Flashing Lights (Kanye West song)
"Flashing Lights" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his third studio album, Graduation (2007). The song features a guest appearance from R&B singer Dwele and additional vocals from Australian singer Connie Mitchell. West co-wrote and co-produced the song with Eric Hudson, who had completed the production before the duo added a live string section in 2007. It was released to US rhythmic contemporary radio as the album's fourth single on November 20, 2007, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. A hip hop, electro rap, and R&B song with elements of numerous genres, it prominently utilizes strings and synths. Lyrically, the song features West rapping about a complicated relationship where a girl has power over him; he also compares the paparazzi to Nazis.
The song contains a guest appearance from Dwele, who first featured West on a 2004 remix of "Hold On".
The Museum of Modern Art in New York City, where West performed a medley including the song in May 2011.
At a 2014 concert on her Pure Heroine Tour, Lorde delivered a performance of the song, which was well-received by critics, who highlighted her creativity.
Graduation is the third studio album by the American rapper and record producer Kanye West released on September 11, 2007, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. Recording sessions took place between 2005 and 2007 at several studios in New York and Los Angeles. It was primarily produced by West himself, with contributions from various other producers, including DJ Toomp. The album features guest appearances from recording artists such as Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, DJ Premier, and Chris Martin. The cover art and its interior artwork were designed by Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.
Graduation (album)
West's experiences on arena rock tours such as U2's Vertigo Tour (pictured) inspired his direction for the album.
Connie Mitchell contributed vocals to several songs on the album.
The track "Everything I Am" features turntable scratches by famed record producer DJ Premier