How Kanye's "Through The Wire" Was Made

[@sparkeyluv]

Data Sigma Theta Sorority lol. Delta Sir!

[@diggingthegreats]

Yep 😂 misspoke and couldn’t fix it in the edit. My bad!

[@calvs420]

shoutout to my grandma and mom

[@blaqceeza]

@@diggingthegreats I thought it was in reference to the Delta Airlines symbol?

[@marvind.rogers1706]

@blaqceeza It takes a hell of a lot of exposure to the American black community to get 90% + of hip hop references... which you may have. But if a black woman pledges a sorority, it's usually either AKA or Delta. Those are super huge household names in black America, and they fiercely rival one another. Whichever one they choose strongly suggests what kind of black woman they're choosing for be. 💃🏿

[@sparkeyluv]

@@marvind.rogers1706 if this isn’t the biggest generalization I’ve ever heard. Mane stop it, you’re sounding real corny. 🌽

[@davidcache]

You missed the best part of this track. Kanye sent the song into the radio stations pretending to be the labels. He pushed the release himself.

[@LovethAdeh]

How did he get their phone contact numbers?

[@djkd9065]

@@LovethAdehyellow pages probably

[@anthonyphillips8393]

@@LovethAdehhe was already signed by that time, so he had connects. I’m sure it wasn’t hard

[@d.b.cooper1]

@@LovethAdeh lmao mate this was back in the day, you could ( and till kinda can) find the home phone numbers for everyone nvm radio stations lol

[@d.b.cooper1]

@@anthonyphillips8393 Nah, his label wasn't pushing him at all at the time. They only gave him the contract to keep him as a producer for other artists so they didn't lose him. He was literally laughed out of everywhere by execs

[@XMANIAFLYYY]

Imagine if Kanye never was in that car accident, or if he died in the accident. How would music be today? So many artists were inspired by different Kanye albums and it’s beautiful.

[@XMANIAFLYYY]

@@MountMatze he wouldn’t be viewed as a legend but he’d still be respected as much as he is now

[@taiga4762]

@@XMANIAFLYYY real

[@danberkman8227]

Seems like one of those crazy fate things. If Kanye is never in that car accident, he is never in that hospital, and never hears "Through The Wire", or has the time to work it out in his head. Maybe without Kanye is just a producer without the song. Talk about turning a bad thing into a good thing.

[@tunners]

@@danberkman8227 It's even crazier to think about how there might be artists who died young who would have changed music forever had they lived

[@pandaboogus]

@@tunnersAaliyah

[@Madyoung_beats]

This made me appreciate kayne as a producer more. He was after a car accident, he couldn't move his mouth, and his jaw was broken, and he still managed to rap well and make one of the best rap songs i've ever heard

[@SnoopySnoo]

“Now all I need is y’all to pronounce my name It’s Kanye, but some of my plaques, they still say Kayne”

[@moddrrrusky2910]

@@SnoopySnoo kane

[@harper7854]

Most people who do videos like this just focus on the production and the backstory, but you broke down the lyrics, talked about the reception and even mentioned the mixtape version of the song. Clearly a lot of effort was put into this amazing breakdown!

[@karabinjr]

It's one of those cases where I'm finding something superb on youtube, some real experience, expertise shared... and then I think "nah, he can make more without the channel". So well done. I like to think how many hours you put into your music and sound skills, and feel my heart sinking. True hacker, you are :)

[@diggingthegreats]

Man, thank you so much! Working hard to pay respect to the music, I appreciate your support!

[@glidee4671]

Can i have money too

[@YakubTheScientist8841]

Pay pig

[@karabinjr]

@@glidee4671 in exchange for a comparable experience, sure

[@glidee4671]

@@karabinjr Bet

[@martijnhannenberg7678]

This song came out a year after my life was flipped upside down and helped me get through a tough period. I even inked the line "turn tragedy into triumph" onto my body in recent years as its become my life-motto.

[@tcruzccc]

so cool

[@michaelhutchings8599]

Most imitated, Grammy nominated, hotel accommodated, cheer-leader prom-dated. The way Through the Wire follows Two Words is perfect. Whoever picked (Kanye most likely) the order of the tracklist, nailed it. Awesome video. You should have a million subs.

[@diggingthegreats]

Two words is it’s own masterpiece! So good!

[@michaelhutchings8599]

@@diggingthegreats It is a masterpiece! The College Dropout is my favourite album, period.

[@olarindeoluwasegun6123]

True.

[@bryan_350_5]

@@diggingthegreats would love for u to break it down it’s masterful

[@yogijaya2897]

I just wished you showed what Emmett Till looked like in the coffin as his Mother demanded to be shown in the newspapers! .....because these kids learned from you and most didn't look it up.....but everyone so soft and sensitive these days; We NEED The Children to KNOW! GOD BLESS ALL THE MARTYRS of true Racism and awful times for our ancestors who live in our souls forever !

[@rushmatic]

There’s something very personal about this song for me because at that time I was done for; everyone I loved turned their back on me and I deserved it. I remember hearing this song and telling myself I can get through it and I will be a better person through learning from my mistakes. 20 years later I beat my own odds. Thank you Ye for this song and thanks to this channel for breaking it down!

[@Romes123]

Why'd everyone you love turn their backs on you?

[@yogijaya2897]

I need my jaw rewired after a violent home invasion. Jesus Christ saved my Life. I need the Drs who helped Ye and I AM absolutely ready to travel to have it done right!

[@JustRefiloe_]

What Kanye did will remain in the history books forever and your story telling is so awesome, I love it!

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you 🙏 gotta do it right for some of the best music ever made!

[@sabercircle7634]

this aged well

[@jennav2063]

@@sabercircle7634 lol

[@itsmehere1]

Yeah... in more ways than one...

[@doctordark3527]

That song sucks

[@whatisjoedoing]

so dope. gotta add, because i'm just nitpicky lol but "birds" is not a reference to women. coke and birds. birds, especially around that time was still a reference to a kilo. "flippin birds" was a common phrase.

[@roninridgely]

I think it’s both like a play on words

[@ninjireal]

Triple meaning you know, guys, we sure love our birds

[@speabody]

Why would there be two drug references? Redundant. One of each makes more sense. It's clearly a reference to rap stereotypes-- drugs and women.

[@Luci-rv1hl]

In Spanish, cokane is sometimes called “perico” Look into it.

[@Yumezii]

This is honestly the most engaging breakdown of a song I’ve ever seen I don’t know how he doesn’t have a million subs yet. the editing on these videos and the delivery of information is really high quality. Gonna have to check out his other videos and I’m not even finished watching this one lmao

[@datuboa]

This the type of information you pay for! I know I would!

[@santikingz]

20 years later and it's still a hit 🎯 Kanye was definitely ahead of his time 👑

[@rudyweathers1456]

Keep killing it bro. This can definitely be a class in Harvard.

[@josiahjenkins4655]

A class at hbcu’s

[@amancalledhawk5575]

@@josiahjenkins4655 even better

[@mathjones5845]

Get well soon thank you for telling people about that ! 😊 I’m so happy this channel exists

[@josue24]

Why would they teach artists sampling ?

[@inyamuthafuckinface]

​@@josue24 Teach "sampling" not artists sampling. It wouldve been something wonderful and also a great way to give to the pioneers of this art thejr flowers! Sampling can definitely be taught as any other subject of a scholarship curriculum/program.

[@timmilgram]

Brilliant track, really changed the game in a lot of ways. Sadly can’t look past the fact that he flaunted getting a lawyer to avoid having to pay the other driver’s hospital bills. Kanye was already really well off financially, and the other man, a manager for a janitorial company, was left with a totaled car, two broken legs, a broken pelvis, broken knees, a shattered ankle and was out of work for over a year. Kanye turning lemons into lemonade for himself would be a lot sweeter if he took care of the dude who’s life he destroyed

[@itsdinkd1771]

Though it took long, it's coming back to him full circle.

[@hamishbarrett7695]

karma always

[@trashyraccoon2615]

Wow! That’s disgusting!

[@VOD713]

😮 didn’t know that

[@trashyraccoon2615]

The other driver sued West and it appears the case was settled out of court. So he may have paid him.

[@cloudbloom]

The day Kanye got into that car accident was ten days after I went in for a major cancer surgery in 2002 (also involving jaws, had half of mine totally removed), we were halfway across the country from each other at the time and complete strangers but when I found out about the timing of the events I always kinda felt connected with this song. Also shoutout to Outkast I didn't know he sampled em in this, their album Aquemini is one of my favorites. Thanks for this dude great great job

[@SPVLaboratories]

that's fucking awesome, great song to have that connection to! hope you're doing well 20 years later

[@dragonsdomain2096]

i hope you're still doing well

[@cloudbloom]

@@dragonsdomain2096 I'm still here! That's what keeps me going even through bad days, lucky to be alive by all accounts🙏

[@g-maneinsteineinstein8804]

Hope you’re good

[@islamicsalami7208]

Hope you're still going strong man. Keep fighting the good fight. Stay healthy friend

[@PewPewPapi80085]

The breakdown, history and research. Why this channel is under a mil subs is appalling. On a separate note, this is one of my all time favorite songs. And the way you deconstructed the song, allowed me to appreciate it that much more. Good sh*t my guy.

[@bardistass]

Yo, never mind the production on the track… can we all just take a moment to appreciate the production on this video. Absolute levels 🤯👏🎬

[@tonygrajales2465]

Still my favorite rap song, 20 years later! I was in the army and deployed at the time when this song came out, it sure helped me get through that deployment.

[@jumpman1213]

This one song is the sole(soul?) reason I can't completely disregard him now even with how he turned out to be. Just please get well soon Kanye...

[@iyziejane]

He's still bringing you the authentic truth, through the fire, to the limit, and to the wall. It is the majority of our society that is insane, Ye is one of the few who is well.

[@DonkeyBoyVids]

@@iyziejane "Especially Hitler"

[@prestocrypro44]

@@DonkeyBoyVids if you’re a TRUE Christian, you’re supposed to “love your enemies”too

[@DonkeyBoyVids]

@@prestocrypro44 "ESPECIALLY Hitler" not "Even Hitler". Not "Also Hitler".

[@genius179]

Fun fact: if that drum sample sounds familiar, Kanye used them again on “Comfortable” by Lil Wayne

[@big_t_dynasty]

This song still gives me chills when it comes on. Appreciate your hard work. This is the absolute BEST hip-hop channel on KZbin!

[@axlovar]

Dude… this is NEXT level. You really break it down and go above and beyond. Absolutely brilliant. Get this guy teaching a college class.

[@Myll.o]

You have, arguably, the best music history channel Ive come across. Love your content and energy and dedication to sharing knowledge man. Much Love 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@diggingthegreats]

Wow thank you so much! That means a lot! Many more videos on the way!

[@dday7499]

That was a dope breakdown. I remember gathering all the mixtape tracks from WinMx, and making a “Through the Wire” mixtape for my friends in college. They were calling me “Ye” for a short while. But we all came to appreciate his talent and artistry.

[@kendonshaw]

This is so good. Such cool info behind the song and it's really well produced. Love the concept man.

[@WreckInSilenceRecords]

This was a grade A breakdown!!! Please keep making these videos consistently, i'm a hip hop producer and I really appreciate stuff like this. Thank you Mr. hip hop professor!!

[@Sh0n0]

Your welcome kid

[@VanVlearMusic]

Yo I'm totally down for this new channel!! Awesome job and great production value on vid 1. I love that you have a turntable and are doing things live

[@diggingthegreats]

Thanks man! 🙏🙏

[@willis7148]

I discovered this song while exploring 90s music, and immediately got hooked. Its crazy to think about how many songs get so deep in the lyrics without you even realizing.

[@King-oj8hr]

Damn how old are you ?

[@greyklopstock7155]

What I love about your channel is that I basically came to hip hop from the same place as a musician as you did. I was just a bass player, got bit by the beat making bug, and all of a sudden, my skills as a bass player became exponentially more valuable to what I was working on. I always say, when people would ask what instruments they should learn if they want to make beats, go get yourself a bass! It's so nice to be able to know I won't have to sweat about a bassline ever lol. I digress... You're doing amazing work. People pay tuition for this level of content, and you're making it for the streets for free.99.

[@jaililaj9246]

You even have my homegirls interest. That’s special bro. Thank you for your time brudda

[@samsnite]

Through the wire is one of my all time favourite rap songs, it is oozing soul and hunger. I even made it my ringtone back in the day!

[@tonycastro5641]

You deserve way more subs. Great explanation and your recreation shows how well you understand the composition and techniques. Im blown away.

[@charlecarlosnga]

Through the wire is 'Ye's greatest song. That song made me a Kanye fan and your breakdown of its creation just made me a stan of the song and your latest subscriber.👍

[@marvinkarimjunker2169]

Hyped for this new channel! Great production already. 🙌🏼

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you! Lots more to come!

[@missmeagan8117]

Watching this today, on September 30, 2023, not even realizing that today is the 20th anniversary of the song! 20 years later, and this song still feels fresh!

[@MJjodawnjackson4]

Truee

[@ri067953]

Regardless of what people think. Kanye is one of the most influential artist of our generation. People want to pigeon hole an artists way of thinking. He is expanding the social dialog and people cannot stand that. Pure genius

[@Keytap15]

Found your channel the other day and after watching a few videos, I just gotta say thank you for this amazing content. I’m going through a personal journey where I’m getting back into making music and your channel has been very inspiring.

[@prilljazzatlanta5070]

This is teaching me what hip hop artists actually do. Always been a jazz guy first then classical, country, alternative, etc

[@jakewarner1993]

Hop-Hop and Jazz are so intrinsically connected to each other in a lot of ways, its wild. Rap literally evolved alongside jazz at one time.

[@prilljazzatlanta5070]

@@jakewarner1993 very true. Rappers essentially are taking solos

[@Sinondakid]

thanks for the breakdown, the song feels more special now

[@JohnnyBananas0]

I still remember hearing this for the first time on WGCI. Huge impression and still a Kanye fan to this moment

[@chrislour8938]

I just started appreciating the song 20 years later

[@ashylarry3442]

In defense of Chaka, it took the accountants a minute to get those royalty checks rolling. 😂😂

[@Daimodess]

Also, people change. Tbh, I didn’t like the sped up quality in the beginning, either. But after awhile, it grew on me. Who hasn’t had a similar experience with a song or album?

[@kernelpickle]

Exactly, she was only insulted until the check cleared because if she got a full writing credit then she likely made even more money than she did on some of her biggest hits back in the day-and she probably sold a few records to younger fans who found her through his music.

[@definitelynotarobot835]

Again with the incredible breakdown. I had admiration for what Kanye did with Through the Wire and again, much appreciation with the lyrical and sampling breakdown. This channel is beyond amazing.

[@Markuswav]

Yes the song wouldn’t exist without the original. But it’s still a whole new feel. New drums/bass line

[@minecraftmovieman1]

First time i watched this video you had only a few subs really nice to see you grow

[@Ryan-ld2nj]

This is the type of video that gets me making a beat.

[@KaubarDobbins-iu4ke]

I wish I knew how to do it. I hear so much in my head and don't know what to do with it

[@CompletelyInadequate]

I miss the old Kanye 🥺💔

[@festusbojangles7027]

his name is Ye

[@Jeremiah_Dafty]

Chop up the soul Kanye

[@sonofgilleyable8003]

Set on his goal kanye

[@crustywater2277]

i hate the new kanye

[@caseylynn34]

Me too

[@Binnziboy]

Impressive production and you have given me a new perspective on great music. The research this must take shows a true passion. Look forward to learning more from your great channel.

[@2321nba]

This is such an impressive and detailed video

[@alexlindbjerg]

Through the fire is still a great song. It's crazy that two great songs can flower from that foundation and be so different.

[@00rudy195]

Is it me or was the 90s-2010s the Golden age of everything, Movies, Music, Science, Sports and Technology. Historian will look back at this time and agree that my generation was one of the best times to be alive. Great Channel Man,

[@kfalco]

Will you break down Slow Jamz? Song was a massive hit!

[@mallygeedkm]

Chaka flipping her outlook on the song is the result of one thing: them checks!! As soon as it hit the billboard charts and she got those residuals along with people going to listen to her original version again because of the sample I know she was happy. I’d change my story too

[@sirnicholas6626]

Don’t know how this was recommended to me but I was hooked. Such an iconic song you did a great job explaining and breaking it down.

[@djrumpleskillspin8276]

Bruh, what i truly dig about your channel and your videos is how you happily and honestly express your love and passion for music! Your Breakdowns are truly Fascinating and the respect and admiration for the artists is obvious from the knowledge you share! Straight Dope! These vids are a fun ride and great way to go back to the classics! 💯 💣 💥🎸🎼🎤

[@WC.mp3]

1M views! Congrats 🎉 . Classic video!

[@hollywoodloft6768]

Wow! This was INCREDIBLE. I watched the whole thing. Never heard of you before today but KZbin sent me here. Good work sir. I am now a subscriber.

[@gwilikerzzz]

That Elton John outro is a real peak into his future sound and song vision. Amazing. Even further ahead of his time than we thought.

[@yogijaya2897]

#EJeveryday!!! 🦈 ❤A$AP MAMA

[@yogijaya2897]

Ye has been right on time and some of y'all been way too slow. With all due respect, #PayAttention! We are here for a reason!

[@JaydeezHD]

you really never know when a bad thing is a blessing in disguise... the whole story to this song feels like fate😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@ibiAKALyricaLBeasT]

This was an incredible watch. One of my absolute favorite songs, and your lyrics breakdown revealed new levels that I hadn't even known about. Your content is thorough and passion fueled. You just gained my sub.

[@scottbenigno738]

this channel is underrated

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏 Thank You! Many more videos on the way!

[@kwameagyeman7290]

Hey man, u know your music skills and u make analysis of Kanye music so interesting and always to watch.thank u

[@otaldojuca]

WOW such a well made video. It's incredible you don't have at least 100k subscribers. A tip: the Ye, Death Grips, Pink Floyd and The Beatles fanbases are HUGE in the internet and I think you can make some videos about some of their most famous songs to boost your channel.

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you! Many more videos on the way

[@doubled334]

Your music knowledge is incredible. I know you be spinnin them thangs

[@thefunkychicken582]

Man this was cool. Thanks for making it and sharing your expertise.

[@gamerman360]

Just found my new favorite KZbin channel hell yea

[@Steve_643]

A bird is slang for a kilo of coke. When Kanye says birds he’s not talking about women he’s talking about kilo’s of coke

[@lindsaymathe6858]

This is now my favorite YT channel, deserves to be on Netflix or something...great production

[@aceartdepot6198]

Dude u deserve way more subs this entire video was amazing from you playing the bass to the video production it’s too good and on point breaking down the lyrics down was a bonus great job man Im currently binge watch is your videos lol

[@Zenith-nc3om]

this video is beautiful. I was questioning its 15 minute length at first, but after a couple minutes, I soon realized why. It's backstory and its making is just beautiful. I like how you also added some kanye backstory or at least enough you need to know for, well, how the song was made.

[@mattdee3213]

Love that you recreate the beats, something i wish i could have always done

[@AsceBlayze]

you can though

[@thomasanderson3892]

I became a fan after the JB breakdown, plus your work is awesome my dude!

[@musicmoneymaker6457]

Kanye=genius and you Sir talented 👌🏼I thank you for your gifts and breakdowns of these great songs. I’m learning self producing my songs and I sooo enjoy these dissections. Gives me joy, thank you

[@bruh_oly1370]

I had the roca LP , the college dropout album version I bought in New York and the get well soon mixtape verison and for me , the mixtape was the best version because of the muffled sound and authenticity . This song and “home “ from the mixtape are on a par . I remember when he (Kanye)came on Westwood and threw a whole load of verses to the instrumental of thru the wire . It felt like a freestyle but the lyrics fitted so well it was like he had more to say on the track - I wish I still had the tape . Thank you for making this amazing video 👍👍👍

[@k_xx]

This is absolutely incredibly well made, keep it up!

[@gucci.please]

this song was my introduction to ye when i was still in elementary, changed my life forever

[@NikoBased]

Coke and birds is not cocaine and women, it's cocaine and kilo's. Just to correct the record. A "bird" is just street slang for kilo. Birdman doesn't like doves and pigeons.

[@shinpathome]

This is definitely the song that plays during the credits rolling at the end of the Kanye biopic movie

[@gutika113]

Worth mentioning, that the woman who told the guys that Emmitt Til whistled at her confessed to police that he didn’t actually whistle at her, went with the guys to kill Emmett and when police put a warrant out on her, the sheriff buried the warrant and she got away Scott free AND SHES STILL ALIVE TO THIS DAY, having never been arrested for her crime. arrest. that. mark. a$$. trick.

[@coltrv]

What does mark mean?

[@gutika113]

@@coltrv from urban dictionary: from chappel show, a term that is used for disrespect or to make fun of some mark ass trick just stepped on my sneakers

[@coltrv]

@@gutika113 weird, doesn’t really make sense to me. Thanks for the definition!

[@DirtyJamesUK]

I always wondered just how that track was made. It just sounded so bloody good. I'm not the biggest Kanye fan but I was a massive fan of this tune. I still am!

[@MrDunloMusic]

Excellent breakdown of all aspects of the song! This is great!

[@OfficialKillaQa]

Man I just want to thank you for pointing out so much shit I never cought listening to this song,

[@koertopkeulenstam1017]

Not to mention he put down 40k of his own money for the music video, which paved the way for labels to say yes to virtually any music video idea he had from that point on

[@gonfriccs3130]

Just wanted to say I love your content.

[@joogface386]

Had my jaw wired shut for 3 months but I like being quiet, I couldn’t imagine Kanye being quiet for that long lol Great vid!

[@k.c.simonsen2]

I feel like dissecting rap lyrics is an art form in itself because I barely pick up what rappers are actually saying most of the time lol and people will be like "the lyrics are amazing" and I'm like "all I heard was 'drinkin sizzurp' what's so amazing?" Lol. This is a great video, you couldn't have broken it down any further or any better.

[@k.c.simonsen2]

But also, I think half the people that say certain songs are "amazing" are just tryin to seem cool or smart because I don't believe they picked up all the references and rhythmic techniques lol.

[@startdontstop1]

This was ssso good. Not only did you give a astute breakdown on the various ingredients that created this great hit but seeing you in your element made it that much better! Thank you and keep it coming!

[@kungfukenny8256]

This song and all fals down have a special place in my heart dawg

[@ZeroEntropy.]

There are artists like D'Angelo, DMX, Kanye that I know struggle to find peace in their minds. The first two had a profound impact on my life, I know Kanye is a tortured soul and I'm happy to do anything I can to support him because I know how lonely it is to walk the path he's on!

[@imranvp]

Fantastic breakdown! Hallmark of a great analyst! Instant sub! 👍🏽👍🏽

[@elliotmakesart4426]

Cannot believe you only have 90k subscribers, this was an AMAZING video! I love videos about sample usage, and generally breaking down music, and I've never found a channel that speaks about all of the most interesting aspects of it, and breaks it down and rebuilds it like you. Thank you so much for this, extremely enjoyable to watch. Subscribed with notifications!

[@user-wn8iv1ve7d]

🙌🏼Can’t wait to get home and watch this video on the big screen📺 🍿

[@AlliedGamersYT]

Your quality and production break down was amazing as hell! I genuinely was intrigued and felt like a learned so much 😅 this breakdown deserves all the likes you can get!

[@keithchaney]

On the Till line, important to note that his mom insisted on him being displayed at his funeral with a disfigured and swollen face so that everyone could see what they did to him. Makes the lyric even more relevant.

[@caophix2528]

Loved this! Huge Kanye fan, you should do a video about Marvin’s gay’s what’s going on. Beautiful album .

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you! Great suggestion, that album is a classic!

[@joeymhutchins]

Great stuff buddy. The song gave me chills as 16 year old and I still vibe with it anytime its on. Probably the best song breakdown I have seen! Keep up the good work

[@lastonewon]

This is becoming one of my favourite channels! Excellent diligence and research, I appreciate the musical break downs and live playing, as a fellow musician, I really dig this!

[@jaygreen7031]

The way that you break this down! Man, Dope!

[@KellyGrnNGrey]

Great video by the way the sorority that you mentioned is named Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. It’s a big thing as has to be pronounced and spelled correctly. Thank me later.