Champion (Kanye West song)
"Champion" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his third studio album, Graduation (2007). The song includes additional vocals from Tony "Penafire" Williams and Connie Mitchell. West wrote a letter to Steely Dan requesting to sample their work, which persuaded the band to approve of this. Band members Donald Fagen and Walter Becker were credited as
co-writers with West on the song due to their work being sampled, while the rapper produced it with Brian "AllDay" Miller. A hip hop, electro, and R&B number that samples Steely Dan's "Kid Charlemagne", it was described by West as a theme song for the people. Lyrically, the song sees Kanye focusing on his fatherly relationship with Ray West.
West received permission to sample "Kid Charlemagne" after a written letter to Steely Dan, pictured in 2007.
Several reviewers complimented West's rapping skills, a few of whom focused on his lyricism.
The Wrldfms Tony Williams
Antony Von Williams, known professionally as the WRLDFMS Tony Williams, is an American singer and songwriter. Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Williams is the first-cousin of American rapper Kanye West and has contributed vocals or songwriting to most of his albums, beginning with The College Dropout (2004).
Williams in 2006
Kanye West performing at Coachella festival while backed by Tony Williams, 2006