party, a fan asked West's Kids See Ghosts cohort Kid Cudi via Twitter if he would be featured on the album, to which Cudi responded he was not. However, Cudi's vocals were later heard at the album's second listening session.[11] Cudi would go on to detail how West subsequently reached out to him following the tweet, leading Cudi to record verses for "Moon" and "Remote Control".[12][13] His verse was previewed at the second listening session on August 6, 2021, but was taken off the song when it was officially released on August 29, 2021, in favor for a sample from the 2012 animated short film Strawinsky and the Mysterious House, known in Internet and meme culture for the "Globglogabgalab", a song sung by the character of the same name in the film. Though unconfirmed as a direct causation, the sample was added after YouTuber Videogamedunkey created a fake leak of Donda, which included a sample of "Globglogabgalab".[14] On October 27, 2021, the Stem Player was made available by West, which included three previously unreleased tracks as well as a version of "Remote Control" that re-adds Kid Cudi's original contribution.[15] "Remote Control pt 2" was officially released as part of the deluxe version of Donda on November 14, 2021.[16]

Personnel

[edit]

Technical

  • Irko – mixing, mastering
  • Alejandro Rodriguez-Dawsøn – recording
  • Bainz – recording
  • Jonathan Pfzar – recording
  • Josh Berg – recording
  • Mikalai Skrobat – recording
  • Roark Bailey – recording
  • Will Chason – recording assistance
  • Louis Bell – vocal editing
  • Cirkut – vocal production

Charts

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Remote Control (Kanye West song)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Remote Control" is a hip hop song by American rapper and record producer , featuring vocals from fellow rapper . It appears as the twelfth track on West's tenth studio album, , released on August 29, 2021, by . The track runs for 3:18 and was primarily produced by West, with additional production from , , , Mike Dean, Ojivolta, and Teddy Walton. The song originated during the recording sessions for , which took place primarily at West's childhood home in and in , reflecting the album's personal and spiritual themes dedicated to West's late mother, . "" incorporates elements of trap and auto-tuned vocals, with delivering a guest verse that addresses themes of success and industry pressures. Initially, the track was set to feature rapper , but his verse was replaced by Young Thug's contribution shortly before the album's release, sparking public discussion. Upon release, "Remote Control" debuted at number 40 on the chart, benefiting from the album's strong streaming performance that propelled 23 Donda tracks onto the chart simultaneously. Critics noted the song's energetic production and Thug's dynamic feature, though it ranked lower in some album reviews for its placement amid the project's expansive 27-track structure. A , "Remote Control, Pt. 2", featuring , appeared on the deluxe edition of released on November 14, 2021.

Background and recording

Development

The recording sessions for Donda, including "Remote Control", took place primarily at Kanye West's childhood home in and in , reflecting the album's personal and spiritual themes dedicated to West's late mother, . Producer supplied with a folder containing 150 beats during the production of the album Donda. West freestyled over roughly 60 of these beats in a stream-of-consciousness manner, often capturing ideas in single takes to build the album's raw, improvisational energy. From Nas's contributions, two tracks—"" and "Junya"—were ultimately selected for the final album, highlighting West's method of sifting through freestyles to identify pieces that aligned with 's thematic and sonic vision of gospel-infused hip-hop. This beat selection process emphasized organic collaboration, where West would repeatedly listen to submissions before locking in on those sparking immediate creative flow. The development of "Remote Control" was further shaped by Donda's listening parties held in and 2021, which served as live testing grounds for track refinement. The first event on July 22 at Atlanta's previewed early versions of songs, including iterations of "Remote Control," allowing West to gauge audience response and make adjustments in real time from the stadium's locker room setup. A second party on August 5 featured tweaks to several tracks, with West continuing to evolve elements like vocals and arrangements based on the performative context. These events culminated in a third listening party on August 26 at Chicago's , solidifying finalizations ahead of the album's release a few days later. Young Thug insisted on contributing to the track after played him an early version during the album's development process. In an , Thug revealed that he directly told West, "Bro, if I ain't on the album, we are not speaking," emphasizing his determination to be included, which ultimately led to his feature on "." This collaboration marked a continuation of their partnership, as the two had previously worked together on the 2016 track "" from West's album . Soulja Boy recorded an original verse for "Remote Control," which West initially praised but ultimately excluded from the final version in favor of Young Thug's contribution. On August 30, 2021, expressed his frustration on , stating, "Idk how to feel, Kanye sent me that song ‘’ and I don’t hear my verse on it… hmm fuck that ni**a," and subsequently leaked the verse while calling West "weird af" and a "pussy." The dispute escalated into September 2021, with teasing a diss track aimed at West on his upcoming album SWAG 4, amid ongoing public exchanges where he referenced past tensions, including West's unauthorized sampling of his voice on the 2008 track "." Kid Cudi's involvement with "Remote Control" began early in the recording process, as his vocals appeared in versions performed at initial Donda listening parties and in leaked demos, but were omitted from the album's August 2021 release. His verse was later reinstated for the "Pt. 2" iteration, restoring the original contribution alongside Young Thug's.

Composition and lyrics

Musical elements

"Remote Control" was produced by a collaborative team including , , , Ojivolta, , Mike Dean, and Teddy Walton. This ensemble contributed to the track's layered sound, drawing on West's signature approach to blending hip-hop with experimental elements. The song's runtime is 3:18 in its original form. The production features trap-influenced beats characterized by hard-hitting percussion and bass-heavy rhythms, providing a rhythmic foundation that aligns with contemporary hip-hop styles. Atmospheric synths create a hovering, ethereal quality, enhancing the futuristic that evokes themes of detachment and control. Vocal distortion effects, reminiscent of Daft Punk's electronic style, are prominent in the midsection, adding an innovative, otherworldly texture to the arrangement. choir elements, contributed by the , introduce spiritual undertones through layered backing vocals, integrating seamlessly with the electronic components. Structurally, the song opens with an intro featuring ad-libs from , transitioning into a verse-chorus format that builds momentum through West's verse, a repeating chorus, Young Thug's verse, and a pre-chorus before concluding with a distinctive sample in the outro from the children's video "Strawinsky and the Mysterious House," featuring the gibberish-singing character Globglogabgalab. The chord progression is rooted in , utilizing simple yet effective chords like , , and to support the melody's tension and resolution. These musical elements reflect the broader aesthetic of West's album Donda, which emphasizes minimalistic production techniques alongside rich electronic textures to convey introspection and grandeur. The track's ties into the album's overarching fusion of trap, , and futuristic motifs, creating a cohesive yet innovative listening experience.

Lyrical content

"Remote Control" explores themes of , , and the pervasive influence of , with Kanye West positioning himself as a figure guided by divine intervention amid personal triumphs and societal detachment. West's verses reflect a sense of elevated control and spiritual assurance, as seen in lines like "He got it on / Like a CEO / Feelin' like the man, feelin' like the man," which convey a CEO-like mastery over his life, attributed to 's oversight. This motif extends to of transcendence and humor in detachment, exemplified by "I was in my , floatin' down the path / God just grabbed my hand, had a bigger plan," symbolizing a futuristic escape from earthly concerns while affirming as the ultimate . Such lyrics echo West's broader , where reflections on achievement and , from the introspective boasts of to the overt elements in , culminate in 's evolution toward gospel-rap fusion. Young Thug's featured verse shifts toward expressions of spiritual gratitude intertwined with material success, emphasizing collaboration and divine provision. He raps, "Hopping out the brand new Rolls / sent me brand new clothes," blending boasts of luxury with acknowledgment of as the source, which underscores a theme of blessed abundance rather than mere extravagance. This contribution highlights Thug's dynamic flow, providing contrast to West's delivery and reinforcing the track's meditative quality on redemption and partnership in faith-driven artistry. Interpretations of the song often frame it as a critique of society's overreliance on , using metaphors like the and to suggest a loss of authentic human connection in a hyper-modern world, though some view this commentary as somewhat superficial. West's lyrics amplify religious undertones, portraying his journey as one of spiritual evolution and divine purpose, aligning with 's overarching narrative of seeking redemption through faith.

Release and versions

Original version

"Remote Control" was released on August 29, 2021, as the twelfth track on the standard edition of Kanye West's tenth studio album, . The song serves as an integral part of the album's structure, positioned midway through its 27-track runtime, and features vocals from rapper . This placement highlights its role within the broader narrative of , an album dedicated to West's late mother, . The release of followed an elaborate promotional campaign that included multiple stadium listening parties, notably the third event at in on August 26, 2021, and preceding gatherings at in on July 22 and August 5, 2021. These events built anticipation for the album by previewing evolving versions of tracks, including "Remote Control," in live settings with dramatic staging elements like a replica of West's childhood home. The listening parties drew massive crowds and global livestream audiences, amplifying the album's cultural moment without relying on traditional single releases. "Remote Control" was integrated into Donda's rollout through its inclusion in official trailers and live performances at the listening events, though it was never promoted as a standalone single. Unlike lead singles such as "Hurricane," the track's exposure was tied exclusively to the album's cohesive presentation. Initial availability began on major streaming platforms like and upon the album's digital launch, with physical formats—including CD and vinyl editions—made available later in 2022 through , bundled as part of the full Donda package.

Pt. 2 version

The "Pt. 2" version of "Remote Control" was developed by incorporating elements previewed during the promotional cycle for Kanye West's Donda. Kid Cudi's verse, which had been excluded from the original track, was initially showcased at the second Donda listening party on August 5, 2021, where it appeared alongside Young Thug's contribution and an early iteration of the outro. This verse was ultimately added to the remix, but the outro was revised to include the full "Globglogabgalab" sample—a surreal spoken-word segment from the viral video "Strawinsky and the Mysterious House," featuring the character Globglogabgalab reciting nonsensical lore. The version was first released as exclusive content via the device on October 27, 2021, allowing users to access and remix stems of the track ahead of wider availability. It became officially available on November 14, 2021, as the twelfth track on the deluxe edition of , distributed through and accessible on streaming platforms. Key differences from the original include the insertion of Kid Cudi's verse after Young Thug's, extending the song's length to approximately 5:23 and shifting its structure to emphasize collaborative dynamics. In the verse, Cudi raps about fame's allure, , and a of losing control—"Feelin' she love my shine, oh / **** color outside the lines, I am so out of-out of control / And I'm fallin', glowin' in the mold"—themes that align with 's broader exploration of personal turmoil and spiritual seeking. The integrated "Globglogabgalab" outro adds an absurd, extended chaotic element, contrasting the track's futuristic production with whimsical disruption. This remix served to expand Donda's narrative by resolving listening party teases, blending unresolved live previews with finalized production to deepen the album's experimental ethos around faith, technology, and introspection.

Reception

Critical response

Critics gave "Remote Control" generally favorable reviews upon the release of Donda in 2021, often highlighting its role in the album's thematic exploration of faith and personal agency. Similarly, Pitchfork commended Young Thug's energetic verse as the standout feature, stating that the song "belongs to Thug and Thug is all it needs." Some reviewers offered mixed assessments, noting the track's transitional feel in Donda's sprawling structure and critiquing Kanye's vocal delivery as uneven. The A.V. Club labeled it filler material, suggesting it was among tracks that could be omitted without loss to the album. Slate echoed this sentiment, finding value only in the humorous Globglogabgalab interlude while dismissing the rest as unremarkable. Despite these critiques, the song's conceptual focus on relinquishing control to a higher power received acclaim in broader discussions of Donda's lyrical depth. "Remote Control" did not garner any major awards or nominations specific to the song, though Donda as an album earned nods for Album of the Year and Best Rap Album at the 2022 .

Commercial performance

"Remote Control" debuted at number 40 on the US '''' Hot 100, marking its peak position, and remained on the chart for 12 weeks. On the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it peaked at number 20, also charting for 12 weeks. Globally, the song reached number 38 on the '''' Global 200. In year-end tallies for 2021, "Remote Control" ranked number 48 on the Christian Songs chart and number 15 on the Gospel Songs chart. The track has not earned any RIAA certifications as of November 2025. Its chart success was primarily driven by streaming activity from the album ''Donda'', as it was not promoted as a single and thus saw limited radio play.

Credits

Producers and writers

"Remote Control" was written by a team including , who served as the primary songwriter and composer, alongside Jeffery Williams (known as ) for his featured lyrical contributions, Charles Njapa (), Mike Dean, Nasir Pemberton (), Kevin Gomringer and Tim Gomringer (collectively ), Raul Cubina, and Mark Williams (both of Ojivolta). These writers are credited for the composition and lyrics, drawing from West's signature style blended with trap influences from Williams. The production was led by , with key contributions from on beat programming and additional production, for co-production and drum programming, for co-production, Mike Dean for co-production and mixing elements tied to composition, Ojivolta for co-production, and Walton for additional production. This collaborative effort shaped the track's atmospheric sound, incorporating electronic and hip-hop elements without additional sample clearances noted in the primary credits.

Technical staff

The technical aspects of "Remote Control" involved a team of recording engineers who captured sessions at multiple locations, including Pio Pico in , California, and in Atlanta, Georgia. Key recording engineers for the track included Alejandro Rodriguez-Dawsøn, Josh Berg, and Mikalai Skrobat. Mixing and mastering were overseen by Irko, who handled these processes for the entirety of the album, including "Remote Control." Assistant mixing engineers Sean Solymar and Tommy Rush supported the final polish. Vocal production was handled by , with vocal editing by . The track features harp performed by .

References

  1. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-donda-album-released-listen-9605121/
  2. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-donda-album-songs-ranked-9611383/
  3. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-donda-album-1202235/
  4. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/soulja-boy-slams-kanye-west-left-off-donda-9621975/
  5. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-donda-deluxe-edition-1257889/
  6. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-donda-2-producer-1291869/
  7. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-west-donda-premiere-review-1201351/
  8. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kanye-donda-new-album-premiere-review-1208593/
  9. https://www.vogue.com/article/kanye-west-donda-listening-event-demna-gvasalia
  10. https://stories.complex.com/young-thug-punk-interview-2021/
  11. https://www.rap-up.com/article/2021/08/30/soulja-boy-slams-kanye-west-remote-control-donda
  12. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/358401-soulja-boy-teases-kanye-west-diss-on-new-album-dropping-tonight-news
  13. https://hypebeast.com/2021/9/kanye-west-donda-remote-control-globglogabgalab-sample-explained-info
  14. https://people.com/music/kanye-west-drops-donda-deluxe/
  15. https://hiphop-n-more.com/2021/08/kanye-west-donda-album-full-production-credits/
  16. https://music.apple.com/ca/song/remote-control/1587795566
  17. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/kanye-wests-donda-review-1219244/
  18. https://www.stilllisteningmagazine.com/reviews/kanye-west-donda-review
  19. https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/kanye-west-donda-review-3031977
  20. https://genius.com/Kanye-west-remote-control-lyrics
  21. https://www.whosampled.com/Kanye-West/Remote-Control/
  22. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/kanye-west/remote-control
  23. https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-donda/
  24. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/871392/Kanye-West-Young-Thug-Remote-Control-Strawinsky-and-the-Mysterious-House-The-Globglogabgalab/
  25. https://www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-wests-donda-stem-player-has-finally-been-unveiled-and-comes-with-three-extra-songs-3080370/
  26. https://genius.com/Kanye-west-remote-control-pt-2-lyrics
  27. https://hypebeast.com/2021/9/kanye-west-donda-remote-control-globglogabgalab-sample-explained-info/
  28. https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02/1033424732/from-a-small-house-in-a-big-stadium-kanye-comes-up-empty-handed
  29. https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/ranking-every-guest-appearance-on-kanye-west-donda-from-worst-to-best/
  30. https://www.avclub.com/kanye-west-s-donda-is-a-bloated-incoherent-mess-1847593067
  31. https://slate.com/culture/2021/08/kanye-west-donda-review-album.html
  32. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2021-09-11/
  33. https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/hsi/
  34. https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/global-200/
  35. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/christian-songs/
  36. https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/hot-gospel-songs/
  37. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Kanye+West&ti=Remote+Control#search_section
  38. https://www.complex.com/music/a/b-blanchet/kanye-west-two-donda-songs-debut-top-10-billboard-hot-100
  39. https://musicbrainz.org/release/c17c919f-892d-4cd6-bd9a-d37fcc2f544d
  40. https://producergrind.com/blogs/blog/kanye-west-donda-production-credits
  41. https://genius.com/albums/Kanye-west/Donda
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/20039368-Kanye-West-Donda
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