Out of nowhere, a new Kanye West song called “Saint Pablo” has hit the net. But it may already be familiar to some. Mr. West debuted the Sampha-assisted song at Yo Gotti’s release party at 1OAK nightclub in L.A. last month (It was rumored to be called “Closest Thing to Einstein”).
On the track, which samples Jay Z’s “Where I’m From,” the “ultimate Gemini” references his $53 million debt (“Got friends that ask me for money knowing I’m in debt / And like my wife said, I still didn’t say no”), his Twitter tirades, and Jay Electronica (“He down with the mission”). He also boasts about being “the most influential” (“That TIME cover was just confirmation”) and declares himself “this generation’s closest thing to Einstein” as well as a “modern day MJ, with an Off the Wall flow.”
Plus, he reveals that he had negotiations with Apple. “Told Tim Cook to call me, I was scary to see / I would’ve took $100 million and gave 20 to Hov,” he raps. But ultimately, he was happy that he decided to partner with TIDAL. “It’s better that I stayed at home with my folks ’cause if Jay a billionaire then I’ma never go broke.”
The song’s release comes as The Life of Pablo is expected to end its TIDAL exclusivity and hit Apple Music and Spotify tonight. There are also reports that Kanye has added Scooter Braun to his management team.
Hear Mr. West bless the beat below.