Junya
by Kanye West (featuring Playboi Carti)

Album: Donda (2021)
Charted: 16
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • While many of the Donda cuts find Kanye West testifying to his Christian faith, paying tribute to his late mother and mourning the breakdown of his marriage, "Junya" is notably braggadocios in nature.
  • West kicks off the song with the chorus, where he namechecks Junya Watanbe, a high-end fashion designer based in Tokyo.

    Junya Watanabe on my wri', wri'
    Tell 'em this, did he miss?


    Watanbe had yet to release any watches publicly when this song was recorded, so if Kanye has got hold of one it must have cost him a bomb.

    On the second verse, Kanye boasts about the success of his Yeezy clothing.

    Buy out the store in hours like we planned it

    The last verse finds Kanye comparing his achievements as a wealthy rapper and fashion designer to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to a victory in the 2021 NBA Finals.

    I won with the bucks, boy
    Let me Giannis


    Kanye also takes shots at his rival Drake, who it was rumored wanted to drop his Certified Lover Boy album the same day as Donda.

    Move out of the way of my release

    Kanye concludes the song by reflecting on the conflicts he faces as a Christian rapper who spits braggadocios bars and does his share of beefing.

    Tryna get me off my Qs and Ps
    Why can't losers never lose in peace?
    Ain't nobody 'round me losing sleep
    Better find God 'fore He find me
    Tell the Devil good night, go to sleep
  • The third verse finds Kanye joining forces with Playboi Carti, who first broke through in 2017 with his eponymous mixtape and the track "Magnolia." Since then, the mumble rapper has continued to be one of the leading figures of the new school of hip-hop, and here he flexes about his five successful years.

    For five summers, hold up, uh
    We took over, hold up, uh


    This track is one of two collaborations between Kanye and Carti on Donda, the other being "Off The Grid."
  • West co-produced the track with Digital Nas. The Atlanta producer worked with Playboi Carti on some of his early cuts, such as "Run It" and "Lil Boy," before rising to prominence for his work with ASAP Ferg and Lil Yachty.
  • West also included a revised version on Donda. "Junya, Pt. 2" cuts out some of his rhymes, extends Playboi Carti's contribution, and adds a new verse by Ty Dolla $ign.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Song Cities

Song CitiesMusic Quiz

Nirvana, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are among those who wrote songs with cities that show up in this quiz.

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the Song

"Private Eyes" - The Story Behind the SongSong Writing

How a goofy detective movie, a disenchanted director and an unlikely songwriter led to one of the biggest hits in pop history.

Guy Clark

Guy ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Lyle Lovett are just a few of the artists who have looked to Clark for insightful, intelligent songs.

Steely Dan

Steely DanFact or Fiction

Did they really trade their guitarist to The Doobie Brothers? Are they named after something naughty? And what's up with the band name?