Kanye West has made a triumphant return to the top of the charts with his latest single, CARNIVAL.
This marks his first number-one hit in 13 years, following his feature on Katy Perry’s “E.T.” in 2011 and his last solo chart-topper, “Stronger,” in 2007.
Despite the controversies surrounding his personal ideologies and societal statements, one thing is indisputable: Kanye West knows how to make a hit.
The Making of “CARNIVAL”
Release and Production
CARNIVAL was released on February 15, 2024, as part of the CARNIVAL PACK, which includes multiple versions of the track.
This song serves as a pivotal part of both ¥$’s collaborative album Vultures 1 and Rich The Kid’s fourth studio album, Life’s a Gamble.
The production team, featuring Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign, Ojivolta, TheLabCook, and The Legendary Traxster, crafted a soundscape that is both innovative and reflective of Kanye’s distinctive style.
Initially previewed as “H00LIGANS” at the Las Vegas VULTURES Rave in December 2023, the track underwent significant changes before its final release.
The most notable alteration was replacing an Ozzy Osbourne sample with Kanye’s own “Hell of a Life,” following clearance issues.
The song’s release was marked by a grand listening event at Chicago’s United Centre, showcasing Kanye’s flair for dramatic reveals.
Chart Success and Reception
Upon its release, CARNIVAL soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Kanye’s first number-one hit as a lead artist in over a decade.
The track also dominated charts globally, reaching the top spot in Greece, Iceland, Latvia, and Lithuania and securing top-10 positions in multiple other countries.
This success underscores Kanye’s enduring influence in the music industry.
CARNIVAL Lyrics and Controversies
Kanye West has never shied away from provocative and controversial lyrics, and CARNIVAL is no exception.
The track features a verse from Kanye that references his infamous feud with Taylor Swift and controversially aligns himself with figures like R. Kelly and Bill Cosby.
These references sparked significant backlash but also generated considerable buzz, contributing to the song’s success.
CARNIVAL Lyrics Breakdown and Analysis
Introduction and Hook
The song opens with an electrifying chant performed by the ultras of Inter Milan, setting a high-energy tone.
The hook, delivered by Playboi Carti and Rich the Kid, uses vivid imagery to equate sexual prowess with academic achievement and carnival excitement:
Go, go, go, go Head so good, she a honor roll She ride the d*ck like a carnival I done did the impossible
Rich The Kid’s Verse
Rich The Kid’s verse is a celebration of wealth and excess, reflecting his trademark playful and boastful persona.
His lyrics paint a picture of the high life, filled with luxury cars and designer drugs:
Way too rich to drive a Rove’ Made a milli’ off the stove She like to put it in her nose Pretty b*tch with white toes
Ty Dolla $ign’s Verse
Ty Dolla $ign’s contribution continues the theme of opulence, with references to international fame and financial success:
She ride it like Six Flags We turn up to the max I whop her from the back I gave that bitch a cramp
Kanye West’s Verse
Kanye’s verse is packed with cultural references and personal grievances. He juxtaposes his grandiose self-comparisons with critiques of societal issues:
This that Game of Thrones, Yeezy, not the clones Elon, where my rocket ship? It’s time to go home They served us the porn since the day we was born Anybody pissed off, gotta make ’em drink the urine
His mention of Taylor Swift and other controversial figures has drawn both criticism and intrigue, highlighting Kanye’s unfiltered approach to his art.
Playboi Carti’s Verse
Playboi Carti’s verse adds an extra layer of energy, characterised by his unique flow and ad-libs.
His lyrics continue the theme of luxury and excess, blending humour and braggadocio:
She ride the dick like a carnival Bend her over, havin’ flashbacks, she gon’ eat me up like a carnivore It’s the way I pop my shit, the hoes not ready, I’m goin’ barnacles
Production: A Sonic Carnival
The production of CARNIVAL is a masterclass in modern hip-hop. With a trap-inspired beat, heavy bass, and electronic elements, the track creates a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Kanye’s decision to include the Inter Milan ultras’ chants adds a unique, stadium-like quality, enhancing the song’s dynamic feel.
The Role of the Choir
The choir’s chants provide a powerful backdrop to the track, infusing it with a sense of grandeur and communal energy.
This element not only elevates the song’s atmosphere but also ties it to a broader cultural context, resonating with fans of both music and football.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
CARNIVAL is more than just a hit single; it’s a cultural statement. Kanye West, known for pushing boundaries and challenging norms, has once again created a track that transcends traditional music boundaries.
The song’s blend of high-energy production, controversial lyrics, and memorable performances make it a defining moment in contemporary music.
The Critic’s Take
Despite the controversy, critics have lauded CARNIVAL for its bold production and standout performances.
Michael Saponara of Billboard highlighted the track as a high point on Vultures 1, noting its potential to create generational moments.
The song’s success on the charts and its resonance with fans underscore its impact, proving that Kanye West’s ability to craft hits remains unparalleled.
The TikTok Connection: The Rizz Party Phenomenon
Interestingly, CARNIVAL has found a second life on TikTok, becoming the backdrop to the viral Rizz Party phenomenon.
What started as a goofy dance video of high school students celebrating and rapping along to CARNIVAL lyrics turned into an internet sensation, racking up millions of views and likes.
The unbridled energy and camaraderie in these videos captivated TikTok users, who dubbed the group the “TikTok Rizz Party Boys.”
This viral trend further propelled the song’s popularity, illustrating the unpredictable power of social media in shaping music trends.
This spontaneous celebration of teenage energy and the infectious beat of CARNIVAL resonated with viewers, leading to countless remixes, edits, and reaction videos.
Conclusion
Kanye West’s CARNIVAL highlights his enduring influence and creative genius in the music industry.
With its dynamic production, provocative lyrics, and chart-topping success, the track has cemented its place in hip-hop history.
Whether you’re drawn to Kanye’s controversial style or the infectious energy of the song, CARNIVAL is a must-listen that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
For those looking to delve deeper into the CARNIVAL lyrics and explore the full scope of its impact, listening to the track is an essential experience.
Let the music take you on a journey through the opulence and excess that Kanye and his collaborators so vividly portray.
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¥$, Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign & Rich The Kid CARNIVAL Lyrics
Intro: Choir & Playboi Carti
Go, go, go, go
Head so good, she a honor roll
She ride the dick like a carnival
I done did the impossible
Go, go, go, go
Head so good, she a honor roll
She ride the dick like a carnival
I done did the impossible
Go
Ha, ha, ha, schyeah
Verse 1: Rich The Kid & Playboi Carti
Way too rich to drive a Rove’
Made a milli’ off the stove
She like to put it in her nose
Pretty bitch with white toes
I done put on all the bros
I done fucked her in the Rolls (Hahahaha)
I done pulled up in the Ghost
I done reachеd all my goals
Yeah, yeah, pull up with Yeezy and Dolla $ign
I’m all about business, I’m mindin’ minе
Pull up in the trenches like Columbine
Pull up with the rocket like NumbaNine
I don’t want your hoes
Young nigga reach all the goals
Let her suck the dick, said she was a pro
If she scrape her teeth, I’ma tell her to go
Chorus: Rich The Kid with Choir, Ty Dolla $ign & Playboi Carti
Go, go, go, go
Head so good, she a honor roll
She’ll ride the dick like carnival
I done did the impossible
Go, go, go, go (Ha, ha)
Head so good, she a honor roll
She’ll ride the dick like carnival
I done did the impossible (Dolla $ign)
Verse 2: Ty Dolla $ign
She ride it like Six Flags
We turn up to the max
I whop her from the back
I gave that bitch a cramp
They love me out in France
In the hood, I’m good, I’m stamped
Every day, I dress all black
For a show, nine hundred racks
Middle East call, double that
On my neck a bubble bath
On my wrist, new Cadillac
Cut her off, don’t want her back
Little bitch, I’m a superstar
These hoes wanna fuck my car
My dog put a nigga in park
Gotta watch out for the narcs, ayy
Verse 3: Kanye West
This that Game of Thrones, Yeezy, not the clones
Elon, where my rocket ship? It’s time to go home
They served us the porn since the day we was born
Anybody pissed off, gotta make ’em drink the urine
Now I’m Ye-Kelly, bitch, now I’m Bill Cosby, bitch
Now, I’m Puff Daddy rich, that’s Me Too me rich
Why she say she sucked my dick? Then she say she ain’t sucked my dick?
She gon’ take it up the ass like a ventriloquist
I mean since Taylor Swift, since I had the Rollie on the wrist
I’m the new Jesus, bitch, I turn water to Cris’
This for what they did to Chris, they can’t do shit with this
Got my kids in a fake school, we ain’t—
Chorus: Rich The Kid with Choir & Playboi Carti
Go, go, go, go
Head so good, she a honor roll
She’ll ride the dick like carnival(Schyeah)
I done did the impossible (Schyeah)
Go, go, go, go
Head so good, she a honor roll
She’ll ride the dick like carnival
I done did the impossible
Verse 4: Playboi Carti
She ride the dick like a carnival
Bend her over, havin’ flashbacks, she gon’ eat me up like a carnivore
It’s the way I pop my shit, the hoes not ready, I’m goin’ barnacles
Movin’, I feel like I’m Jason, can’t get arrested, I make ’em stumble
She want a private section, roll off them X’s when I’m on Melrose
She tatted my name on her titties, yeah, you can bust it, but it’s a borrow
Hol’ up, sittin’ back, countin’ up dubs, I was raised in the borough
She wanna taste it, checkin’ the swag today, ho, come back tomorrow
If you know what I know, hide your ho
Just off the facts that we havin’ them hunchos
Runnin’ around in the lobby, I know that they tired of me havin’ like ten hoes
She need some cresidentials just to be presidential, hol’ up, hol’ up
I’m ’bout to buy her some dentures, make that ho eat me for dinner, woah, woah
Pain all in my eyes, I can’t see, uh
I’m ’bout to jump out my body, I’m ready to leap, uh
I’m ’bout to nut on her body and tell the ho leave, ‘kay
Fifty mil’ stuffed in the bag, tell the whole gang eat, uh
It’s Ye and Barti, tell me who fuckin’ with we?
I’m hot like Tha Carter, I’m feelin’ that ho in my sleep
Dollar signs all in my dreams, I don’t never see Z’s, woah (Woah-woah)
The swag cover my body like it’s a disease, woah (Woah-woah)
Bridge: Choir
Woah, woah, woah
Woah, woah, woah
Chorus: Choir
Go, go, go, go
Head so good, she a honor roll
She ride the dick like a carnival
I done did the impossible
Go, go, go, go
Head so good, she a honor roll
She ride the dick like a carnival
I done did the impossible
Outro: Choir
Go, go, go, go
Go, go, go, go
Go, go, go, go
Go, go, go, go
