Diamonds from Sierra Leone
"Diamonds from Sierra Leone" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his second studio album, Late Registration (2005). The song was produced by West, Jon Brion, and Devo Springsteen. The producers, with the exception of Brion, are credited as songwriters alongside John Barry and Don Black, who both received credit due to their composition being sampled. The song was initially centered around the demise of Roc-A-Fella Records, though was later re-recorded once West learned about blood diamonds in Sierra Leone. West premiered the song for Hot 97 on April 20, 2005, before it was sent to US mainstream radio stations the following month as the album's lead single, through Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam. In the chorus, West interpolated the phrase "forever ever, forever ever" from OutKast's "Ms. Jackson".
Diamonds from Sierra Leone
Jon Brion contributed production to the song, after becoming involved with West through Rick Rubin.
West performing the song at the 2006 Brit Awards
Numerous reviewers applauded Jay-Z's feature on the remix.
Late Registration is the second studio album by the American rapper and record producer Kanye West. It was released on August 30, 2005, through Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. West recorded the album over the course of a year during sessions held at studios in Hollywood and New York City, in collaboration with Jon Brion. The album features guest appearances from Adam Levine, Jamie Foxx, Common, Brandy, Jay-Z, and Nas, among others.
Late Registration
Film score composer Jon Brion (shown in 2006) assisted with the album's production.
West played with an extensive orchestra on "Bring Me Down", "Gone", and "Celebration".
West spoke about the way he planned raps for Late Registration, specifying his aim for them to be understandable.