"Stronger" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his third studio album, Graduation (2007). The song was produced by West, with an extended outro handled by Mike Dean. It was written by West and Daft Punk were credited as co-writers due to their work being sampled, while Edwin Birdsong also received a credit from a master use of "Cola Bottle Baby". West decided to sample "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" after first hearing the duo's work when touring in 2006, then made the beat and spent months re-writing his verses. The song's production process was arduous, with various engineers and 75 different mixes, even having the drum programming redone with Timbaland after its release. Daft Punk voiced their approval of the song, finding West made the sample suitable for his personality as he ventured outside of hip hop.
"Stronger" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ||||
Single by Kanye West | ||||
from the album Graduation | ||||
B-side | "Can't Tell Me Nothing" | |||
Released | June 26, 2007 | |||
Recorded |
| |||
Studio |
| |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 5:15 (album version)
4:08 (radio edit) 4:27 (video version) | |||
Label | ||||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Kanye West | |||
Kanye West singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Music video | ||||
"Stronger" on YouTube |
After West shared a snippet in May, "Stronger" was released to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations as the second single from the album on June 26, 2007, through Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. A maximalist hip hop song also based in electronica with varied elements of electronic music, it relies on a slowed vocal sample of Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger". Described by West as an emancipation from his previous mistakes, the song's lyrics are themed around self-empowerment. He finds his patience strengthens him when he has lust for a girl on the chorus, paraphrasing Friedrich Nietzsche's dictum: "What does not kill him, makes him stronger." The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who mostly highlighted the sample of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger". Focus was often placed on West's innovation through the sample and combination of genres, while critical assessments of his rapping were somewhat mixed.
"Stronger" was named to year-end lists for 2007 by multiple publications, including Spin and The Village Voice. The song was awarded Best Rap Solo Performance at the 50th Grammy Awards, alongside winning Best Rap/Hip Hop Dance Track at the 2008 International Dance Music Awards. Later appearing on retrospective lists of numerous outlets, it was ranked number 493 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2024. The song topped the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming West's third number-one single in the United States and ranking as his third biggest hit of all time there as of 2018. The top spot was also achieved in Canada, New Zealand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, while it reached the top 10 of six other countries and the European Hot 100 Singles chart. The song was certified diamond in the US by the Recording Industry Association of America, standing as West's first single to receive this certification. It was also awarded octuple and triple platinum certifications in Australia and the UK by the Australian Recording Industry Association and British Phonographic Industry, respectively.
An accompanying music video was largely shot guerrilla-style in Tokyo and Los Angeles, going through reiterations from West's attention to detail. The video juxtaposes shots across Tokyo with scenes of him either rapping or being operated on in a laboratory and it was inspired by the Japanese anime film, Akira (1988). The visual was well received by most critics for the special effects, and it won Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2007 BET Hip Hop Awards. West performed "Stronger" live throughout 2007 and 2008, including on his Glow in the Dark Tour and a rendition with Daft Punk at the Grammys. He later delivered performances at numerous festivals from Wireless in 2009, up to Glastonbury in 2015. The song has been used for numerous songs, sports games, and films, such as The Hangover Part II (2011). It was covered by Thirty Seconds to Mars in 2007, six years before Allison Williams performed the song in the series Girls. Retrospectively, the song has been credited for influencing hip hop artists to move towards electronica elements and also the revival of disco-infused music in the later 2000s decade, while it has appeared on various lists of the best workout songs.
Background and development
editPrior to its release, West first shared a snippet of "Stronger" on his mixtape Can't Tell Me Nothing in May 2007. The song was playlisted by BBC Radio 1, appearing on DJ Tim Westwood's "Top Five Heavy Hits" for July 31, 2007.[1][2] The song's cover art was released through West's website with a video teaser on June 29, 2007. It was designed by Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, who handled the artwork of singles and the creative direction for Graduation.[3][4] The cover artwork features a cartoon version of West's mascot "Dropout Bear", wearing the rapper's white sunglasses.[3][5]
"Stronger" musically derives from a vocal sample of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" (2001) by French house duo Daft Punk.[6] The sample was requested by West through Pedro Winter, Daft Punk's manager at the time. The duo, who enjoyed the track, granted approval and were open-minded towards producing for rappers after the sample increased their popularity in hip hop; they found the genre "exciting and interesting".[7] In June 2007, West acknowledged that he was not the first rap producer to sample Daft Punk, as Swizz Beatz had sampled their single "Technologic" for rapper Busta Rhymes' 2005 track "Touch It".[8] West later met the Daft Punk musicians, Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, at Chicago music festival Lollapalooza in 2007.[7] West was convinced "Stronger" was inferior to "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" when he heard it after release, although Daft Punk disagreed and were delighted with how the song turned out. The two first heard it on Power 106 when awaiting a San Francisco flight; Homem-Christo recalled that the DJ transitioned from their original into the song and expressed how West's sound "was really fat".[1][9] He clarified that they may not have collaborated in the studio, but the original's vibe separately connected with West's work.[1][9]
Speaking on Tim Westwood TV in 2007, West said that his label executives were skeptical of "Stronger" since they thought people would not understand its sample, which he used to cross creative boundaries.[10] For a Spin story with West and Bangalter in January 2008, the rapper stated that he had accomplished a new level of musicality with how the song was crafted, particularly the end, and described his previous shortcomings at reaching this level as "still way better than everything else in hip-hop".[11] Bangalter was intrigued by West making the sample suitable for his own personality, noticing how the rapper distorts its meaning like Daft Punk's musical attempts to express their ideas universally. He also said that the combination of genres for "Stronger" was done at a time of "open-mindedness on the part of both the musicians and the audiences", while West recalled receiving criticism from the electronic community for sampling a "holy grail" and the hip hop community for venturing outside his genre.[11] West said that hip hop is about innovation and crafting previously unheard combinations. Bangalter echoed his views on influence; he explained that "what you want is the next generation to destroy what you've done" and start over again, emphasising the importance of taking risks when famous.[11] He also would not comment about a future collaboration with West, though Daft Punk later contributed production to his sixth album Yeezus in 2013, including its lead single "Black Skinhead".[11][12]
On annotations for Genius in 2015, Canadian DJ A-Trak detailed the origins of the sample. A-Trak and West heard the sample of "Technologic" in Busta Rhymes' "Touch It" on a tour bus during 2006; the rapper was a fan of the beat, but did not know who Daft Punk were at the time.[13] The two went to a hotel and the DJ played "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" to West, who was insistent on sampling the track after taking a liking. A-Trak felt reluctant because of a 1990s "mentality in terms of sampling" for using unknown records, although retrospectively believed West's choice was correct and that culture had accelerated musically.[13] West sent him an early demo of "Stronger" as they were on tour and A-Trak appreciated the sample, after which West made the beat and re-wrote his verses for months. The DJ ultimately contributed scratching to the song, decided by West since "it's only right".[13] A-Trak later spoke about the sample at the Meadows Music & Arts Festival 2017 in New York City (NYC), crediting West's "curiosity period" when genres were largely separated and focusing on his strength at "identifying these [great] things".[14] The DJ also recapped his initial reluctance as he offered that "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" remained "an international hit" despite West not having heard of Daft Punk, feeling the usage could come across as cheap.[14]
Writing and recording
edit"Stronger" paraphrases a dictum from German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, whose content is related by West to the more physical subject of a girl. West was particularly proud of his comparison between her and actress Apollonia Kotero, honoring how the reference stood out for its purity as opposed to rappers using "prefabricated metaphors and similes" about subjects from guns to sports.[1] The track's production was handled by West and utilizes a vocal sample of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" by Daft Punk, the instrumental of which samples "Cola Bottle Baby" (1979), a song by the funk keyboardist Edwin Birdsong. Bangalter and Homem-Christo were credited as co-writers of "Stronger" because of the vocal sample, while Birdsong received a writing credit due to the master use of "Cola Bottle Baby".[6][15] West sought to give his sample a cinematic sound and he slowed it down, loosening the rhythm and overdubbing throbbing synths.[15][16] The rapper and record producer Mike Dean, who handled the outro, layered and re-arranged the sample to create their crescendos.[6][15] West accompanied it with his rapping and singing, which transformed "a robotic feel into something much more soulful".[16]
The song was recorded at Ape Sounds in Tokyo, Sony Music Studios in NYC, and the Record Plant in Hollywood, California.[6] Its recording sessions placed attention to detail and were a turning point in the production process for Graduation, following West having previously been "aimlessly making songs".[17][18] Video director Hype Williams inspired West to move towards a futuristic direction after he heard the song when it had no drums, which the rapper also did for the music video and the album: "It inspired a whole movement."[18] He returned to the studio to resume working on songs like "Stronger", finding creative inspiration from films such as Total Recall (1990). West mentioned he worked his recent mistakes into the songwriting for the song, having swum "in wack juice" that he needed to escape, such as blogs making fun of him.[18] He elaborated that rather than an apology, he used the song as "an emancipation".[18] The rapper also said that he offered the message to his fans of him "coming back after a time away and I need you right now", looking for their help in his comeback.[19] Inspired by his worldwide stadium tour with Irish rock band U2 from 2005 to 2006, West redesigned the song for it to be chanted.[20] He said that the song offered the "bigger sound" of stadium music, providing "a throw-your- hands-up-in-the-sky vibe".[19] West explained the song has a "heavy melody", although it features a digital hi-hat as opposed to a snare drum.[19] West worked on "Stronger" with 8 audio engineers and 11 mix engineers at Larrabee North Studios in Universal City, California and Battery Studios in NYC, recording over 50 versions of the track.[1][19][16]
The final version of the song was mixed by Manny Marroquin, who worked with West on several sessions.[6] Marroquin and West got past the challenge of mixing the song through strong communication, beginning with a 14-hour working day at Larrabee and then completing four three-hour sessions at Battery.[16] The producer contributed at Battery in his spare time from working with Alicia Keys; he adjusted the arrangements and the instrumentation with West, who frequently looked for new elements to incorporate. Marroquin worked using stereo submixes and stems on his laptop at the studios, printing mixes with the analogue effects and editing on software like Pro Tools.[16] Due to West's slowing of the song and chopping of the sample, it created glitches that were fixed by him adding volume drops for a few milliseconds each time. To avoid the song being too dominated by the sample that West's vocals could not be heard, Marroquin used a Doubler plug-in and equalization.[16]
West mixed "Stronger" 75 times, with over 100 elements including many layers and he was dedicated to working with Marroquin on the kick drums sounding precise, seeking out a sound for the clubs.[16][21] Marroquin broke the drum down into an 808, snare drum, and hi-hat, then working on the sample, keyboards, and vocals; West heard the final version from Larrabee and exclaimed "That's it!"[16] However, he still felt dissatisfied after hearing the song's drums back-to-back with record producer Timbaland's 2007 single "The Way I Are" at a nightclub, deciding to enlist the producer to assist him in redoing the song's drum programming.[1][15][22] Despite being perplexed that West was not already satisfied with the song, Timbaland still helped with the programming as they went through 12 iterations.[15][17] The completed version of "Stronger" contains a master use of Birdsong's "Cola Bottle Baby".[6][23]
Composition and lyrics
editMusically, "Stronger" is a maximalist hip hop song that lasts for a duration of five minutes and eleven seconds (5:11).[6][24][25] The composition is also based in electronica and incorporates elements from a range of electronic music genres,[25] including techno,[26][27] disco,[28][29] French electronic music,[30][31] and EDM.[32] According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com, "Stronger" is composed in the key of E-flat minor (E♭m) and set in the time signature of common time, with a moderate tempo of 104 beats per minute.[33] The song follows a descending sequence of E♭m–D♭–A♭7–C♭–B♭ as its chord progression.[16][33] A 4/4 beat pattern is deployed on the song,[25] driven by the bright synths.[16][34][35] It is based on a vocoder-affected,[19][36][37] slowed vocal sample of Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger",[6] which is chopped up.[16]
The song features a bass that accompanies the kick drums as programmed by Timbaland,[6][17][34][36] consisting of an 808, a snare, and a hi-hat.[16] The thumping beat also incorporates robotic sounds,[24][30][38][39] accompanied by West's crescendos and evocative rapping.[15][16] It starts with a melodic chorus, coupled with the sample.[16][17][19] At its close, the track enters an extended outro from Dean that follows his crescendo.[6][15] The outro features keyboard stabs from Dean, which La Mar "Mars" Edwards and Andy Chatterley also contributed to.[6][16] These keyboards were added using synths such as Roland Juno-106 and Clavia's Nord Lead, accompanied by Dean's guitars that chime in unison.[15][16][40] A-Trak also delivers a four-bar solo of scratches, which is barely audible.[13]
In the lyrics of "Stronger", West focuses on self-empowerment as he asserts his greatness in response to his critics.[15][38][41] West raps about his patience making him stronger when struggling with lust for a girl on the chorus, offering a mantra that paraphrases Nietzsche's famous dictum: "What does not kill him, makes him stronger."[1][17][25] In addition, West sends a return message to his fans with a refrain of "I need you right now", which also references wanting a girl in the club.[19][42] West fantasizes the girl as a model, inviting her to be his "black Kate Moss".[1][31] He juxtaposes the sample's words with his lyrics, preceding Daft Punk's "harder" by telling his girl, "Baby, you’re making it!"[15][24] The rapper also alludes to Nietzsche's "Apollonian and Dionysian", expressing that he had been seeking out the girl since Prince was involved with Kotero.[1][17]
Release and reception
editOn June 26, 2007, "Stronger" was sent to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations as the album's second single by West's labels Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam.[1][43] The song was made available for digital download in the United Kingdom by the labels on August 3, 10 days before a CD version was issued across Europe by Mercury.[41][44] It was later released as a CD single in various countries worldwide by West's labels on August 20, 2007.[45] On September 11, 2007, "Stronger" was included as the third track on West's third studio album Graduation.[35]
"Stronger" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics, who mostly praised the sample of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger". The staff of Rolling Stone assured that West "struck gold" due to the sample and also complimented his lyricism.[46] Writing for The Washington Post, J. Freedom du Lac said that he ventures into his self-aggrandizement on "the arena-rap standout", backed by "booming cyborg beats" and the sample as he commands the crowd with his greatness.[38] At Slant Magazine, Eric Henderson affirmed that West manages to "cut through the hazard tape" with the sample, marking one of the album's "galvanizing moments" in contrast to the soul sampling of West's earlier singles "Through the Wire" (2003) and "Touch the Sky" (2006).[47] The staff of NME wrote that West ventured from his previous choices with the unpredictable liberal sample, putting forward the song as "a contender".[48] Fraser McAlpine of BBC Music graded the song four out of five stars and believed West largely delivered a message to his critics as an artist using "the royal 'we'", elaborating that he is backed by both God and the Daft Punk robots so should be left completely alone and advised to not "pick on him again".[41] The Village Voice critic Greg Tate asserted that the sample seemingly revives Eurodisco,[49] while Spin journalist Charles Aaron and Nathan Rabin of The A.V. Club complimented its techno style.[26][27] For the Chicago Tribune, Greg Kot saw the song as driven by the sample's synthesizers and Timbaland's drum programming.[34] AllMusic's Andy Kellman declared that the bright synths may be "one of the most glaring deal-breakers in hip-hop history";[35] Nathan Brackett of Rolling Stone similarly felt West "single-handedly" returns to hip hop's disco days before the 1980s group Run-DMC.[28] In Stylus Magazine, Jayson Greene lauded West for pushing hip hop's sonic boundaries with the sample and the "forlorn guitars chiming in unison" at the end, yet he found certain lyrics to show impatience.[40]
Some critics were less enthusiastic towards "Stronger". The Guardian's Dorian Lynskey was impressed with the sample that could be the album's "mission statement" and showcased West's work ethic, but considered rhyming "Klondike" with "blond dyke" to be cringeworthy.[50] Ann Powers from the Los Angeles Times highlighted West's performance by describing him as "push[ing] himself like a runner on a treadmill" who borders on losing his breath and makes the lyrics sound more interesting, despite thinking some of them delve into "embarrassing self-worship".[51] Louis Pattison of NME praised the song as "a silicone-hearted vocoder serenade, beefed up with hoover-like synthesisers", although he felt it resembles an act attempting karaoke without the words rather than pushing new boundaries and saw the sample as unoriginal.[37] In a mixed review for Cokemachineglow, Chet Betz said the song works off the production that could have had a lot more impact due to "the glissando chop 'n key melds dazzling but suffering from a distinct lack of knock" and not even Timbaland can redeem it, while he felt West's lyrics were aimed at oppressing the rest of humanity as he "builds his castle".[52] Anna Pickard of The Guardian became bored of the song quickly due to the sexual nature, although she praised the sample for opening with an "immediate familiarity" that is an appropriate fit for "this thumping beat".[24]
Accolades
edit"Stronger" appeared on numerous year-end lists of multiple publications for 2007. The track was crowned as the best record of the year by Spin, while MTV named it the sixth best song.[1][53] The song was voted seventh on the yearly Pazz & Jop poll of The Village Voice, receiving 48 mentions.[54] On a poll taken by Eye Weekly of critics across Canada for 2007, it was ranked at the same position, scoring 550 points in a tied seventh place.[55] Rolling Stone named it as the 11th best song the 2007; the staff were impressed with West shifting towards robot funk and French electronic music on the "futuristic, Daft Punk-fueled synthfest".[30]
For the 2014 issue of XXL that was in celebration of 40 years of hip hop, the magazine selected the track as one of the five best singles of 2007.[56] On a list of the top 50 songs from the 2000s decade by Consequence, "Stronger" was listed at number 21.[57] In Rolling Stone's decade-end readers' poll, the song was voted as the sixth best single of the 2000s.[58] Furthermore, a 2013 Rolling Stone reader's poll ranked "Stronger" as West's eighth best song to that point.[59] In 2012, "Stronger" was listed by Complex as West's ninth best song and The Daily Telegraph's Neil McCormick placed the track fifth in 2015, while it was placed at number eight on a list compiled for his 39th birthday by the Jamaica Observer on June 8, 2016.[60][61][62] The song was named by CraveOnline as West's sixth best song a year later, whereas Highsnobiety ranked it as West's ninth best song in 2020.[63][64] In 2024, "Stronger" was listed at number 493 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time; the staff wrote that West's stadium music influence from U2 and the Rolling Stones is channeled by the sample of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger".[65]
The track received a total of eight nominations for industry awards. At the 2008 ASCAP Pop Music Awards, "Stronger" was awarded as one of the Most Performed Songs.[66] It was among the Award Winning Songs at the Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) London Awards, Pop Awards, and R&B/Hip-Hop Awards in 2008.[67][68][69] The track won Best Rap Solo Performance at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards, beating "I Get Money" by West's rival and fellow rapper 50 Cent.[70]
Publication | Accolade | Rank | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
Blitz | The Best Songs of 2007 | 9
|
|
Consequence | Top 50 Songs of 2007 | 17
|
|
Eye Weekly | The Best Singles of 2007 | 7
|
|
The Guardian | The Best Singles of 2007 | 12
|
|
MTV | The Best Songs of 2007 | 6
|
|
PopMatters | The Best Singles of 2007 | 19
|
|
Rolling Stone | The 100 Best Songs of 2007 | 11
|
|
Spin | Top Songs of 2007 | 1
|
|
Thought Catalog | Top 100 Pop Songs of 2007 | 11
|
|
Triple J | Hottest 100 of 2007 | 20
|
|
The Village Voice | The Pazz & Jop Music Critics Poll 2007 | 7
|
Year | Organization | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | ASCAP Pop Music Awards | Most Performed Songs | Won | [66] |
BMI London Awards | Award Winning Songs | Won | [67] | |
BMI Pop Awards | Won | [68] | ||
BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards | Won | [69] | ||
Grammy Awards | Best Rap Solo Performance | Won | [70] | |
International Dance Music Awards | Best Rap/Hip Hop Dance Track | Won | [75] | |
NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Song | Nominated | [76] | |
People's Choice Awards | Favorite Hip-Hop Song | Nominated | [77] |
Music video
editBackground
editAn accompanying music video was directed and produced by Williams, with director of photography John Perez, editor Peter Johnson, executive producer Susan Linss, and post supervisor Amelia Torabi. Post-production and visual effects were done at RhinoFX by VFX Supervisor Vico Sharabani, whereas Walter Lubinski and Ian Brauner handled animation. Sal Randazzo contributed roto and smoke animation, with John Budion, Niklaus Schlumpf, and Julie Mai serving as inferno artists, assisted by Barry Furlano.[78] Williams explained to SOHH that the decision to work with West again as a friend of his was natural after hearing "Stronger" and stated he thought he "could kind of dive in with him on it", feeling it made sense completely with how the song connected with him.[79] The director had previously worked with West on videos for the singles "Diamonds from Sierra Leone", "Gold Digger", and "Drive Slow" from his 2005 album Late Registration.[79]
The video was shot guerrilla-style over 12 days in April 2007, while West was still working on "Stronger". It explores life in a sleek space-age robot world set in Japan, filmed in the country's capital Tokyo and Los Angeles (L.A.),[18][79] featuring shots in Aoyama clothing store A Bathing Ape and Harajuku clothing store Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream.[78] Singer-model Cassie was called to appear in the video when she was in Connecticut, flying to Tokyo the next day and working on the shoot immediately. Cassie had not worked with Williams before and admitted she was confused by the guerrilla-style, thinking the video "has to be crazy" as she danced on set.[5] She was taken aback by her unawareness of West's latest vision and compared the setting in Tokyo to NYC's Times Square, recalling "running in the middle of the street" and filming at red lights.[5] The music video also includes cameos from the two principal actors from the film Daft Punk's Electroma dressed as Daft Punk;[9] West's manager Don C insisted on their appearances because "that's what it was".[5] The video also features multiple scenes which pay homage to the 1988 anime film Akira,[15][80] adding elements of sci-fi.[8] These include the light effects on the motorbikes, the medical machinery examining West, and Daft Punk's control room.[24][81] In July 2007, Williams mentioned the possibility of an extended video with unseen footage for a limited-edition internet release.[79]
Development
editWest approached the Island Def Jam Music Group chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid with only a general concept for the video, lacking any storyboard or script, and was given $1,200,000 on request to fund four videos. Don C mentioned the treatment for the first visual was simply "Kanye and Hype in Japan", simplifying that they then went and shot the music video with only their visions.[5] Despite West's attention to detail, he felt at ease without a strict setup when working with Williams and the collaborators mostly came up with the concept together. West, a fan of Japanese directors and anime, had desired to shoot in Japan. This was also to give the video a futuristic look from the country's bikers and neon lights, in line with the creative design of Graduation.[5]
Upon arrival in Tokyo with their team, West and Williams had ideas for video shots and a rough storyline plan. For the original plot, West played the part of a Japanese motorcycle gang member, who became involved in a bar fight with rivals where he was attacked violently and needed care from doctors.[5] Both West and Williams had originally planned to integrate scenes from Akira into the video.[80] Williams said that West took inspiration from the film and during the shoot, they ended up filming "parts of that movie for the video", although decided to shift towards a more abstract final version providing elements of its story.[78] West also felt neon colors in the video were too similar to visuals of Maroon 5 and 50 Cent, deciding to spend five days on re-shoots.[18]
Don C detailed that for the guerrilla video, West's team did not have any permits to film and simply had interpreters explain the situation to locals. The clip features shots of a real-life riot from people against a Japanese politician, which West insisted on Williams shooting after it took place directly outside of his hotel, going from Tokyo to Yokohama. West was not satisfied when going over the footage back in the United States and abandoned the storyline in favor of "the hottest shots possible", relocating to NYC for footage at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center after struggling to find improvements following 10 weeks of filming that almost led to a "brain aneurysm".[5] Williams was unable to film additional footage when West's dedication had taken the video extensively over-budget as he edited it up to 5 a.m, so the rapper hired a local crew. They shot scenes in NYC with West wearing a pair of Alain Mikli shutter shades, which he requested from the designer specifically for the video.[5][82][83] The rapper first came upon the shades abandoned at a public toilet from a Paris convention in 2006, having spent three months looking for shades not found in stores and these were notably worn by Jeremy Scott.[18][24][78] Williams explained that the video was West's vision saying, "He's a strong filmmaker in his own right, a very well-respected and strong filmmaker in my book. He really did a great job executing his vision. I was kinda his co-partner on this one."[79]
Post-production and release
editSharabani affirmed that the process of the music video was unconventional, with West setting out to create it the same way he does songwriting. West set out to combine different elements and based on "how they relate to each-other he would then take the next step", resulting in high creativity with his "quickly-evolving vision".[78] The video was supposed to utilize only four machine shots, until West decided to add a dozen more once the machine's style frame had been shown. Sharabani explained that West is a "very talented visual artist" whose passion is demonstrated in his process management, sticking to an "intimate and fast paced" process of continuous ideas.[78] The supervisor described their collaboration with Williams and the team as "truly amazing" from all of the contributions; he expressed how rewarded he felt when the visual was nominated at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs).[78]
A rough cut of the music video first premiered at the Tribeca Cinemas in NYC on June 19, 2007,[18] with West editing the clip until the end of this night.[5] He felt proud of the creation process, expressing how it was one of the first occasions "we got to make a video like how we make music".[18] West detailed that this process consisted of intricate planning, tight scheduling, and a guerrilla-style, although Williams considered quitting the extensive shoot thrice.[18] Dissatisfied with the video's footage from NYC, due to the director of photography not being the same as the one for Williams, West distorted the footage to resemble broadcasting over a cathode-ray tube television set. Its special effects, including robot arms and glowing starbursts, were then combined with the rest of the footage by the editors.[5] The final music video was released on July 25, 2007.[24]
Synopsis
editThe music video begins with the flaming trail of a speeding comet, which transitions to a laboratory where West is strapped by wires to a 3D CGI model of the medical machine that Tetsuo is examined in for Akira.[18][24][81] West lies down while only wearing his boxers and the laboratory is operated by the Daft Punk actors,[9] who appear with helmets in a control room as they push buttons and perform magnetic resonance imaging on the rapper.[8][18][24] He is then shown rapping the song by a stone wall in NYC as he wears his jacket and shutter shades,[17][18][82] while Cassie appears with a shiny kimono outfit and eye makeup resembling the 1982 film Liquid Sky when she repeatedly dances in a club. These scenes are interspersed with Japanese writing and shots of Tokyo, including the city's streets, streaked lights, and natives, as well as a motorcycle race with bright taillight trails after the actors press buttons again.[8][24][81] The video includes a shot in a hospital where West wrestles out of his bed similarly to Tetsuo's behaviour after realizing his psychic powers and the film is also resembled by the riot, which occurs outside a hotel.[18][81] For the conclusion, the scene moves back to Cassie as West seduces her.[24]
Reception and accolades
editReviewing the rough draft of the music video for MTV, Shaheem Reid noted that it emphasizes "performance and looking fly", observing "a huge special-effects segment" from the control room and West being worked on by a machine large enough for a truck to fit.[18] In The Village Voice, Tom Breihan highlighted that the clip is seemingly a "hyper-stylized pastiche" of Japanese sci-fi closely resembling Williams' video for fellow rapper Missy Elliott's "Sock It 2 Me" (1996), although noted it moves towards techniques used by directors to convey immediacy.[8] He specified these techniques as choppy editing, distorted scenes, and Japanese lettering, while praising Cassie's appearance and concluding that rather than an actual story, the video is "a sort of overwhelming pileup of deft futurism".[8] Megan Peters from ComicBook.com wrote that West's combination of Japanese culture with Akira was special, resulting in "one trippy homage".[81] The staff of The Fader joked that the music video is equivalent to the 1941 Citizen Kane, while they affirmed it is "outstanding eye candy".[84] Pickard was mixed in The Guardian, finding initial excitement in the visual's "futuristic atmosphere" and praising the elements of Akira, although he finalized that it was boring due to the "pretty-lady-in-da-club" throughout.[24]
The music video was awarded Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2007 BET Hip Hop Awards, while it received a nomination for Best Video at the 2007 MTV Europe Music Awards.[85][86] The visual was nominated for Video of the Year, Best Director, and Best Editing at the 2007 MTV VMAs.[87] After not winning awards at two ceremonies in a row, West demanded MTV to "give a black man a chance" from his hard effort at reaching number one with "Stronger" and vowed to never return to their shows.[88] It was awarded Best Video at the 2008 MOBO Awards, alongside being nominated for Video of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards Japan.[89][90] By March 8, 2018, the music video had reached over 200 million views on YouTube.[81]
Year | Organization | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2007 | BET Hip Hop Awards | Best Hip-Hop Video | Won | [85] |
MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Video | Nominated | [86] | |
MTV Video Music Awards | Video of the Year | Nominated | [87] | |
Best Director | Nominated | |||
Best Editing | Nominated | |||
2008 | MOBO Awards | Best Video | Won | [89] |
MTV Video Music Awards Japan | Video of the Year | Nominated | [90] | |
Best Hip-Hop Video | Nominated | |||
MuchMusic Video Awards | Peoples Choice: Favourite International Video | Nominated | [91] | |
Best International Video | Nominated | |||
NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Music Video | Nominated | [76] |
Personnel
editCredits adapted from The Inspiration Room.[78]
Personnel
- Hype Williams – director, producer
- John Perez – director of photography
- Peter Johnson – editor
- Susan Linss – executive producer
- Yfat Neev – executive producer
- Amelia Torabi – post supervisor
- Vico Sharabani – post-production, visual effects
- Natasha Saenko – CG director, project leader
- Brian DiNoto – model
- Bogdan Mihajlovic – model
- Chris DiFiore – composing artist
- Nitant Karnik – composing artist
- Rodrigo De La Parra – composing artist
- Ivan Guerrero – lighting
- Jasmine Katatikarn – lighting
- Aditi Kapoor – lighting
- Neo Afan – digital artist
- Walter Lubinski – animator
- Ian Brauner – animator
- John Budion – inferno artist
- Niklaus Schlumpf – inferno artist
- Julie Mai – inferno artist
- Barry Furlano – inferno assistant
- Sal Randazzo – roto and smoke animation
- Camille Geier – senior VP of production
- Rick Wagonheim – managing director and partner
Commercial performance
editNorth America
edit"Stronger" entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 47 upon its single release, marking the highest debut of the week.[92] It later reached number five on the chart issue date of September 1, 2007.[93] A week later, the song climbed to number three on the Hot 100 with 135,000 downloads.[94][95] It spent the following two weeks at number two on the chart and then rose to the top position, marking West's third number-one single in the US after "Gold Digger" in 2005.[96][97] The song dethroned fellow rapper Soulja Boy's "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" for number one, receiving 205,000 digital downloads.[98] However, "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" regained the top position from "Stronger" within a week.[99] On the year-end chart for 2007, the song placed at number 27.[100] Overall, it spent 27 weeks on the Hot 100.[101] By 2009, the song stood as the chart's 14th most successful single to be released by the Island Def Jam Music Group.[102] For the 2000s decade, it as the 91st most popular song on the Hot 100.[103] As of May 31, 2018, the song stands as West's third biggest hit of all time in the US.[104]
The song debuted at number 38 on the US Billboard Mainstream Top 40 and entered the top 20 at number 17 on the issue dated September 8, 2007.[105][106] "Stronger" later reached the chart's top position on October 27, spending three weeks there out of its 25 charting weeks.[107] The song became West's second chart-topper on the Mainstream Top 40, making him one of the rap acts to notably achieve success at pop radio.[108] It also reached number one on the US Pop 100, while charting at number three on both the Hot Rap Songs and Rhythmic charts.[109][110][111] By March 2013, the track had surpassed five million digital sales in the US.[112] On October 6, 2021, "Stronger" was awarded a diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shelving 10 million certified units in the US, standing among the best-selling digital singles in the country by certification.[113][114] It became the 64th single to receive the certification from the RIAA and West's first.[113] In Canada, the track entered the Canadian Hot 100 at number five and rose to number one after seven weeks to become West's first chart-topper.[115] The track spent 40 weeks on the chart, logging three weeks at the top position.[116] It was the second best-selling digital song of 2007 in Canada, registering 94,000 sales.[117] By December 28, 2008, the track totalled 152,000 digital sales in the country.[118] It further reached number five on Mexico's Top 20 Inglés chart.[119]
Oceania and Europe
edit"Stronger" debuted at number 20 on the New Zealand Singles Chart, reaching number 17 after three weeks and then jumping to the second position. The track peaked at number one on the chart, becoming West's second chart-topper in New Zealand.[120] It was dethroned from the top spot by 50 Cent's "Ayo Technology", spending the following two weeks at number two on the New Zealand Singles Chart.[121][122] The track lasted for 19 weeks on the chart.[120] On November 18, 2007, it received a gold certification from Recorded Music NZ for selling over 7,500 units in New Zealand.[123] In Australia, the track entered the ARIA Singles Chart at number eight and peaked at number two a week later.[124] It was blocked from the top spot by Fergie's "Big Girls Don't Cry", which sold more physical copies despite "Stronger" ranking as the number-one digital track.[125] On the year-end chart of 2007, the track ranked as the 19th most popular single.[126] As of September 19, 2017, it has spent 522 consecutive weeks in the top 500, standing as the longest charting single in Australia.[127] On August 24, 2020, the track was certified octuple platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association for shipping 560,000 units in Australia.[128]
In the United Kingdom, "Stronger" debuted at number three on the UK Singles Chart for the issue dated August 12, 2007.[129] The song ended the one-week run of Robyn's "With Every Heartbeat" at the top position a week later, becoming West's first number-one single on the chart.[130] On the next chart issue, it remained at number one for a second week.[131] For the 2007 year-end chart, the song ranked as the 19th most successful single, while it stood as the sixth most downloaded track in the UK.[132][133] The song lasted for 39 weeks on the UK Singles Chart.[134] It ranks as the 24th biggest hip-hop song of all time in the UK up to April 17, 2017.[135] As of August 5, 2021, the song is West's second most successful single in the country behind only "Gold Digger", despite the latter not having reached number one.[136] On January 28, 2022, "Stronger" was certified triple platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for shelving 1,800,000 units in the UK.[137] It also reached number one in Turkey.[1] The track peaked at number two in both Ireland and the Netherlands, ranking as the 20th most popular song of 2007 in the former country.[138][139][140] Similarly, it charted at number three in the territories of Norway and Scotland.[141][142] The track reached number eight on the Billboard European Hot 100 Singles,[143] while attaining top 20 positions in Finland,[144] Germany,[145] Switzerland,[146] the Czech Republic,[147] Sweden,[148] and Denmark.[149] "Stronger" was certified double platinum by IFPI Danmark for 180,000 shipments in Denmark on February 15, 2022, a year before it was awarded a quintuple gold certification from the Bundesverband Musikindustrie for shelving 750,000 units in Germany.[150][151] On October 20, 2019, the track received a double platinum certification from Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana for selling 100,000 copies in Italy.[152] "Stronger" ranked at number six on Apple Music's list of the best-selling songs on iTunes in 2007, while it placed at number 16 on the retailer's most downloaded songs of all time up to November 2010.[153][154]
Lawsuit
editIn June 2010, rapper Vincent Peters sued West, arguing "Stronger" was an illegitimate copy of a song of the same name he recorded in 2006. Peters argued that he provided a copy of the song to West's business manager John Monopoly, who, according to him, gave it to the rapper.[155] Both songs share the title, make reference to Moss, and feature chorus lyrics that rhyme with "wronger" and "longer".[156] The lawsuit also requested for West and his record labels to be prohibited from selling, distributing, and performing "Stronger", as well as to destroy all their single copies.[155] A federal judge dismissed the claim, finding no substantial similarity, although Peters went to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. West's attorney Carrie Hall asserted the theft allegations would set a standard much too low for copyright infringement over common usage of words and that both songs derive their respective chorus lyrics from Nietzsche's dictum, "What does not kill him, makes him stronger."[156] The attorney elaborated that the similarities are not enough to support infringement, as the plaintiff needs to allege sufficient facts and a judge is in a suitable position to determine this.[156] It was also pointed out that Peters' lawsuit against West came three years after the song's release in 2007, appearing "to coincide with his attempts to publicize his new album".[157]
In 2012, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the lawsuit in West's favor, ordering dismissal.[158][159] Diane Wood, the presiding judge, offered the full context that Nietzsche's dictum had been employed in popular works for decades, including Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)", a hit single at the time.[158] Wood addressed the lyrical similarities of the chorus, stating they do not "rise to the level of copyright infringement".[159] The judge also acknowledged the allegations in the reference to Moss; he noted "analogizing to models as a shorthand for beauty" is, regardless of one's feelings, commonplace in music.[158]
Live performances
editWest performed "Stronger" live at the Concert for Diana in London on July 1, 2007.[160] He performed the song for his concert at the Live Earth event on July 7, accompanied by a string section which included female members with exotic face paint.[161] West performed the song at global festivals during 2007, including Canada's Cisco Systems Bluesfest, Sweden's Way Out West, and the British V and Manchester International festivals.[1][162] He performed a medley for his in-studio appearance at MTV's Total Request Live on August 10, consisting of fellow Graduation single "Can't Tell Me Nothing" and the song.[163] West performed it at the 2007 MTV VMAs, appearing in a fantasy suite at Palms' Hugh Hefner Sky Villa.[164][165] The rapper insisted that he dreamt of opening the VMAs with "a real power performance" when making the song, yet the organizers wanted him in this suite rather than the main stage.[164] He criticized MTV for exploiting him and the opening act Britney Spears, who he complained was chosen when "Stronger" was "one of the No. 1 songs".[164][166] West performed a medley of the song with fellow album single "Good Life" at the premiere for season 33 of Saturday Night Live on September 28, 2007.[167] During the launch party of the new T-Mobile Sidekick LX at Griffith Park in L.A. on October 17, West made a surprise appearance that included him performing the song.[168]
West brought out Daft Punk as a surprise to perform a reworked version of the song for the 50th Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in L.A. on February 10, 2008, marking the duo's first televised live performance.[169] Daft Punk were accompanied by touchscreens and a pyramid inspired by Tron (1982), which was illuminated red to reveal them in an attire of this color and West rocked his shutter shades as he was backed by ultraviolet flames.[170] At the opening of Murakami's Brooklyn Museum exhibit on April 4, 2008, West performed the song with backing from strobe lights.[171] From 2007 to 2008, West incorporated the song into setlists for his Glow in the Dark Tour.[1] West performed the song an hour into his set at the 2008 Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee for the tour, ending the set early after negative crowd reactions.[172][173] The rapper posted that he was heartbroken to not deliver the song's "greatest form" with an apology for lacking the ability to perform, admitting he sometimes spends two to three sleepless days improvising performances and saying: "I have to ice my knees after every show and they hurt when I walk through the airport."[172] Dressed in an all red outfit, West performed "Stronger" at Z100's the Jingle Ball concert at NYC's Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2008.[174]
West performed the song with an intro in February 2009 for the closing number of his live album VH1 Storytellers (2010), delivering a stripped-down version. The version largely omitted the Daft Punk sample and featured accompaniment from drummers at its breakdown, with lighting in the background.[175][176] West performed the song on Ellen DeGeneres' Bigger, Longer & Wider Show, which aired via TBS on June 27, 2009.[177] The rapper closed his set at the 2009 Wireless Festival in Hyde Park, London with the song, wearing his shades and a black suit jacket. He appeared on elevated section of the stage while surrounded by four topless dancers that wore tiaras and body paint, bowing to the audience and declaring he loved them after the performance.[178] On August 6, 2009, West closed Casio G-Shock's the World event at Cipriani's on Wall Street with the song, afront a shifting digital display screen that counted down the time he was onstage.[179] West performed the song at the Coachella Festival in 2011, after his earlier promise following performances of singles, "The hits ain't over yet. We just keep goin' and goin'."[180] West altered lyrics about how he would "do anything for a blonde dyke" in the second verse of the track to be in the past tense, aimed at his ex-lover Amber Rose.[181] Afterwards, rumors sprang of a backstage confrontation of Rose's then-boyfriend and rapper Wiz Khalifa with West at the festival. The rapper dismissed the rumors as made up, although he considered West's line "a low thing" where he would try not to become involved.[182] West opened his set for the 2011 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show at Lexington Avenue Armory in NYC with the song, wearing a Versace for H&M jacket, black leather pants, and Nike Air Yeezy 2s.[183] His introduction mentioned he cancelled a 2007 performance of it at the show after his mother's death, detailing that she went from his superhero to his "super-angel".[184]
West included a shortened version of "Stronger" in a medley of over 10 songs for 12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2012, while rocking a Pyrex hoodie and leather kilt.[185][186][187] He delivered a performance of the song at the 2013 Governors Ball, backed by a modest DJ setup.[188] West performed the song on The Yeezus Tour (2013-14), including a stripped-down version at a Brooklyn stop on November 21, 2013.[189][190][191] On February 25, 2014, West performed a five minute medley of his greatest hits in chronological order by album on Late Night with Seth Meyers, including "Stronger".[192] Despite the negative reactions to West's appearance at the 2008 Bonnaroo Music Festival, he appeared at the event again in 2014 and performed "Stronger".[193] West stopped the song abruptly to ask the audience to "make some noise" for their enjoyment, questioning how many traveled long distances to attend and "don't give a fuck what the press says".[194] He specified that his maximum effort was being delivered and his self-belief allows others to appreciate themselves, calling out the media trying to make him look crazy despite him performing for 90,000 people and comparing himself to renowned musicians Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, and Jim Morrison.[193][194] West resumed the song and indicated that previous festival criticisms would be silenced, receiving a mixed crowd reaction after his speech.[193][194] The rapper performed the song in L.A. for the final night of the Made in America Festival on August 31, 2014.[195] On December 1, West performed "Stronger" at a concert on World AIDS Day, telling the DJ to end the instrumental when he left it playing past the full length.[196] The rapper opened his headlining set at the 2015 Glastonbury Festival with the song, appearing a metre below several rows of lights.[197] The crowd chanted along to the song despite the petitions against West's appearance gaining traction, while he wore a paint-covered denim jacket and jeans and walked around the stage twirling his microphone stand.[197][198][199] West opened his set at the closing ceremony of the 2015 Pan American Games with the song, wearing his denim jeans and a blue jumper as he performed to around 30,000 people. The rapper then clapped his hands, laid down, and jumped around the stage, requesting the lights to be turned on for the "400 million people watching" worldwide.[200][201] West performed the song throughout his 2016 Saint Pablo Tour, including an L.A. stop where Canadian musician Drake danced as he rapped along on October 26.[202][203][204]
Cover versions and appearances in media
editRock band Thirty Seconds to Mars delivered a cover of "Stronger" in their genre for Jo Whiley's edition of the BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge in September 2007; they won the Ultimate Live Lounge Cover for their version and presenter Fearne Cotton gave them a clay trophy for winning.[15][205][206][207] Thirty Seconds to Mars said that covering the song for the radio station "helped change our lives" by gathering a wider audience to their pleasure and it was also included on the bonus disc of the band's 2009 album This Is War, alongside the West collaboration "Hurricane 2.0".[208][209] On January 25, 2012, BadBadNotGood released a bluegrass cover of the song with a music video that offers an anti-bullying message.[210] In a March 2013 episode of the HBO show Girls, actress Allison Williams performs the song as a slow, stripped down love ballad as Marnie at the birthday party of the character's ex-boyfriend Charlie.[211][212][213] Williams imparted that despite rapping the song when rehearsing her script, she was told by Lena Dunham it would instead be a ballad for the episode.[212] On February 12, 2017, the actress admitted that she has not been able to watch the performance in full, admitting that she was relieved during a HBO playback session when the song's part in the episode was not shown.[214]
On August 27, 2007, A-Trak premiered his remix of the song, altering the Daft Punk sample and adding a new beat with synths.[215][216] "Stronger" was used for the trailer of the 2007 film The Kingdom.[217] Katie Holmes played the song for her 10 hour weekly workouts to prepare for the year's NYC Marathon, during which she listened to it repeatedly in the last six miles.[218][219] On November 19, 2007, the song was included on the compilation album Now That's What I Call Music! 68.[220] The New York Giants made their entrance to the song at Super Bowl XLII, before their game against the New England Patriots that they won.[221] It appears in an action scene of Never Back Down, a 2008 film about high school mixed martial artists.[15] The Jabbawockeez danced to the song to celebrate being crowned champions of the first season finale of America's Best Dance Crew on April 4, 2008.[222] At the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs, the New York Rangers made their entrance to the song.[223] On January 21, 2009, it was featured in a promotional video for Animal Planet's new show Jockeys.[224]
Leo Flynn produced a Rockabye Baby! CD that consisted of instrumental lullaby renditions of West's tracks and was released on May 18, 2010, including "Stronger" as the third track.[225][226] In 2011, the song was used in the tennis video game Top Spin 4.[227] It is featured in a slow motion scene of the wolfpack boarding an airplane to Thailand in the 2011 film The Hangover Part II, marking the second instance of West's music being used in all three installments of The Hangover.[15][228] On April 2, 2012, fellow rapper Moses Stone performed a mashup of "Stronger" with West's 2010 single "Power" for the second season of The Voice.[229] The rapper sang the song's hook in the style of a gospel ballad, moving into a rap for the first verse where he censored the profanity.[230][231] He was backed by dancers, including an acrobat that handspringed his way off the stage at the top of the performance.[229][230]
In 2014, pop rap artist G-Eazy closely interpolated lyrics from the song on his track "Let's Get's Lost" that features Devon Baldwin.[15][232] After mistakenly calling West a Canadian rapper when he was asked about him performing at the 2015 Pan American Games, Toronto mayor John Tory used "Stronger" in a parody video. The mayor grooved to the song when waiting on a platform of the Toronto subway and found a story about West's then-wife Kim Kardashian when he read Rolling Stone on the train; the video was taken down by the copyright holder, despite Tory's office insisting it was made for fun.[233] In November 2016, the song was featured in a commercial for the video game Watch Dogs 2.[234]
Legacy
editConsidered one of West's most radio-friendly songs,[59] "Stronger" has been credited with not only influencing hip hop artists to incorporate electronica elements into their music,[235][236] but also with playing a part in the revival of disco-infused music in the late 2000s.[28][29][49] The song was looked at as a turning point in how the talents of West were viewed in his career and it brought him more commercial success.[64][235][237] In a piece for NME, Luke Morgan Britton saw the song as the transition between the rapper's self-declared "'Old Kanye' and the more avant-garde, era-defining and zeitgeist-defining music" he later moved towards.[235] Britton elaborated that West diversified his influences for Graduation by taking on electronic and indie music from across the world, noting the former genre on the song particularly changed hip hop's sound and demonstrated his "Midas-like touch" by epitomizing an era with his production, attributing this to the Daft Punk sample.[235] Breihan noted for Stereogum that the song represented the biggest and most successful example of West moving towards "theme songs for people", which were set for sing-alongs and sounding anthemic after his stadium tours.[15] The song helped bring Daft Punk to prominence in the US;[15][17] Rolling Stone staff gave credit for "the beginning of the group's path to mainstream success".[59] Following its release and Daft Punk's Alive 2007 tour, sales of "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" went from 1,000 per week to between 5,000 and 7,000.[238]
Following the song's music video in 2007, West's shutter shades became popular across the world, particularly in the hip hop community.[15][17][82] The shades were sold on the Glow in the Dark Tour and also worn by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Lil Jon, and Paris Hilton, while imitation copies were on sale for $5 at shopping malls and gas stations.[15][82] West received a phone call requesting for a jacket like his one in the visual from Michael Jackson, who was an idol to him.[17] He re-uses the "I need you right now" refrain of the song on the outro to "On Sight", a track from 2013's Yeezus.[42] On August 3, "Stronger" was used in the BBC Radio 1Xtra episode "10 Moments That Made Kanye West".[239]
In 2011, "Stronger" was voted the greatest workout song of all time after topping the nationwide "March Music Madness" poll of Gold's Gym.[240] The song was ranked as the third best feel-good record from a black musical act by The Boombox in 2011, while it was named as the 25th best hip hop workout song of all time by Men's Health in 2019.[39][241] In 2020, Time crowned the song as the 31st best workout record of all time and uDiscoverMusic placed it at number one on their list, with Louis Chilton hailing the influence on pop and hip hop.[242][243] The song was ranked by as the 28th best Hot 100 number-one of the 2000s decade by Cleveland.com in 2021, whose author Troy L. Smith felt that West was the only rap act able to masterfully sample Daft Punk and produce a hip hop song "this centered on EDM".[32] In 2024, Time Out selected it as their 13th best running song.[244]
The track is included in the 2015 edition of Robert Dimery's book 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die.[245] "Stronger" was named as the sixth most popular workout song on Spotify in 2021, based on the data of appearances on playlists for working out.[246] It was named as the platform's sixth most popular workout in 2021, based on the data of appearances on playlists for working out.[247] As of December 25, 2023, the song has reached 1.3 billion streams on the platform, standing as the most streamed release from Graduation.[248] In a 2024 analysis of appearances on motivational playlists of Spotify and Apple Music, "Stronger" was ranked as the most motivational song.[249]
Track listing
editEuropean CD single[44]
- "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (Album Version)
- "Stronger" (Album Version)
- "Stronger" (Album Version) – 5:15
- "Stronger" (Instrumental) – 5:15
- "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (Album Version) – 4:32
- "Stronger" (Video)
Digital download[251]
- "Stronger" – 5:12
- "Can't Tell Me Nothing" – 4:32
Credits and personnel
editInformation taken from Graduation liner notes.[6]
Recording
- Recorded at Ape Sounds (Tokyo, Japan), Sony Music Studios (NYC) and The Record Plant (Hollywood, CA)
- Mixed at Larrabee North Studios (Universal City, CA) and Battery Studios (NYC)
Personnel
- Kanye West – songwriter, production
- Thomas Bangalter – songwriter
- Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo – songwriter
- Edwin Birdsong – songwriter
- Mike Dean – keyboards, guitars, extended outro
- Timbaland – additional programming
- Seiji Sekine – recording
- Andrew Dawson – recording
- Anthony Kilhoffer – recording
- Manny Marroquin – mix engineer
- Kengo Sakura – assistant mix engineer
- Bram Tobey – assistant mix engineer
- Jason Agel – assistant mix engineer
- Nate Hertweck – assistant mix engineer
- Jared Robbins – assistant mix engineer
- La Mar "Mars" Edwards – keyboards
- Andy Chatterley – keyboards
Charts
editWeekly charts
edit
Year-end chartsedit
Decade-end chartsedit
|
Certifications and sales
editRegion | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Australia (ARIA)[128] | 8× Platinum | 560,000‡ |
Canada Digital downloads |
— | 152,000[118] |
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[150] | 2× Platinum | 180,000‡ |
Germany (BVMI)[151] | 5× Gold | 750,000‡ |
Italy (FIMI)[152] | 2× Platinum | 100,000‡ |
New Zealand (RMNZ)[123] | Gold | 7,500* |
United Kingdom (BPI)[137] | 3× Platinum | 1,800,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[276] | Diamond | 10,000,000‡ |
United States (RIAA)[276] Mastertone |
Platinum | 1,000,000* |
* Sales figures based on certification alone. |
Release history
editRegion | Date | Format | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | June 26, 2007 | Rhythmic contemporary radio | [43] | |
United Kingdom | August 3, 2007 | Digital download | [41] | |
Australia | August 10, 2007 | CD Maxi | [250] | |
Europe | August 13, 2007 | CD single | Mercury | [44] |
Various | August 20, 2007 |
|
[45] |
See also
edit- Akira (1988 film)
- Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
- List of best-selling singles in Australia
- List of best-selling singles in the United States
- List of Canadian Hot 100 number-one singles of 2007
- List of number-one singles from the 2000s (New Zealand)
- List of UK Singles Chart number ones of the 2000s
- List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 2007
- List of Billboard Mainstream Top 40 number-one songs of 2007
- Yeezus
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Beaumont, Mark (2015). Kanye West: God & Monster. Omnibus Press. ISBN 9781783233946. Archived from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2024 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Westwood's In New Music We Trust- Tracklisting". BBC Radio 1. July 31, 2007. Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ a b "Stronger". Kanye West Blog. Archived from the original on June 29, 2007. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ Martin, Francesca (August 1, 2007). "Kanye West Mixes Manga and Music With the 'Warhol of Japan'". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Reid, Shaheem (September 5, 2007). "Kanye Added Perfectionist Touch — And Venetian-Blind Glasses — To 'Stronger' Video: VMA Lens Recap". MTV. Archived from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Graduation (Media notes). Kanye West. Roc-A-Fella Records. 2007.
{{cite AV media notes}}
: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link) - ^ a b Pytlik, Mark (October 2, 2007). "Interview: Daft Punk". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on June 4, 2012. Retrieved October 3, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Breihan, Tom (June 20, 2007). "Kanye West Premiers the 'Stronger' Video". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Cohen, Jonathan (August 14, 2007). "Exclusive: Live Album To Chronicle Daft Punk Tour". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 21, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2007.
- ^ "Kanye West on Graduation, 50 Cent, Stronger – Westwood". Tim Westwood TV. November 26, 2018. Archived from the original on May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c d Vontz, Andrew (January 1, 2008). "Strength in Numbers". Spin. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ "Daft Punk Write Another Song For Kanye West". The Music. June 7, 2013. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Frydenlund, Zach (March 20, 2015). "A-Trak Annotates 'Gold Digger,' 'Stronger,' and More on Genius". Complex. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ a b Salud, April (September 18, 2017). "A-Trak Introduced Kanye West to Daft Punk's Music". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Breihan, Tom (March 31, 2023). "The Number Ones: Kanye West's 'Stronger'". Stereogum. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Tingen, Paul (December 2008). "Secrets Of The Mix Engineers: Manny Marroquin". Sound on Sound. Archived from the original on September 4, 2011. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Indiana, Jake (2017). "Kanye West's 'Stronger': 10 Facts You Might Not Know". Highsnobiety. Archived from the original on April 25, 2024. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Reid, Shaheem (June 20, 2007). "Kanye West's 'Stronger' Video: Japanese Motorcycle Gangs, Mad Scientists — And Cassie". MTV. Archived from the original on August 12, 2007. Retrieved August 27, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f g Bainbridge, Luke (August 11, 2007). "It's Kanye's World". The Guardian. Archived from the original on October 5, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2008.
- ^ Lyons, Patrick (September 11, 2017). "Kanye West's 'Graduation,' Ten Years On". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on September 12, 2017. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ Vozick-Levinson, Simon (September 20, 2007). "Jay-Z's Brotherly Love". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved September 22, 2007.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (August 21, 2007). "Kanye West Thanks 50 Cent for Much-Hyped Rivalry: 'We Push Each Other'". MTV. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved February 6, 2013.
- ^ "The Little Song That Could ... Kanye West Snaps Up 'Cola Bottle Baby' Sample For Hot New Single 'Stronger,' Written By Edwin Birdsong, A Gamble & Huff Philadelphia International Records Recording Artist". Cision. October 8, 2007. Archived from the original on October 25, 2022. Retrieved October 25, 2022.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Pickard, Anna (July 25, 2007). "Kanye West - Stronger | Music". The Guardian. Archived from the original on January 3, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
- ^ a b c d "How Electronic Music Turned Kanye West into a Superhuman". Vice. Archived from the original on October 8, 2016. Retrieved September 8, 2016.
- ^ a b Aaron, Charles (November 2007). "Doo Wah Diddy". Spin. 23 (11): 114. Archived from the original on May 27, 2016. Retrieved May 12, 2024 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b Rabin, Nathan (September 11, 2007). "Kanye West: Graduation". The A.V. Club. Chicago. Archived from the original on May 22, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c Brackett, Nathan (September 4, 2007). "Graduation : Kanye West : Review". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 15, 2007. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ a b c Brennan, Collin (February 20, 2017). "Top 50 Songs of 2007". Consequence. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
- ^ a b c d "The 100 Best Songs of 2007". Rolling Stone. December 11, 2007. Archived from the original on December 15, 2007. Retrieved December 21, 2007.
- ^ a b c Mulholland, Gary (December 9, 2007). "2007: The best singles". The Guardian. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Smith, Troy L. (September 13, 2021). "Every No. 1 song of the 2000s ranked from worst to best". Cleveland.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
- ^ a b "Kanye West 'Stronger' Sheet Music". Musicnotes.com. 2011. Archived from the original on May 8, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
- ^ a b c Kot, Greg (August 31, 2007). 'Graduation' day arrives: Kanye West exploits his growing pains Archived May 14, 2009, at the Wayback Machine. Chicago Tribune. Accessed 2007-10-01.
- ^ a b c Kellman, Andy. "Graduation – Kanye West". AllMusic. Archived from the original on March 26, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ a b Rizov, Vadim (November 1, 2007). "'Indie 500': Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Joy Division and Pale Young Gentlemen". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on October 4, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
- ^ a b Pattison, Louis (September 13, 2007). "Kanye West - 'Graduation' Review". NME. Archived from the original on October 20, 2007. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Kanye West: Out of This World". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 12, 2018. Retrieved January 27, 2019.
- ^ a b "20 Best Feel-Good Songs by Great Black Artist". The Boombox. June 7, 2011. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Greene, Jayson (September 10, 2007). "Kanye West Graduation – Music Review". Stylus Magazine. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2007.
- ^ a b c d McAlpine, Fraser (August 3, 2007). "Chart Blog: Kanye West ft. Daft Punk - 'Stronger'". BBC Music. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Rytlewski, Evan (June 17, 2013). "Kanye West: Yeezus". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ a b "Available For Airplay Archive". FMQB. Archived from the original on October 29, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Stronger : Kanye West". HMV. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Stronger : Kanye West" (in Japanese). HMV. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ "'Stronger' Kanye West 2007". Rolling Stone. 2013. Archived from the original on March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2013.
- ^ Henderson, Eric. (September 7, 2007). Review: Graduation Archived June 6, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Slant Magazine. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ "Kanye West – 'Stronger' track review". NME. July 13, 2007. Archived from the original on May 12, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ a b Tate, Greg (September 4, 2007). Review: Graduation Archived February 13, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. The Village Voice. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ Lynskey, Dorian (September 7, 2007). "Kanye West, Graduation". The Guardian. London. Archived from the original on October 5, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ Powers, Ann. (September 10, 2007). Hip-hop's Man of Two Minds . Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on October 6, 2009.
- ^ Betz, Chet (September 15, 2007). "Kanye West: Graduation". Cokemachineglow. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
- ^ a b Montgomery, James (December 4, 2007). "The Best Songs Of 2007, In Bigger Than The Sound". MTV. Archived from the original on December 8, 2018. Retrieved July 24, 2019.
- ^ a b "The 2007 Pazz & Jop Critics Poll". The Village Voice. February 6, 2007. Archived from the original on February 1, 2008. Retrieved February 13, 2013 – via Robert Christgau.
- ^ a b "Best Singles". Eye Weekly. January 16, 2008. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "XXL Lists The Best Hip-Hop Songs And Albums Of The Last 40 Years". XXL. January 9, 2014. Archived from the original on January 10, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "The Top 50 Songs of the 2000s". Consequence. November 24, 2009. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "The Decade-End Readers' Poll". Rolling Stone. December 8, 2009. Archived from the original on December 14, 2019. Retrieved December 29, 2019.
- ^ a b c "Readers' Poll: The Ten Best Kanye West Songs". Rolling Stone. June 26, 2013. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ Barber, Andrew; Klinkenberg, Brendan; Scarano, Ross (January 5, 2018). "The Best Kanye West Songs". Complex. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ McCormick, Neil. "Glastonbury 2015: Kanye West's ten best songs". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
- ^ "Top 10 Kanye songs ever". Jamaica Observer. June 8, 2016. Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ^ "15 Best Kanye West Songs Ranked". CraveOnline. January 26, 2017. Archived from the original on October 6, 2017. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
- ^ a b Barnett, Donovan (February 27, 2020). "The 40 Best Kanye West Songs, an Official Ranking". Highsnobiety. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. February 16, 2024. Archived from the original on February 11, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ a b "ASCAP Pop Awards 2008 - Most Performed Songs". ASCAP. April 1, 2008. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
- ^ a b "2008 BMI London Awards Winning Songs". BMI. Archived from the original on March 27, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
- ^ a b "2009 BMI Pop Awards Award Winning Songs". BMI. May 20, 2009. Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
- ^ a b "BMI Honors The Jacksons, T-Pain and Many More at Urban Awards in Los Angeles". BMI. September 5, 2008. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
- ^ a b Iandoli, Kathy (September 8, 2017). "How The 50 Cent, Kanye West 'Beef' Of 2007 Was A Hard Reset For Hip-Hop". Grammy. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Blitz: The Best of 2007 [Songs]". Blitz. November 30, 2007. Archived from the original on December 2, 2007. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ Purewal, Nav (December 18, 2007). "The Best Singles of 2007". PopMatters. Archived from the original on December 18, 2007. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Lamb, Bill (August 22, 2016). "Top 100 Pop Songs of 2007". Thought Catalog. Archived from the original on October 14, 2017. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
- ^ "Hottest 100 of 2007". Triple J. December 26, 2008. Archived from the original on September 1, 2019. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
- ^ "2008 International Dance Music Awards". Winter Music Conference. Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ a b "2008 NAACP Image Awards Winners". NAACP. February 14, 2008. Archived from the original on April 13, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
- ^ "Nominees & Winners for the 34th Annual People's Choice Awards". Seeing Stars. January 8, 2008. Archived from the original on September 19, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Duncan Macleod (August 20, 2007). "Kanye West Stronger In Japan". The Inspiration Room. Archived from the original on October 19, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e Janeé Bolden (July 5, 2007). "Hype Williams Reveals There's More To Kanye's 'Stronger' Video Than What You See". SOHH. Archived from the original on July 10, 2007. Retrieved May 1, 2019.
- ^ a b "Kanye West Music Video Inspired by Akira". Anime News Network. July 7, 2007. Archived from the original on September 8, 2007. Retrieved August 27, 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f Peters, Megan (March 8, 2018). "Remember When Kanye West Made An 'Akira' Inspired Music Video?". ComicBook.com. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Schoeber, Tyler (September 18, 2022). "What Happened to Shutter Shades? We Spoke to Their Creator to Find Out". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on April 30, 2024. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
- ^ "The Scoop on Kanye West's Sunglasses". People. June 5, 2007. Retrieved October 10, 2007.
- ^ "Video: Kanye West, 'Stronger'". The Fader. June 26, 2007. Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ a b "2007 Hip Hop Awards Winners". BET. April 25, 2016. Archived from the original on December 12, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
- ^ a b "2007 EMA Nominations Out". MTV UK. September 24, 2007. Archived from the original on April 6, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ a b "2007 MTV VMA Nominees: Full List". Stereogum. August 7, 2007. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
- ^ "West Says He's Done With MTV After VMA Loss". Billboard. September 10, 2007. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ a b "Mobo Awards 2007: Winners in full". BBC News. September 19, 2007. Archived from the original on February 22, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2017.
- ^ a b "Video Music Awards Japan 2008". MTV Japan. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
- ^ "MMVA 08 Nominees". MuchMusic. Archived from the original on March 13, 2012. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
- ^ Crosley, Hillary (August 9, 2007). "'Graduation' day nears for Kanye West". Reuters. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ "Music: Top 100 Songs - September 1, 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ "Music: Top 100 Songs - September 8, 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Cohen, Jonathan (August 30, 2007). "Fergie Scores Third Solo No. 1 On Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 10, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ "Music: Top 100 Songs - September 22, 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Bronson, Fred (September 20, 2007). "Kanye West, Pink, Dolly Parton, Alicia Keys". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 28, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Cohen, Jonathan (September 21, 2007). "West has Hot 100 chart topper". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 28, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Cohen, Jonathan (September 28, 2007). "Soulja Boy tops Hot 100 chart". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 28, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ a b "Billboard Hot 100 Year-End 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 20, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
- ^ a b "Kanye West Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
- ^ "Island Def Jam's Best". Billboard. June 6, 2009. p. 36. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved April 29, 2024 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b "Decade End Charts - Hot 100 Songs". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
- ^ Zellner, Xander (May 31, 2018). "Kanye West's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ "Music: Pop Airplay Top 40 - August 11, 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ "Music: Pop Airplay Top 40 - September 8, 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "Kanye West Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
- ^ DeVille, Chris (March 8, 2018). "Pop Radio's Love Affair With White Rappers Continues Apace". Stereogum. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "Pop 100 Singles – September 29, 2007 – Page 1". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 25, 2007. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ a b "Kanye West Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
- ^ a b "Kanye West Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
- ^ Grein, Paul (March 13, 2013). "Week Ending March 10, 2013. Songs: The Record-Setter That Isn't #1". Yahoo! Music. Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ a b Ahlgrim, Callie (February 28, 2024). "Every Song in History That's Been Certified Diamond". Business Insider. Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Gold & Platinum – Digital singles". Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ "Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs - August 18, 2007". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ a b "Kanye West Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "Nielsen Music 2007 Year End Music Industry Report For Canada". Business Wire. January 4, 2008. Archived from the original on February 20, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
- ^ a b "The Nielsen Company 2008 Canadian Music Industry Report". Reuters. January 7, 2009. Archived from the original on November 14, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
- ^ a b "Monitor Latino Top 20: Inglés" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Archived from the original on November 21, 2007. Retrieved March 26, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Kanye West – Stronger". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "50 Cent tops Kanye West on NZ charts". Stuff. January 31, 2009. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ "Forget 50, Kanye - Blunt takes top spot". Stuff. January 31, 2009. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "Latest Gold / Platinum Singles". Radioscope. August 21, 2011. Archived from the original on August 31, 2011.
- ^ West, Dave (September 5, 2007). "Fergie holds top spot in Australia". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ "The ARIA Report, Week commencing 3 September 2007, Chart# 913, p. 14" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 16, 2007. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "End of Year Charts – Top 100 Singles 2007". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on February 5, 2008. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ Jolly, Nathan (September 19, 2017). "These 20 songs have been in the ARIA Top 500 the longest". The Music Network. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2020 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts. Archived from the original on January 5, 2019. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ Copsey, Rob (August 19, 2007). "Kanye claims first UK number one". BBC News. Archived from the original on April 21, 2009. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ West, Dave (August 28, 2007). "Kanye West holds on at top with 'Stronger'". Digital Spy. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "Top 40 Singles of the Year 2007". BBC Radio 1. Archived from the original on January 2, 2008. Retrieved December 30, 2007.
- ^ Cleland, Gary (December 12, 2007). "Amy Winehouse tops year end iTunes chart". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
- ^ "Kanye West | full Official Chart History". Official Charts. Archived from the original on November 25, 2018. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
- ^ Copsey, Rob (April 17, 2017). "The Official Top 100 biggest Hip-Hop Songs of all time". Official Charts. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
- ^ White, Jack (August 5, 2021). "Kanye West's Official Top 40 biggest songs in the UK". Official Charts. Archived from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
- ^ a b "British single certifications – Kanye West – Stronger". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved February 1, 2022.
- ^ a b "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Stronger". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
- ^ a b "Kanye West – Stronger" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Archived from the original on December 27, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
- ^ a b "Best of Singles 2007". IRMA. Archived from the original on June 28, 2015. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "Kanye West – Stronger". VG-lista. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ a b "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
- ^ a b "European Hot 100 Singles – October 13, 2007 – Page 2". Billboard. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Kanye West: Stronger" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ a b "Kanye West – Stronger" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
- ^ a b "Kanye West – Stronger". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ a b "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 45. týden 2007 in the date selector. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
- ^ a b "Kanye West – Stronger". Singles Top 100. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ a b "Kanye West – Stronger". Tracklisten. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ a b "Danish single certifications – Kanye West – Stronger". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved February 15, 2022.
- ^ a b "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (Kanye West; 'Stronger')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ a b "Italian single certifications – Kanye West – Stronger" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved October 21, 2019. Select "2019" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Stronger" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
- ^ Montgomery, James (December 10, 2007). "Fergie, Maroon 5, Amy Winehouse Are iTunes' Most Artists of 2007". MTV. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
- ^ "Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga Top iTunes All-Time Most Downloaded Songs". MTV. February 11, 2010. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
- ^ a b Cooper, Roman (June 26, 2010). "Kanye West Sued For Stealing 'Stronger'". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ a b c Eriq Gardner (November 23, 2011). "Kanye West Cites Nietzsche in Copyright Battle Over 'Stronger'". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ "Kanye West Says He Stole 'Stronger' From Nietzsche, Not Random Songwriter". Spin. November 23, 2011. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ a b c Gardner, Eriq (August 21, 2012). "Hollywood Docket: Kanye West Is 'Stronger' in Appeals Court Win". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 4, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ a b Watkins, Grouchy Greg (August 23, 2012). "Kanye Emerges Victorious In Lawsuit Over 'Stronger'". AllHipHop. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ Devin (July 1, 2007). "Concert For Diana Performances". Rap-Up. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Cohen, Jonathan (July 7, 2007). "The Police, West, Mayer Close Out Live Earth New York". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Cooper, Leonie (June 16, 2007). "Kanye West; Carling Apollo, Manchester, Monday July 2". NME. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Cohen, Jonathan; Grimes, Taylor (August 7, 2007). "Beyonce, Timberlake Lead MTV VMA Nominations". Billboard. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c Montgomery, James (September 10, 2007). "Kanye West Loses It Again, Says He'll 'Never Return To MTV': Report". MTV. Archived from the original on March 4, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Mansky, Jackie (August 25, 2013). "MTV VMAs: A Kanye West Retrospective (Video)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Kanye: Britney And I Were Exploited". CBS News. September 11, 2007. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Devin (September 30, 2007). "Video: Kanye West on 'Saturday Night Live'". Rap-Up. Archived from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
- ^ Halperin, Shirley (October 17, 2007). "Things We Saw (and Heard) at the Kanye West T-Mobile Party". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Daft Punk Make Surprise Grammy Appearance With Kanye West". NME. February 11, 2008. Archived from the original on January 3, 2010. Retrieved February 10, 2008.
- ^ Mojica, Frank (November 9, 2010). "YouTube Live: Kanye West and Daft Punk get 'Stronger' at the Grammys". Consequence. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Checkoway, Laura (April 4, 2008). "Kanye West Gets the Art Crowd High at Intimate Brooklyn Gig". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved April 19, 2008.
- ^ a b Kaufman, Gil (June 25, 2008). "Kanye West Nearly Destroys Computer Blaming Bonnaroo, Pearl Jam For 4:30 A.M. Show". MTV. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Millard, Drew (June 11, 2014). "Kanye West Is Returning to Bonnaroo So He Can Conquer It Once and for All". Vice. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Dombal, Ryan (December 15, 2008). "Live: Teenage Girls Run Z100's Jingle Ball". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on April 21, 2009. Retrieved April 7, 2009.
- ^ "Video: Kanye West, 'Stronger' (Live on Vh1's Storytellers)". The Fader. February 25, 2009. Archived from the original on May 1, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Zoladz, Lindsay (January 20, 2010). "Kanye West: VH1 Storytellers". Cokemachineglow. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Navjosh (June 28, 2009). "Kanye West Performs 'Stronger' Live On Ellen's Bigger, Longer And Wider Show". HipHop-N-More. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Kanye West Closes Wireless Festival With Crystal-themed Show". NME. July 6, 2009. Archived from the original on July 9, 2009. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
- ^ Reid, Shaheem (August 6, 2009). "Kanye West Plays Intense, Brooding Set At New York G-Shock Party". MTV. Archived from the original on January 20, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ DiMeglio, Mary J (April 15, 2011). "Kanye West Slays Coachella Festival's Last Night". MTV. Archived from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Lilah, Rose (April 20, 2011). "Kanye West Throws Subliminal Shots at Amber Rose". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
- ^ Horowitz, Steven (May 2, 2011). "Wiz Khalifa Dispels Rumors Of Kanye West Coachella Confrontation". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on April 1, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
- ^ Carpini Jr., Gregory Delli (November 10, 2011). "Kanye West, Jay-Z Rock The Runway At Victoria's Secret Fashion Show". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
- ^ Battan, Carrie (November 30, 2011). "Watch Kanye, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj Perform on 'Victoria's Secret Fashion Show'". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on February 18, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "12–12–12 Concert for Sandy Relief Setlist". Billboard. December 13, 2012. Archived from the original on September 23, 2018. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- ^ Pederson, Erik (December 12, 2012). "The Concert for Sandy Relief: Concert Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- ^ "Kanye West and Alicia Keys Perform at '12.12.12: The Concert for Sandy Relief'". Rap-Up. December 12, 2012. Archived from the original on August 10, 2021. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- ^ Anderson, Stacey (June 10, 2013). "Kanye West Performs 'Yeezus' Songs at Governors Ball". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on April 28, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2021.
- ^ "Kanye West's Yeezus tour features 27-song setlist, giant mountain, Jesus Christ look-alike". Consequence. October 3, 2013. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Catucci, Nick (November 24, 2013). "On the scene: Kanye West's 'Yeezus' tour hits Madison Square Garden". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 4, 2021. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Millard, Drew (November 21, 2013). "I Went to the Yeezus Tour Two Nights in a Row and It Took Me Into the Twilight Zone". Vice. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Moorhouse, Drusilla (February 26, 2014). "Kanye West electrifies 'Late Night' with greatest hits medley". Today. Archived from the original on April 27, 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
- ^ a b c Paulson, Dave (June 14, 2014). "Kanye West returns to Bonnaroo on his own terms". The Tennessean. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Kanye Returns To Bonnaroo -- But Second Coming Of Yeezus Divides Festival". MTV. June 14, 2014. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Nostro, Lauren (September 1, 2014). "Watch Kanye West Perform at Los Angeles' 'Made in America' Festival". Complex. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Golden, Zach (December 2, 2014). "Watch Kanye West's Performance At The World AIDS Day Concert In Times Square". The Fader. Archived from the original on January 7, 2015. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
- ^ a b Halliday, Josh (June 28, 2015). "I disrupted Kanye West's Glastonbury set for Taylor Swift, says Lee Nelson". The Guardian. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Petridis, Alexis (June 28, 2015). "Kanye West at Glastonbury 2015 review – out on his own". The Guardian. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Goodacre, Kate (June 27, 2015). "Kanye West brings drama to Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage: 'You are watching the greatest living rock star on the planet'". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on April 27, 2021. Retrieved December 24, 2021.
- ^ Powell, Emma (July 27, 2015). "Kanye West storms off stage midway through Toronto Pan Am Games". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Bliss, Karen (July 26, 2015). "Kanye West Throws Mic, Walks Off But Still Impresses at Pan Am Games Closing Ceremony". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ Doherty, Mike (September 1, 2016). "Kanye West tour review – Saint Pablo's floating stage takes Yeezy to new heights". The Guardian. Archived from the original on July 14, 2019. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Olivier, Bobby (September 5, 2016). "Kanye West plays it straight at (surprisingly) focused NYC concert". NJ.com. Archived from the original on April 28, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Roth, Madeline (October 27, 2016). "Drake Went To Kanye's Saint Pablo Tour And Danced Like No One Was Watching". MTV. Archived from the original on April 28, 2024. Retrieved April 28, 2024.
- ^ Wilson, Colin (January 31, 2008). "Another sell-out show for 30 Seconds to Mars". Eastern Daily Press. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Jared Leto More Daft Than Punk". Vulture. September 18, 2007. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Panic sets in as Jared Leto's leg wobbles - Fearne Cotton - Fearne's Live Lounge trophy challenge". BBC Radio 1. Archived from the original on November 7, 2016. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Radio 1's Live Lounge - Thirty Seconds to Mars just performed the most magical mash-up of all time in the Live Lounge". BBC Radio 1. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ K., Simon (October 18, 2019). "Review: Thirty Seconds to Mars - This Is War". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Martin, Andrew (January 25, 2012). "Video: String Trio Performs Bluegrass Cover of Kanye West's 'Stronger'". Complex. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Kathiya, Henna (March 12, 2013). "Kanye West's 'Stronger' Covered On HBO's 'Girls'". MTV. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ a b "Allison Williams Talks About Performing Kanye West's 'Stronger' For 'Girls' On 'Late Night' (Video)". HuffPost. March 13, 2013. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Cruz, Gilbert (August 7, 2007). "Watch Marnie Sing a Mortifying Cover of Kanye West's 'Stronger' From Last Night's Girls". Vulture. Archived from the original on March 13, 2013. Retrieved March 11, 2013.
- ^ Harnick, Chris (February 12, 2017). "Allison Williams Reveals the Girls Moment She's Afraid to Relive". E! News. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Audio: Kanye West, 'Stronger (A-Trak Remix)'". The Fader. August 27, 2007. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ "New Kanye West – 'Stronger (A-Trak Remix)'". Stereogum. August 28, 2007. Archived from the original on July 29, 2017. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ Fuchs, Cynthia (September 28, 2007). "The Kingdom". PopMatters. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Holmes takes New York". Chicago Tribune. January 15, 2008. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Tucker, Alexa (November 6, 2017). "15 Celebrities Who've Finished the New York City Marathon". Self. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Now That's What I Call Music! 68 [UK] – Various Artists". AllMusic. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Landoli, Kathy (April 11, 2011). "Kanye West's 'Stronger' Named Greatest Workout Song Of All Time". MTV. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Natividad, Tim (April 4, 2008). "News Bites". UCLA International Institute. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ Hauner, Thomas (July 13, 2008). "Activity Placement: Why Kanye Needs Us and We Need Him". PopMatters. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "This week in Music Licensing". BrooklynVegan. January 21, 2009. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Young, Alex (April 16, 2010). "Kanye West's music turned into baby lullabies". Consequence. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
- ^ "Lullaby Renditions of Kanye West". Rockabye Baby!. Archived from the original on June 28, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
- ^ Manuel, José (2020). "cultura sampleada en la babel contemporánea" (PDF) (in Spanish). Universidad de La Rioja. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ Mason, Aiden (July 16, 2018). "The Five Best Uses of Kanye West Songs In Movies". TVOM. Archived from the original on November 24, 2023. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ a b Slezak, Michael (April 3, 2013). "The Voice Recap: Send in the...Clowns". Yahoo! Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Sager, Jessica (April 2, 2013). "Moses Stone Is 'Stronger' and Shows His 'Power' on 'The Voice'". PopCrush. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Berkowitz, Joe (April 2, 2013). "'The Voice' Recap: Go Nuts, Go Apebits". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Fu, Eddie (December 17, 2017). "G-Eazy's New Song 'Charles Brown' Interpolates Kanye West's 'Heard 'Em Say'". Genius. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Kanye West parody video starring John Tory 'withheld' over copyright". CBC News. July 17, 2015. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ "Lo spot televisivo di Watch Dogs 2" [The Watch Dogs 2 TV commercial]. IGN Italy (in Italian). November 7, 2016. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
- ^ a b c d Britton, Luke Morgan (August 1, 2017). "'Stronger' at 10 – how the Daft Punk-sampling track was the turning point in Kanye West's career". NME. Archived from the original on January 3, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
- ^ Frere-Jones, Sasha (May 20, 2013). "Back To Earth". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
- ^ Fletcher, Harry (June 1, 2018). "Top 10 Kanye West songs ever – we rank Ye's hottest tracks in order". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on January 3, 2019. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
- ^ Vontz, Andrew (January 2, 2008). "Entertainers of the Year: Daft Punk". Spin. Archived from the original on February 4, 2020. Retrieved February 20, 2020.
- ^ "1Xtra's Rewind, 10 Moments That Made Kanye West". BBC Radio 1 Xtra. August 3, 2013. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
- ^ "Kanye West's 'Stronger' Crowned Greatest Workout Song of All Time". Gold's Gym. April 7, 2011. Archived from the original on August 5, 2017. Retrieved July 12, 2019.
- ^ "The 50 Best Hip-Hop Workout Songs of All Time". Men's Health. August 13, 2019. Archived from the original on May 13, 2024. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
- ^ Bruner, Raisa (January 8, 2020). "The 50 of the Best Workout Songs to Motivate You". Time. Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
- ^ Chilton, Louis (January 7, 2020). "Best Workout Songs: 20 Tracks To Help You Get In Shape". uDiscoverMusic. Archived from the original on February 14, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
- ^ Kryza, Andy; Wetheimer, Kate (April 11, 2024). "33 best running songs". Time Out. Archived from the original on May 9, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Dimery, Robert (October 1, 2015). 1001 Songs: You Must Hear Before You Die. Cassell Illustrated. ISBN 978-1844038800.
- ^ Cooper, Edward (April 16, 2021). "These Are The 20 Most Popular Workout and Exercise Tracks". Men's Health. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ Cooper, Edward (April 16, 2021). "These Are The 20 Most Popular Workout and Exercise Tracks". Men's Health. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ Alexandria, Lavender (December 25, 2023). "Kanye West's 'Graduation' Reaches 5 Billion Total Spotify Streams". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on April 29, 2024. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
- ^ Knight, Rob (January 19, 2024). "Top 10 most motivational songs - from Kanye West hit to Eye Of The Tiger". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on April 24, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Kanye West – Stronger". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "Stronger / Can't Tell Me Nothing - Single by Kanye West". Apple Music. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ "Kanye West – Stronger" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "Kanye West – Stronger" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
- ^ "Kanye West – Stronger" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
- ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved August 9, 2020.
- ^ "Kanye West – Stronger" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "Classifiche (dal 03.09.2007 al 09.09.2007)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
- ^ "Kanye West – Stronger" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
- ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart: Sep 6, 2007". TopHit. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
- ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
- ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Dance Mix/Show Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
- ^ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 26, 2014.
- ^ "European Hot 100 Singles". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 13, 2009. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
- ^ "Top 100 Single-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 14, 2015. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
- ^ "Top Selling Singles of 2007". Official New Zealand Music Chart. Archived from the original on May 11, 2015. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
- ^ "Top Radio Hits Russia Annual Chart: 2007". TopHit. Archived from the original on April 26, 2024. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
- ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2007 – hitparade.ch". Hung Medien. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2019.
- ^ "Urban Club Chart" (PDF). Music Week. January 12, 2008. p. 16. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 10, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
- ^ "Rhythmic Songs - 2007 Year End Charts". Billboard. December 9, 2014. Archived from the original on January 31, 2019. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
- ^ "Canadian Hot 100 Year-End 2008". Billboard Magazine. Archived from the original on May 23, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2012.
- ^ "UK Singles Chart 2008" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved January 30, 2019.
- ^ "2016 ARIA Urban Singles Chart". ARIA Charts. Archived from the original on April 3, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
- ^ "2017 ARIA Urban Singles Chart". ARIA Charts. Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
- ^ a b "American single certifications – Kanye West – Stronger". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 9, 2024.