Article: The Making of Kanye West’s Hit Song “Carnival”

Introduction

The definition of a polarizing figure is one who can be as popular as they are toxic, and it’s no mystery that the man formerly known as Kanye West has embraced that status. The seemingly chaotic swirl around his life applies to his music-making as well, and thus it’s not surprising that “Carnival,” a ferocious collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign, Rich the Kid, and Playboi Carti, was seemingly a work in progress until the day it was released amid a maelstrom of controversy.

The Birth of “Carnival”

“Carnival” began life in Saudi Arabia, where Ty was chipping away at “Vultures,” the first volume of his collaborative album with Ye. He invited Rich the Kid to jet over, and they recorded two songs. One of them, freestyled over beats by TheLabCook, stood out: a punk-rap hybrid originally titled “Honor Roll.” Ty passed the song on to Ye, who immediately saw its potential.

The Collaborative Effort

He rearranged the melody, contributed a verse, and invited Carti. Producers Ojivolta, the Legendary Traxster, and Digital Nas were brought in to round out the sound — and fans of Italian football club Inter Milan, known as “ultras,” were tapped to chant the chorus. Ye then called on Playboi Carti to join the party. He, in turn, ushered production duo Ojivolta into the increasingly full fold.

The Rise to Fame

“Carnival” faced backlash but emerged victorious, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s controversial nature, combined with a powerful social media presence, propelled it to success. Ye’s comeback was celebrated by fans and collaborators alike, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Recognition and Impact

Having a No. 1 single and the No. 25 song of the year was a rare positive note for Kanye West, despite facing challenges due to past public comments. The success of “Carnival” highlighted his resilience and creativity in the music industry.

Details and Credits

Songwriters: Raul Cubina, Grant Dickinson, Digital Nas, Playboi Carti, Rich the Kid, Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye West, Mark Williams

Producers: Digital Nas, Ojivolta, TheLabCook, The Legendary Traxster, Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye West

Label: YZY/Vydia

Hitmakers:
•Manny Dion, president, SalXCo
•TheLabCook, producer
•The Legendary Traxster, producer
•Ojivolta, producer
•Ryan Starling, artist manager, SalXCo

Publishers: III Media Group, BMG Platinum Songs, Concord Music Group, Kobalt Music America, Ric Volta Publishing, Rich the Kid Pub, Songs of Pulse, Superreal Publishing, Warner Tamerlane Publishing, Wav Dream Music

FAQs

Q: What inspired Kanye West to create “Carnival”?

A: The collaborative effort and creative process behind “Carnival” stemmed from a mix of influences and artistic vision.

Q: How did the controversy surrounding “Carnival” impact its success?

A: Despite facing backlash, the controversy surrounding “Carnival” ultimately contributed to its rise to the top of the charts.

Q: What message did Kanye West convey through the success of “Carnival”?

A: Kanye West’s success with “Carnival” showcased his resilience and ability to overcome obstacles in the music industry.

Credit: variety.com