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— by Shaheem Reid
Kanye West is trying to take over the universe with his music, but he'll be the first to admit he's not doing it alone. On his latest LP, Late Registration, he worked with a slew of individuals, many of whom you know — Jay-Z, Nas, Cam'ron, Jon Brion. But who are these other people? Their contributions, whether as an inspiration or a direct contribution to the LP, are notable, but their names don't ring any bells. Well, we dug deep and found out exactly who these diamonds in the rough are.
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Lupe Fiasco
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Lupe Fiasco: A 23-year-old Chicago native, Lupe has been grinding on the mixtape circuit for years, but it was "Conflict Diamonds" — his freestyle, released earlier this year, that utilized the beat from Kanye's original version of "Diamonds From Sierra Leone" — that helped build one of his most pivotal relationships in the music industry. The track apparently helped inspire West's "Diamonds" remix. The two started a dialogue, and eventually Fiasco popped on Late Registration's "Touch the Sky." Lupe, who's signed to Atlantic, has a tie to Roc-A-Fella Records apart from West: Jay-Z is executive-producing Lupe's forthcoming LP, Food and Liquor, which is slated for release early next year. Mike Shinoda and Three 6 Mafia have signed on for some production work.
Tony Williams: When Kanye raps about moving to Oklahoma with his aunt on "Gone," he's referencing Tony's mom. Kanye's older cousin on his mom's side, Williams was signed to Capitol Records in the '80s and was one of the first people to bring a pre-teen 'Ye in the studio. Tony — who is such a G in the game he wrote songs for Color Me Badd's demo — co-wrote "Spaceship" and sang on "I'll Fly Away" and several other songs from The College Dropout. Williams is all over Late Registration as well, but his standout is definitely "We Major" — his golden vocals are as valuable as a million in non-conflict diamonds.
Devo Springsteen, a.k.a. DeVon "Devo" Harris: Neither a relative of Bruce's nor a bizarre tribute band, he's one of Kanye's cousins, too. Devo used to be West's assistant and produced "Diamonds," as well as tracks on his longtime friend and associate John Legend's album (he introduced Legend to Kanye a few years back). Like Legend, he's signed to Kanye's label, G.O.O.D. Music.
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Don C., Kanye's barber, Ibn, GLC, Kanye West, Really Doe, and John Monopoly
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Charles Dance: British-born actor who has starred in more than 65 films and television series, with the most pivotal — at least to Kanye — being "The Golden Child." In that film, Dance torments Eddie Murphy's character as the evil Sardo Numspa. In the song "Gone," West takes one of Eddie's lines from the movie, rapping, "My sweet brother Numsaaaay!"
Don C.: While not official blood relations, you can still call him one of Kanye's cousins: West and Don are so tight that you seldom see one without the other close by. They grew up together in Chi-Town and Don actually DJed for West early on his career while serving double-duty as his road manager. Don has since given up playing records at shows but still helps Kanye stay on point as his co-manager. You need to speak to 'Ye, you have to go through Don.
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Consequence and GLC
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Consequence and GLC: You should know these dudes by now, but just in case, here's a quick rundown. GLC, who appears on Late Registration's "Drive Slow," grew up with Kanye in Chicago and actually rapped with him in a group called the Go-Getters in the late '90s. 'Quence is the cousin of A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip (and has appeared on songs with the group) and actually hooked up with Kanye years ago while trying to cop some beats. 'Quence has been down ever since, sitting in on much of The College Dropout sessions. Both 'Quence and GLC are signed to G.O.O.D. Music, appeared on Dropout and pop up on Late Registration.
Really Doe: Really steals the show on "We Major" with a hook dedicated to the way stimulants effect him. He's also a childhood friend of 'Ye's and was a member of West's first group, the Go-Getters, who most notably put out the single "Uh-Oh" in 1999.
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Rhymefest
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Rhymefest: Along with Q-Tip, Talib Kweli and Common, Rhyme appears on "We Can Make It Better," a song available on the international edition (i.e. only available in the States as a pricey import) of Late Registration. Rhyme, who is signed to J Records, has been well known in the Chi for years not only for his lyrics but for magnetic personality on the mic. He co-wrote "Jesus Walks."
Craig Bauer: Bauer's Hinge Recording Studio in Chicago served as Kanye's fortress of solitude in the late '90s. Kanye produced most of the Go-Getters' records there, and through the years has always managed to maintain a presence. Tracks for Diddy, Lil' Kim, Wu-Tang Clan and Da Brat were also made there, and Bauer recently mixed Late Registration's "Addiction," "Roses," "Late" and "Heard 'Em Say."
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Photo: Karl Heitmueller
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