Wake Up Mr. West
Kanye West · Late Registration [2005]
I knew I was gonna see ya
I knew I was gonna see you again!
I was gonna see you again
Where's your goddamn book bag at?
Always carryin' that lil' book bag
Nobody wanna see that
Goddamn fourth grader, sit yo' ass down
You wanna play it again like he got somethin' else to do
You ain't got nothin' else to do
You ain't doin' nothin' with yo' life, nothing with your life
What do you think this is?
You better look at me when I'm talkin' to you!
You think this is easy don't you?
You think this is promised
Oh, ain't nothin' promised with you
Look at my face, do I got a promise face?
Does it look like I promise you anything?
Kanye! Is you snorin' in my class?
Wake up Mr. West! Wake up Mr. West! Mr.
I knew I was gonna see you again!
I was gonna see you again
Where's your goddamn book bag at?
Always carryin' that lil' book bag
Nobody wanna see that
Goddamn fourth grader, sit yo' ass down
You wanna play it again like he got somethin' else to do
You ain't got nothin' else to do
You ain't doin' nothin' with yo' life, nothing with your life
What do you think this is?
You better look at me when I'm talkin' to you!
You think this is easy don't you?
You think this is promised
Oh, ain't nothin' promised with you
Look at my face, do I got a promise face?
Does it look like I promise you anything?
Kanye! Is you snorin' in my class?
Wake up Mr. West! Wake up Mr. West! Mr.
Wake Up Mr. West
Released in 2005 on Kanye West's critically acclaimed album Late Registration, "Wake Up Mr. West" stands as a defining track of the mid-2000s hip-hop era. The song features a distinctive blend of soulful instrumentation and West's introspective vocal delivery, exploring themes of self-doubt and the pressure of public expectation. It exemplifies the genre's shift toward incorporating R&B influences and emotional vulnerability, moving away from the aggressive styles that had dominated the previous decade. As a cornerstone of West's discography, the recording showcases his ability to craft atmospheric soundscapes that resonate with listeners seeking both musical innovation and personal reflection.