11 Underrated Kanye Songs: Beyond the Hits

Hey fam! It’s your main man, TBone, from Level Tunes. 🎵 As a die-hard music enthusiast and a DJ, I’ve always had an ear for tracks that don’t always get the spotlight they deserve. And when we talk about Kanye?

Man, that dude’s discography is a treasure trove of bangers.

But, while some hits always get the limelight, there are those hidden gems that fly under the radar. So, I decided to dive deep and curate a list of 11 underrated Kanye tracks for all you music lovers out there.

Let’s shine a light on the lesser-known masterpieces and give them the spin they deserve!

Here are the underrated Kanye songs that you can check out:

List Of Underrated Kanye Songs

Underrated Kanye songs in a list format:

1. “Family Business”

Album: The College Dropout (2004)

Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam

Ah, “Family Business.” This track from Kanye’s debut album showcases the softer, nostalgic side of West. It paints a beautiful picture of family gatherings, the love, and the little quirks that come with it. I chose this song because amidst all of Kanye’s big hits, this emotional cut often gets overlooked. It features heartfelt choruses and a tinkling piano backdrop that perfectly complements the sentiment. Remember the line, “I can’t deny it, I’m a straight rider, but when we get together be electric slidin’?” Classic!

2. “Roses”

Album: Late Registration (2005)

Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam

A moving narrative about his grandmother’s health issues, “Roses” provides a raw insight into Kanye’s personal life and the struggles his family faced. The beauty of this track is in its vulnerability. I love it for its honest storytelling, touching on themes of mortality and the healthcare system. The background vocals by Patti LaBelle add an extra touch of soul to the already emotional track.

3. “Street Lights”

Album: 808s & Heartbreak (2008)

Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam

One of the more atmospheric tracks from “808s & Heartbreak,” “Street Lights” is a hauntingly beautiful reflection on the passage of time. The repeated line, “Life’s just not fair,” resonates so deeply. The minimalist production, dominated by echoing synths and Kanye’s autotuned vocals, creates a mood that’s both melancholic and strangely uplifting. This song captures that feeling of being lost in thought on a late-night drive, making it a personal favorite of mine.

4. “Gorgeous” (featuring Kid Cudi & Raekwon)

Album: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010)

Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam

“Gorgeous” boasts a gritty guitar riff and poetic lyricism, addressing racial injustices and societal issues. Kid Cudi’s haunting hook and Raekwon’s verse lend this track a unique flavor. While many other tracks from this album took the spotlight, “Gorgeous” is a lyrical masterpiece that deserves more love for its deep introspection and commentary.

5. “Send It Up” (featuring King L)

Album: Yeezus (2013)

Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam

A raw and aggressive anthem, “Send It Up” encapsulates the industrial, rebellious vibe of the “Yeezus” album. With its pulsating beats and blaring sirens, it’s a track that demands attention. I appreciate its audacity and the way it captures the brash, unapologetic essence of the album. King L’s verse adds to the song’s hard-hitting appeal.

6. “Freestyle 4”

Album: The Life of Pablo (2016)

Label: GOOD Music, Def Jam

This track’s dark, eerie undertones set it apart. “Freestyle 4” showcases Kanye’s prowess in creating a mood, with its ominous strings and frenzied flow. While it’s not your conventional song, its unpredictability and the chaotic atmosphere make it a standout for those who love experimental sounds.

7. “No Mistakes”

Album: Ye (2018)

Label: GOOD Music, Def Jam

A soulful sample from the Slick Rick classic “Hey Young World” drives this upbeat track. “No Mistakes” exudes positivity, with Kanye asserting, “Let me make this clear, so all y’all see: I don’t take advice from people less successful than me.” It’s a testament to self-belief and perseverance, making it an inspiring listen.

8. “Everything We Need” (featuring Ty Dolla $ign & Ant Clemons)

Album: Jesus Is King (2019)

Label: GOOD Music, Def Jam

A gospel-infused track that spreads a message of contentment and gratitude. The harmonies, the chorus by Ty Dolla $ign, and the smooth vocals by Ant Clemons make this a calming, feel-good song. While other tracks from “Jesus Is King” garnered more attention, “Everything We Need” stands out for its simple yet profound message.

9. “Franchise” (with Travis Scott & Young Thug)

Released: 2020

Label: Cactus Jack, Epic, Grand Hustle

This collaborative banger sees Kanye, Travis, and Young Thug merging their styles seamlessly. While it did gain attention upon release, I believe it deserves more recognition for its infectious hooks and dynamic production. The synergy between these three artists is palpable, making it a track that gets the energy flowing.

10. “Spaceship” (featuring GLC & Consequence)

Album: The College Dropout (2004)

Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam

A throwback to Kanye’s early days, “Spaceship” is a testament to his struggles before fame. It delves into the grind, the waiting, and the aspirations. GLC and Consequence offer their own perspectives, making it a complete narrative about the pursuit of dreams. The smooth, jazzy undertones give it a timeless appeal.

11. “Late”

Album: Late Registration (2005)

Label: Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam

This bonus track from “Late Registration” is an ode to procrastination and the laid-back approach to life. The soulful sampling and catchy hooks make it a delightful listen. “Late” encapsulates that relatable feeling of always being a step behind but not stressing about it – a vibe that many can resonate with.

Fun Facts: Underrated Kanye Songs

Sure thing! Let’s delve into some intriguing trivia about these Kanye tracks:

1. “Family Business”

• Sample Magic: The track samples “Fonky Thang” by The Dells and “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” by 2Pac. Kanye is known for his brilliant sampling techniques, and this song is no exception.
• Story Behind the Lyrics: Contrary to popular belief, Kanye doesn’t have a cousin named ‘Set-Back’ who stole his laptop; he used the story as a metaphor for trust and betrayal within families.

2. “Roses”

• Real-life Inspiration: The song was written about Kanye’s grandmother, who was hospitalized during the making of Late Registration. It sheds light on the vulnerability and pain Kanye felt during that time.
• A Star’s Touch: Patti LaBelle’s vocals in the background elevate the song’s soulful nature, making it even more poignant.

3. “Street Lights”

• An Emotional Cornerstone: Kanye once mentioned in an interview that this song was one of his favorites from the 808s & Heartbreak album.
• Timeless Reflection: The repetitive nature of the chorus is meant to symbolize life’s repetitive nature and the passing of time.

4. “Gorgeous” (featuring Kid Cudi & Raekwon)

• Lyrical Depth: Kanye mentioned that he rewrote his verses on “Gorgeous” more times than any other song on the My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album.
• All-Star Collab: Raekwon’s feature was unexpected for many fans, uniting artists from different hip-hop eras on a single track.

5. “Send It Up” (featuring King L)

• Edgy Atmosphere: The abrasive siren sound is a sample from “He’ll Give Us What We Really Need” by Vernon Burch.
• Noteworthy Production: This track boasts contributions from several producers, including Gesaffelstein, Brodinski, and Daft Punk’s Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo.

6. “Freestyle 4”

• A ‘Ye’ Recycle: The track was later revamped with new verses by Tyler, The Creator and became a favorite freestyle session at Kanye’s events.

7. “No Mistakes”

• Sample Gold: This song contains samples from “Children Get Together” by Edwin Hawkins and “Hey Young World” by Slick Rick, bringing an old-school vibe to the mix.
• Message: The song’s upbeat nature serves as a reminder that despite all our flaws and mistakes, life is beautiful.

8. “Everything We Need” (featuring Ty Dolla $ign & Ant Clemons)

• Initial Title: This song was originally titled “The Storm” and featured a different set of lyrics and a verse from XXXTentacion.
• Evolution: Throughout the development of Jesus Is King, this track underwent several lyrical and structural changes.

10. “Spaceship” (featuring GLC & Consequence)

• Early Days: “Spaceship” was one of the earliest songs Kanye produced for his debut album, inspired by his time working at GAP and the feeling of being stuck in a monotonous job.
• A Nod to the Past: The track’s music video, released years after the song, pays homage to Kanye’s retail days, depicting him working in a department store.

11. “Late”

• Hidden Gem: While not part of the main tracklist on Late Registration, “Late” quickly became a fan favorite for its smooth vibes.
• Homage to Classic Soul: Kanye sampled the track “I’ll Erase Away Your Pain” by The Whatnauts, highlighting his penchant for melding soul classics with hip-hop.

Well, that’s our deep dive into some of Kanye’s underrated masterpieces. From soulful samples to heartfelt lyrics, ‘Ye never disappoints. Here’s to discovering and celebrating every beat and bar. Keep vibing, fam!

Thanks for reading.

TBone