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To the World

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"To the World"
Song by Kanye West, R. Kelly and Teyana Taylor
from the album Cruel Summer
ReleasedSeptember 14, 2012
GenreR&B
Length3:51
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"To the World" is song by American rapper Kanye West, with singers R. Kelly and Teyana Taylor from the GOOD Music compilation album, Cruel Summer (2012). West and R. Kelly sent an early track between each other, trusting each other's talents for the final result. The rapper calls out Mitt Romney for not releasing his tax returns.

Background

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R. Kelly revealed that him and West went back and forth with a track the rapper was working on, until the two "had something" and they trusted each other's talents.[1] The singer had known West before he was famous and enjoyed time with him in environments like clubs, although they had never worked on a track in the studio before. R. Kelly was relieved the two found the chance, expressing honor in working with West.[1] He had previously toured with West's frequent collaborator Jay-Z for their collaborative album The Best of Both Worlds (2002), although they experienced personal issues towards the end of the tour. However, both of the performers appeared on tracks for Cruel Summer.[2] After R. Kelly's feature on "To the World", West later mentioned him on "Carnival", released with Ty Dolla Sign as ¥$ in February 2024.[3]

On September 11, 2012, Cruel Summer sprang an internet leak that included a 40-second snippet of "To the World".[4] Two days later, the track leaked in full.[2][5] Musically, "To the World" is an R&B track.[2] West references his hometown of Chicago with the line "Chi-Town til I'm on my back".[6]

Controversy

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West insults 2012 United States Republican nominee Mitt Romney on "To the World", rapping about trying to protect his finances and then repeating twice that Romney does not "pay no [sic] tax".[7][8] The lyrics reference Romney's refusal to publicly release his tax returns, which he had been pressured to do by the Democratic Party.[7][8]

Charts

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Chart performance for "To the World"
Chart (2012) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[9] 92
France (SNEP)[10] 161
UK Singles (OCC)[11] 94
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC)[12] 17
US Billboard Hot 100[13] 70
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[14] 35
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[15] 24

References

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  1. ^ a b Diep, Eric (September 22, 2012). "R. Kelly Speaks On Single Ladies Tour And 'To The World' Collaboration With Kanye West". Complex. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Makerechi, Kia (September 14, 2012). "'To The World': Kanye West & R. Kelly Link Up On 'Cruel Summer' (Audio)". HuffPost. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  3. ^ Cowen, Trace William (February 9, 2024). "Kanye West Mentions Bill Cosby, R. Kelly, Diddy, Taylor Swift, and Jesus Christ on New 'Vultures' Track". Complex. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  4. ^ Stats, Eddie (September 14, 2012). "Kanye West x R. Kelly 'To The World' + G.O.O.D Music - Cruel Summer [Snippets]". Okayplayer. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  5. ^ Hughes, Josiah (September 13, 2012). "Kanye West 'To the World' (ft. R. Kelly)". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  6. ^ Sullivan, Emmet (September 14, 2012). "Kanye West, R. Kelly Collaborate on New Song". Chicago. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Alexis, Nadeska (September 14, 2012). "Kanye West Raps: 'Mitt Romney Don't Pay No Tax'". MTV. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  8. ^ a b "Kanye West 'To the World' single declares 'Mitt Romney don't pay no tax'". Slate. September 14, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  9. ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  10. ^ "Kanye West & R. Kelly – To the World" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  11. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  12. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  13. ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  14. ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  15. ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
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