First Chain

Album: Hall of Fame (2013)
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Songfacts®:

  • Nas and Kid Cudi join Big Sean on this track as they reflect on their Jesus Piece, a rapper's epitome of success.
  • Sean recalls on his first verse that the first Jesus Piece he saw was worn by The Notorious B.I.G.:

    "I be stuntin'
    Stuntin' like I got my first chain... B.I.G. was the first one that had it
    Then I saw Nas' chain, man, that was 'Illmatic'
    Then, I saw Kanye's hanging from his gold necklace
    Then 'Ye gave me mine, I'll show you my work ethic."

    When Sean signed with Kanye West's GOOD Music in 2008, he was given by 'Ye his very first Jesus Piece.
  • Though Kid Cudi split from G.O.O.D Music in 2013 to focus on Wicked Awesome Records, he left on good terms. Before closing out his verse with some harmonizing, Cudi shouts out G.O.O.D. Music ("G.O.O.D Music ni--a forever, understand?"). Sean revealed at the album's listening party that Cudi, "re-recorded his verse after he left G.O.O.D. Music. to show it's some family s--t, deeper than anything."

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