You’ve probably heard the name Kanye West more times than you can count. He is one of the biggest names in music, with over 24 Grammy Awards and albums such as The College Dropout, Graduation, and My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which changed rap forever.
Songs like “Gold Digger,” “Stronger,” and “Runaway” made him a global icon. But not every Kanye track hits you the same way. Some cut deeper.
The violent crimes lyrics are one of those rare moments where Kanye drops his armor and gets real. Raw, emotional, and layered with meaning. What is he really saying, and why does it still haunt you long after the song ends?
About the Song
“Violent Crimes” is the closing track from Kanye West’s 2018 album Ye. The song explores themes of fatherhood, vulnerability, and personal growth, as Kanye reflects on raising daughters and confronting his past behavior toward women.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Violent Crimes |
| Artist | Kanye West |
| Album | Ye |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Genre | R&B |
| Song Writer(s) | Kanye West, Danielle Balbuena, Irving Lorenzo, James Ireland, Jordan Thorpe, Kevin Parker, Malik Jones, Marcus Vest, Mike Dean, Tyrone Griffin, Jr. |
| Producers | Kanye West, Irv Gotti, 7 Aurelius |
| Featured Artists | 070 Shake, Ty Dolla $ign, Nicki Minaj |
| Label | GOOD Music / Def Jam Recordings |
“Violent Crimes” stands out as one of Kanye West’s most introspective tracks, offering a rare glimpse into his emotional depth. Its honest storytelling and reflective tone continue to resonate with listeners worldwide.
Violet Crimes Lyrics by Kanye West
[Intro: 070 Shake]
Fallin’, dreamin’, talkin’ in your sleep
I know you want to cry all night, all night
Plottin’, schemin’, finding
Reason to defend all of your violent nights
Promise me you will be (Oh)
[Chorus: 070 Shake]
Don’t you grow up in a hurry, your mom will be worried, oh
It was all part of the story, even the scary nights
Thank you for all of the glory, you will be remembered, oh
Thank you to all of the heroes of the night (Night, night)
They gotta repaint the colors, the lie is wearin’ off
Reality is upon us, colors drippin’ off
Colors drippin’ off
[Verse: Kanye West]
Niggas is savage, niggas is monsters
Niggas is pimps, niggas is players
‘Til niggas have daughters, now they precautious
Father, forgive me, I’m scared of the karma
‘Cause now I see women as somethin’ to nurture
Not somethin’ to conquer
I hope she like Nicki, I make her a monster
Not havin’ ménages, I’m just bein’ silly
I answered the door like Will Smith and Martin
Nigga, do we have a problem?
Matter fact, Marlon, this ain’t Meet the Fockers
I’ll beat his ass, pray I beat the charges
No, Daddy don’t play, not when it come to they daughters
Don’t do no yoga, don’t do pilates
Just play piano and stick to karate
I pray your body’s draped more like mine
And not like your mommy’s
Just bein’ salty, but niggas is nuts
And I am a nigga, I know what they want
I pray that you don’t get it all at once
Curves under your dress, I know it’s pervs all on the net
All in the comments, you wanna vomit
That’s your baby, you love her to death
Now she cuttin’ class and hangin’ with friends
You break a glass and say it again
She can’t comprehend the danger she in
If you whoop her ass, she move in with him
Then he whoop her ass, you go through it again
But how you the devil rebukin’ the sin?
Let’s pray we can put this behind us
I swear that these times is the wildest
She got the scars, they serve as reminders
Blood still on her pajamas
But yesterday is dead, yeah, moment of silence
Next, she’ll be off to college and then at the altar
‘Cause she know that niggas is savage, niggas is monsters
Niggas is pimps, niggas is players, ’til niggas have daughters
Niggas is pimps, niggas is players, ’til niggas have daughters
[Chorus: 070 Shake, 070 Shake & Ty Dolla $ign]
Don’t you grow up in a hurry, your mom will be worried, oh
It was all part of the story, even the scary nights
Thank you for all of the glory, you will be remembered, oh
Thank you to all of the heroes of the night (Night, night)
They gotta repaint the colors, the lie is wearin’ off
Reality is upon us, colors drippin’ off
Colors drippin’ off
[Outro: Nicki Minaj]
I’m saying it like, “I want a daughter like Nicki, aw, man, I promise
I’ma turn her to a monster, but no ménages.”
I don’t know how you s-sayin’ it, but let ’em hear this
Violent Crimes Lyrics Meaning
When you first listen to “Violent Crimes,” it might feel like just another Kanye track. But sit with it for a moment, and you will realize it hits differently.
Kanye wrote this song for his daughter, North. He talks about his deepest fears as a father, the kind that keep you up at night. The violent crimes lyrics show how fatherhood changed the way Kanye sees the world.
He thinks about the dangers his daughter could face, and it scares him. But it also changes him. He reflects on his past behavior toward women and now feels the weight of it.
Songs Similar to Violet Crimes
If you connected with the emotional depth of Violent Crimes, these songs offer a similar blend of introspection and reflective storytelling.
- Daughters by NAS – Powerful reflection on how men’s behavior affects the women in their lives, especially daughters. Like Violent Crimes, it centers on fatherhood, protection, and accountability.
- Only One by Kanye West ft. Paul McCartney – A heartfelt, almost lullaby-like song where Kanye imagines a message from his late mother. It shares the same emotional vulnerability and family-focused perspective.
- 4 Your Eyez Only by J. Cole – A deeply personal storytelling track about legacy, fatherhood, and life lessons. Its introspective narrative closely mirrors the reflective tone of Violent Crimes.
- Ghost Town by Kanye West – An atmospheric, emotional song about freedom and inner healing. It shares the same raw vulnerability and melodic, introspective production style.
- Hey Mama by Kanye West – A tribute to Kanye’s mother, filled with gratitude and love. It connects through its sincere emotional core and focus on family relationships.
These songs capture the same emotional weight and introspective storytelling that make Violent Crimes so impactful.
Artists Similar to Kanye West
Kanye West’s influence goes far beyond traditional hip-hop, blending innovation, emotional storytelling, and genre experimentation. If you enjoy his music, these artists capture a similar mix of creativity, depth, and unique sound design.
1. Kid Cudi
- Genre: Hip-Hop / Alternative Rap / Psychedelic Rap
- Top Album:Man on the Moon: The End of Day
- Famous Songs:Day ‘n’ Nite, Pursuit of Happiness, Mr. Rager
2. Travis Scott
- Genre: Hip-Hop / Trap / Psychedelic Trap
- Top Album:Astroworld
- Famous Songs:SICKO MODE, Goosebumps, Highest in the Room
3. Tyler, The Creator
- Genre: Alternative Hip-Hop / Experimental Rap
- Top Album:IGOR
- Famous Songs:EARFQUAKE, See You Again, Yonkers
4. Kendrick Lamar
- Genre: Hip-Hop / Conscious Rap
- Top Album:To Pimp a Butterfly
- Famous Songs:HUMBLE., Alright, DNA.
5. Frank Ocean
- Genre: R&B / Alternative R&B / Soul
- Top Album:Blonde
- Famous Songs:Thinkin Bout You, Nights, Pink + White
These artists reflect different sides of Kanye’s artistry, from emotional vulnerability and introspection to bold experimentation and production innovation.
The Bottom Line
Some songs just stay with you. “Violent Crimes” is one of them. And now that you have dug into the lyrics of violent crimes, you can hear them with completely fresh ears. It is not just about fear. It is about growth, guilt, and love all wrapped into one track.
Kanye did not write this to impress anyone. He wrote it because he had to. That kind of honesty is rare in music, and you can feel every word of it.
The meaning runs deeper than most people realize. Once you understand the emotion behind it, the song hits on a whole different level.
Go back and listen to it one more time. You will catch something you missed before. Trust it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Kanye’S Most Famous Quote?
One of Kanye West’s most famous quotes is: “I am a god.” It shows his bold and confident personality. Another popular quote is, “For me, money is not my definition of success. Inspiring people is.”
Why Did Kanye Call Himself Ye?
Kanye changed his name to “Ye” in 2018. He said “Ye” is the most commonly used word in the Bible and means “you.” For him, it represents everyone, not just himself.
Does Kanye West Have A Disability?
Kanye West has said that he has bipolar disorder, a mental health condition. He was diagnosed in 2016 and has talked about how it affects his life and creativity.