First Chain

Album: Hall of Fame (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Nas and Kid Cudi join Big Sean on this track as they reflect on their Jesus Piece, a rapper's epitome of success.
  • Sean recalls on his first verse that the first Jesus Piece he saw was worn by The Notorious B.I.G.:

    "I be stuntin'
    Stuntin' like I got my first chain... B.I.G. was the first one that had it
    Then I saw Nas' chain, man, that was 'Illmatic'
    Then, I saw Kanye's hanging from his gold necklace
    Then 'Ye gave me mine, I'll show you my work ethic."

    When Sean signed with Kanye West's GOOD Music in 2008, he was given by 'Ye his very first Jesus Piece.
  • Though Kid Cudi split from G.O.O.D Music in 2013 to focus on Wicked Awesome Records, he left on good terms. Before closing out his verse with some harmonizing, Cudi shouts out G.O.O.D. Music ("G.O.O.D Music ni--a forever, understand?"). Sean revealed at the album's listening party that Cudi, "re-recorded his verse after he left G.O.O.D. Music. to show it's some family s--t, deeper than anything."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.