Wed 17 Feb 2016
Thanks to a particularly messy rollout, a “partial version” of Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo is currently streaming exclusively on TIDAL until the “final version” drops (again, as stream-only release on TIDAL) in the new few days. Which means raps nerds (ourselves included) have been robbed of the joy of parsing through the credits for every vocalist, songwriter and producer on Kanye’s album — and as we all know, Kanye doesn’t work alone.
However, following a Twitter soapbox speech about teachers’ salaries and the cost of education, Kanye decided to upload The Life of Pablo on his website, along with the full credits. Of course, we’re all aware of Kid Cudi, Chris Brown and Young Thug’s contributions, but interestingly enough, Drake, Future, Pharrell and Nelly also pick up songwriting credits on the album. Drake and Future are credited on “Facts” (which interpolates “Jumpman”) while Drake, Pharrell and Nelly (due to the “E.I.” and “Hot In Herre” interpolations) are credited on “30 Hours.”
Because scrolling through the credits on Kanye’s website is a bit of a headache, we’ve edited them in a more reading-friendly format below.
Check out the full credits below…
1. ULTRALIGHT BEAM
(Kanye West, Mike Dean, Kelly Price, Terius Nash, Nico “Donnie Trumpet” Segal, Kirk Franklin, Kasseem Dean, Chancelor Bennett, Jerome Potter, Samuel Griesemer)
Production: Kanye West, Mike Dean, Chance The Rapper, Swizz Beatz
Co-Production: Rick Rubin, Derek Watkins
Additional Production: Plain Pat, DJ Dodger Stadium, Noah Goldstein
Vocals: Chance The Rapper, Kirk Franklin, The-Dream, Kelly Price
Additional Vocals: Natalie Green, Samoria Green
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean, Mike Malchicoff
Mixing: Noah Goldstein
Trumpets: Donnie Trumpet
Keyboards & Bass Guitar: Mike Dean
Choir Contractor: Anthony Evans
Choir: Aaron Encinas, Shanika Bereal, Crystal Lewis Ray, Kenyon Dixon, Rachel Whitlow, George Young, Lakesha Shantell, Tiffany Stevenson, Chavonne Stewart
2. FATHER STRETCH MY HANDS PT. 1
(Kanye West, Scott Mescudi, Mike Dean, Cydel Young, Allen Ritter, Jerome Potter, Samuel Griesemer, Chancelor Bennett, T. L. Barrett)
Production: Kanye West, Mike Dean, Rick Rubin
Co-Production: Metro Boomin
Additional Production: DJ Dodger Stadium, Allen Ritter, Noah Goldstein
Vocals: Kid Cudi
Keyboards and Moog Modular: Mike Dean
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Noah Goldstein
Contains samples of the recording “Father Stretch My Hands” performed by Pastor T.L. Barrett Featuring Youth For Christ, used courtesy of Henry Stone Music USA, Inc. Written by T.L. Barrett published by Henry Stone Music USA, Inc.
3. PT. 2
(Kanye West, Cydel Young, Sidney Selby III, Adnan Khan, T.L. Barrett)
Production: Kanye West, Menace Andrick Rubin
Co-Production: Plain Pat
Additional Production: Caroline Shaw
Vocals: Desiigner, Caroline Shaw
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Noah Goldstein at Jungle City Studios, CA
Contains samples of the recording “Panda” performed by Desiigner, used courtesy of G.O.O.D Music/Def Jam Recordings. Written by Sidney Selby III and Adnan Khan. Copyright Control.
Contains samples of the recording “Father Stretch My Hands” performed by Pastor T.L. Barrett featuring Youth For Christ, used courtesy of Henry Stone Music USA, Inc. Written by T.L. Barrett published by Henry Stone Music USA, Inc.
4. FAMOUS
(Kanye West, Cydel Young, KeJuan Muchita, Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Mike Dean, Chancelor Bennett, Kasseem Dean, Jimmy Webb, Winston Riley, Luis Enriquez Bacalov, Enzo Vita, Sergio Bardotti, Giampiero Scalamogna)
Production: Kanye West, Havoc
Co-Production: Noah Goldstein, Charlie Heat, Andrew Dawson
Additional Production: Hudson Mohawke, Mike Dean, Plain Pat
Vocals: Rihanna, Swizz Beatz
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Noah Goldstein at Jungle City Studios, NYC
Contains Samples of the recording “Do What You Gotta Do” performed by Nina Simone, used courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment. Written by J. Webb, published by Emi Sosaha Music Inc. (BMI)/songs of Lastrada (BMI)/BMG Rights Management US LLLC D/B/A R2m Music (BMI).
Contains samples of the recording “Bam Bam” performed by Sister Nancy, licensed courtesy of Technique Records by Arrangement With The Royalty Network, Inc. Written by Winston Riley and published by Roynet Music (SDCAP)/Westbury Music.
Contains samples of the recording “Mi Sono Svegliato E…Ho Chiuso Gli Occhi” performed by Il Rovescio Della Medaglia, used courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Italy S.P.A. Written by L. Bacalov, E. Vita, S. Bardotti and G. Scalamogna and published by Universal Music – MGB Songs (ASCAP)/Universal Music Publishing Ricordi SRL. (SIAE)
5. FEEDBACK
(Kanye West, Cydel Young, Darius Jenkins, K. Rachel Mills, Marcus Byrd, Chancelor Bennett, Ardalan Sarfaraz, Farid Zaland)
Production: Kanye West
Co-Production: Charlie Heat, Noah Goldstein
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Noah Goldstein
Contains samples of the recording “Talagh” performed by Googoosh, used courtesy of Finders Keepers Records. Written by A. Sarfaraz and F. Zaland, published by Setare Musikverlag Michael Ritter Joerg Froh (GEMA). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
6. LOW LIGHTS
(Kanye West, Mike Dean, Jerome Potter, Samuel Griesemer, Sandy Rivera)
Production: Kanye West, DJ Dodger Stadium
Additional Production: Mike Dean
Engineering: Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein
Mixing: Mike Dean
Contain samples of the recording “So Alive (Acapella)” performed by Kings of Tomorrow, used courtesy of Defected Records. Written by Sandy Rivera and Published by BMG Chrysalis.
7. HIGHLIGHTS
(Kanye West, Terius Nash, Cydel Young, Jeffrey Williams, Mike Dean, Greg Phillinganes, Tyler Bryant, Pat Reynolds)
Production: Kanye West, Mike Dean
Co-Production: Velous, Southside
Additional Production: Plain Pat, Noah Goldstein
Vocals: Young Thug
Additional Vocals: The-Dream, El Debarge, Kelly Price
Keyboards: Mike Dean, Greg Phillinganes
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean, Nathaniel Alford, Mike Malchicoff
Mixing: Mike Dean
Mix Assistant: Kez Khou
8. FREESTYLE 4
(Kanye West, Mike Dean, Cydel Young, Sidney Selby III, Ross Birchard, Jerome Potter, Samuel Griesemer, Noah Goldstein, Alison Goldfrapp, Robert Locke, Timothy Norfolk, William Gregory)
Production: Kanye West
Co-Production: Hudson Mohawke, Noah Goldstein, Mike Dean
Additional Production: DJ Dodger Stadium, Caroline Shaw, Trevor Guerikis
Vocals: Desiigner
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean, Tom Kahre
Mixing: Andrew Dawson, Noah Goldstein
Contains samples of the recording “Human,” performed by Goldfrapp, used by permission of BMG Right Management (US) LLC.
Contains elements of “Human” (a. Goldfrapp/w. Gregory/t. Norfolk/r. Locke), published by Warner/Chappell Music Publishing Ltd. (PRS). All rights administered by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP). All rights reserved.
9. I LOVE KANYE
(Kanye West)
Production: Kanye West
Engineering: Noah Goldstein
Mixing: Noah Goldstein
10. WAVES
(Kanye West, Chris Brown, Cydel Young, Tony Williams, Elon Rutberg, Ross Birchard, Derek Watkins, Mike Dean, Scott Mescudi, Chancelor Bennett, Leland T. Wayne, Fred Bratwaithe, Robin Diggs, Kevin Ferguson, Theodore Livingston, Darryl Mason, James Whipper)
Production: Kanye West, Charlie Heat
Co-Production: Hudson Mohawke, Metro Boomin, Mike Dean
Additional Production: Anthony Kilhoffer
Vocals: Chris Brown, Kid Cudi
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Andrew Dawson
Contains samples of the recording “Fantastic Freaks At The Dixie” performed by Fantastic Freaks, courtesy of Pow Wow Productions, Inc. Written by F. Bratwaithe, R. Diggs, K. Ferguson, T. Livingston, D. Mason and J. Whipper. Published by Mad Monkey Music. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
11. FML
(Kanye West, Abel Tesfaye, Cydel Young, Mike Dean, Andrew Dawson, Noah Goldstein, Leland T. Wayne, Christian Boggs, Darius Jenkins, K. Rachel Mills, Marcus Byrd, Ross Birchard, Lawrence Cassidy, Vincent Cassidy, Paul Wiggin)
Production: Kanye West, Mitus
Co-Production: Metro Boomin, Noah Goldstein, Mike Dean
Additional Production: Hudson Mohawke, Andrew Dawson
Vocals: The Weeknd
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein
Mix Assistant: Kez Khou
Keyboards: Mike Dean
The Weeknd vocals recorded by Shin Kamiyama
Contains interpolations of the song “Hit” performed by Section 25 and written by Lawrence Cassidy, Vincent Cassidy and Paul Wiggin, Courtesy of LTM Songs/Mute Song. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
12. REAL FRIENDS
(Kanye West, Matthew Samuels, Adam Feeney, KeJuan Muchita, Darren King, Cydel Young, Glenda “Gizzle” Proby, Tyrone Griffin, Jr., Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein, Jalil Hutchins, Lawrence Smith)
Production: Kanye West, Boi-1da
Co-Production: Frank Dukes, Havoc
Additional Production: Darren King, Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein
Vocals: Ty Dolla $ign
Keyboards: Mike Dean
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Ty Dolla $ign
Mixing: Manny Marroquin
Contains an interpolation of “Friends,” written by J. Hutchins and L. Smith and published by Universal Music-Z Tunes LLC O/B/O Itself and Funk Groove Music Publishing (ASCAP).
13. WOLVES
(Kanye West, Christopher Breaux, Marcus August Hoiberg, Alan Stanley Soucy Brinsmead, Noah Goldstein, Elon Rutberg, Cydel Young, Ryan Mcdermott, Mike Dean, Kirby Lauryen)
Production: Kanye West, Cashmere Cat, Sinjin Hawke, Mike Dean
Additional Production: Noah Goldstein, Caroline Shaw
Vocals: Caroline Shaw
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Mike Dean
Mix Assistant: Kez Khou
Contains a sample of “Walking Dub” performed by Sugar Minott. Courtesy of Black Roots. Written by Lincoln Barrington Minott and published by Lincoln Barrington Minott Publishing Designee. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
14. SIIIIIIIIILVER SURFFFFEEEEER INTERMISSION
(Charly Wingate, Karim Kharbouch)
Production: Kanye West
Vocals: Max B, French Montana
Engineering: French Montana
15. 30 HOURS
(Kanye West, Aubrey Graham, Mike Dean, Charles Arthur Russell, Cornell Haynes, Jason Epperson, Pharrell Williams, Charles L. Brown)
Production: Kanye West, Karriem Riggins, Mike Dean
Additional Production: Noah Goldstein
Background Vocals: André Benjamin
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Andrew Dawson
Contains samples of the recording “Answers Me” performed by Arthur Russell, used courtesy of Beggars Group Limited/Audika Records LLC/Arthur Russell Estate. Written by Charles Arthur Russell, published by Domino Publishing Company USA O/B/O Echo & Feedback Newsletter Music (ASCAP).
Contains an interpolation of “E.I.” written by C. Haynes and J. Epperson and published by Jackie Frost Music (ASCAP)/Universal Music-MGB Songs and Jay E’s Basement (ASCAP)/Universal Music Corporation.
Contains an interpolation of “Hot In Herre” written by C. Haynes, P. Williams and C. Brown and published by Jackie Frost Music (ASCAP)/Universal Music-MGB Songs/Ascent Music Inc./EMI Blackwood Inc./Nouveau Music/Songs MP/Swing T Publishing (BMI).
16. NO MORE PARTIES IN LA
(Kanye West, Otis Jackson, Jr., Kendrick Duckworth, John Watson, Walter Morrison, Herbert Rooney, Ronald Bean, Highleigh Crizoe, Dennis Coles, Larry Graham, Tina Graham, Sam Dees)
Production: Kanye West, Madlib
Vocals: Kendrick Lamar
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Mixed By Ali
Mixing: Manny Marroquin
Contains samples of the recording “Give Me My Love” performed by Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Used courtesy of the estate of Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Written by J. Watson and published by Songs of Universal, Inc. o/b/o Vrijon Music (BMI). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Contains samples of the recording “Suzie Thundertussy” performed by Walter “Junie” Morrison. Used courtesy of Westbound Records. Written by W. Morrison and published by Bridgeport Music Inc. (BMI). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Contains samples of the recording “Mighty Healthy (Acappella)” performed by Ghostface Killah. Used courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment. Written by H. Rooney, R. Bean, L. Crizoe, D. Coles and published by Andi Girl Music (BMI). All rights administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI)/Diggs Family Music Inc. (BMI)/Beso Entertainment/Tony Starks Music. Esed by permission. All rights reserved.
Contains samples of the recording “Stand Up and Shout About Love” performed by Larry Graham. Produced under license from Warner Bros. Records Inc. by arrangement with Rhino Entertainment Company, a Warner Music Group company. Written by L. Graham Jr., T. Graham and Sam Dees and published by Irving Music, Inc. (BMI)/Graham-o-Tunes Music Inc. (BMI). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
17. FACTS (CHARLIE HEAT VERSION)
(Kanye West, Cydel Young, Ernest Brown, Nicholas Smith, Aubrey Graham, Leland T. Wayne, Nayvadius D. Wilburn)
Production: Kanye West, Metro Boomin, Southside, Charlie Heat
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean
Mixing: Anthony Kilhoffer
Mix Assistant: Kyle Ross
Contains Samples Of The Recording “Dirt and Grime”, performed by Father’s Children, courtesy of Secretly Group. Written by N. Smith, Published by Secretly Group Publishing. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Contains an interpolation of “Jumpman”, written by A. Graham, L. Wayne and N. Wilburn. Published by EMI April Music Inc./Sandra Gale (ASCAP) and Irving Music Inc./Navyvadius Maximus Music/Pluto Mars Music (BMI). Used by Permission. All rights reserved.
Contains elements of “Street Fighter 2”, courtesy of Capcom Co., Ltd.
18. FADE
(Kanye West, Tyrone Griffin, Jr., Austin Post, Mike Dean, Jerome Potter, Samuel Griesemer, Norman Whitfield, Eddie Holland, Cornelius Grant, Larry Heard, Robert Owens, Louie Vega, Ronald Carroll, Barbara Tucker, Harold Matthews)
Production: Kanye West
Co-production: Anthony Kilhoffer, Benji B, Mike Dean, Ryan “Charlie Handsome” Vojtesak
Additional Production: DJ Dodger Stadium, Noah Goldstein
Vocals: Post Malone, Ty Dolla $ign
Engineering: Noah Goldstein, Andrew Dawson, Anthony Kilhoffer, Mike Dean, David Rowland
Mixing: Noah Goldstein
Contains a sample of the recording “(I Know) I’m Losing You” by Rare Earth and a sample of the recording “(I Know) I’m Losing You” by The Undisputed Truth. Both samples courtesy of Motown Records, a division of UMG Recordings, Inc. Under license from Universal Music Enterprises. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Written by C. Grant, E. Holland and N. Whitfield and published by Stone Agate Music (BMI).
Contains samples of the recording “Mystery of Love” performed by Mr. Fingers. Used courtesy of Alleviated Music/Larry Heard. Written by L. Heard and R. Owens and published by Alleviated Music/Leonard Street Songs Limited (ASCAP). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Contains samples of the recording “Deep Inside” performed by Hardrive (p) 1993 Strictly Rhythm Records, used by permission of BMG Rights Management (US) LLC. Written by Louie Vega and published by BMG Platinum Songs (BMI)/New York House Music (BMI). All rights administered by BMG Rights Management (US) LLC. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Contains samples of the recording “I Get Lifted (The Underground Network Mix)” performed by Barbara Tucker (p) 1994 Strictly Rhythm Records, used by permission of BMG Rights Management (US) LLC. Written by Louie Vega, Ronald Carroll, Barbara Tucker and Harold Matthews and published by BMG Platinum Songs (BMI)/New York House Music (BMI)/BMG Monarch (ASCAP)/Defensive Music Publishing UK (BMI)/Blak Beat Niks (ASCAP). Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Executive Producer: Kanye West
Co-Executive Producers: Rick Rubin & Noah Goldstein
Mastered By: Mike Dean at Dean’s List House of Hits, Soho, NY
Creative Director: Kanye West
Assistant Creative Director: Virgil Abloh
DONDA Art Directors: Joe Perez & Mark Seekings
Album Artwork Design: Peter De Potter
Photographer: Ryan Dwyer
Photo Model: Sheniz H
A&R: Ché Pope & Plain Pat
Manager: Izvor Zivkovic
Def Jam A&R: Dion “No ID” Wilson
Production Coordination: Derek Watkins
Creative Consultants: North West, Saint West, Don Crawley, Ibn Jasper, Virgil Abloh, Gabe Tesoriero, Elon Rutberg, Hudson Mohawke, Heron Preston & Julian Klincewicz
Management Team: Sakiya Sandifer, Dan Gieckel & Amy Davis
A&R Coordination: Leesa Brunson
Marketing: David Bell
Publicity: Gabe Tesoriero & Tracy Nguyen
Technical Direction: David Baker
Web Development: Lane Goldberg
Production: Enny Beal & Paul Lane
Sample Clearances: Eric Weissman Music Licensing, Inc.
Legal: Michael Guido, Rob Cohen, Renee Karalian & Lisa Lester For Carroll, Guido & Groffman, LLP
Business Affairs: Nicole Wyskoarko, Ian Allen, Antoinette Trotman & Donna Fetchko
Ameryacan Studios Assistant Engineers: Tom Kahre, William Sullivan, Joey Galvan, David Moses & Kimberly Katz
Jungle City Assistant Engineers: Brendan Morawski, Sean Klein, Kyle “Don” Resto & Zeke Mishanec
Windmark Studios Assistant Engineers: Jordan Heskett, Tristan Bott & Brandon Wood
Assistant Engineers: Dave “Squirrel” Covell, Johnnie Burik & Eric Lynn
Production Assistants: Kevin Smith, Rob Bisel & Ricardo Kim
This Album Was Recorded At: Windmark Studios, Santa Monica, CA; No Name Studios, Punta Mita, Mexico; Home Studios, Calabasas; Germano Studios, NYC; Dean’s List House of Hits, Soho, NY; Jungle City Studios, NY; Larrabee Studios, North Hollywood, CA; No Name Studios, Florence, Italy; Home Studios; Nobel Street Studios; Abel’s Crib (Trump); Ameryacan Studios, CA; Sound Eq Studios, CA; and Jungle City Studios, CA.
Related: The Messy Rollout—and Aftermath—of Kanye West’s ‘The Life of Pablo’