Higher

Album: Father of Asahd (2019)
Charted: 43 21
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Nipsey Hussle died on March 31, 2019 after he was gunned down outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles. "Higher" is an autobiographical reflection on the rapper's life. The celebratory ode starts with Hussle giving a shoutout to his grandmother and father for overcoming adversity and starting a family.

    My granny 88, she had my uncle and then
    A miscarriage back to back every year for like ten
    Pregnant with my moms, doctor told her it was slim
    Was bed-rode for nine months but gave birth in the end


    The second verse finds Hussle reflecting on the dangers and temptations he faced growing up in Los Angeles' Crenshaw neighborhood. He says it was "God's grace" that allowed him to survive the streets.
  • This was Khaled's first collaboration with Hussle. The producer recalled to Billboard that they shared poolside lunch together and he played the rapper the beat of the song and told him he wanted to put a "big boy singer on the hook." He left to give Hussle some space, then came back to find him writing lyrics.
  • Hussle's recording session for his second verse on "Higher" served as the inaugural bars recorded in his newly built studio. Khalid recalled in a live CRWN conversation: "He told me 'I did my second verse in my new studio. This is the first verse I ever did in this studio.' That's a blessing."
  • John Legend plays piano on the track and sings its aspirational hook. This was Legend's fifth collaboration with Khaled, following "Grammy Family," "Victory," "Never Surrender," and "Most High."
  • Directed by Eif Rivera (50 Cent, French Montana, Lil Wayne), the song's music video was cut just days before Hussle's death; it's said to be his final performance captured on film. The clip features Hussle, Legend, and Khaled in LA's Inglewood neighborhood, not far from where the rapper grew up.
  • DJ Khaled announced that all proceeds from sales of the song will go to Nipsey Hussle's children.
  • This won for Best Rap/Sung Performance at the Grammy Awards in 2020. Khaled and John Legend were part of a tribute to Nipsey Hussle at the ceremony.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

James Williamson of Iggy & the Stooges

James Williamson of Iggy & the StoogesSongwriter Interviews

The Stooges guitarist (and producer of the Kill City album) talks about those early recordings and what really happened with David Bowie.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Paul Williams

Paul WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

He's a singer and an actor, but as a songwriter Paul helped make Kermit a cultured frog, turned a bank commercial into a huge hit and made love both "exciting and new" and "soft as an easy chair."

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Eric Clapton

Eric ClaptonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really write "Cocaine" while on cocaine? This question and more in the Clapton edition of Fact or Fiction.