Put On

Album: The Recession (2008)
Charted: 12
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song features Jeezy's Def Jam rostermate Kanye West rapping with a T-Pain-like autotuner.
  • Known at the time as Young Jeezy, this was the launch single for his third solo CD The Recession.
  • In this song the Southern rapper is affirming his pride for his city.
  • This was produced by Drumma Boy whose other credits include "Shawty" by Plies and "Umma Do Me" by Rocko.
  • Young Jeezy told MTV News: "Even if you ain't got it, you can do it. You can put on. Wear your best clothes if it's in your closet and just from the cleaners and it's clean. That's what putting on is. Wear your watch. It might not be the iciest, but it's yours. You may not have no 26s, you got 24s, but you putting on. There might not be nobody standing next to you who has 24s on at the time."
  • Drumma Boy came up with the beat at his home studio in Atlanta. He told Billboard magazine:

    "I was making the beat and I was pissed off to be honest with you because of a few things had happened. There were a couple of placements that I wanted that didn't happen. So I was like, 'I'm just gonna go crazy with the artists that are f--king with me. Like Jeezy giving me this opportunity. Let me just focus on Jeezy.'"

    Drumma Boy added: "So I just remember making this beat for Jeezy and as soon as I finished it, I bounced it, put it in Pro Tools, and split it out."
  • Drumma Boy had no idea Jeezy had recruited Kanye West for the track. "Next thing you know, Jeezy hit me back like, 'Yo. I got a surprise for you,'" he recalled. "Next thing you know, I wake up and I'm driving to the car dealership and I hear Mz Shyneka get on the radio and she's like, 'This that new Jeezy!' And I hear Kanye's voice. I was like, 'What's going on?' 'Shoutout to Drumma Boy. He went crazy for this one,' she said. It was just a movie, bro."

Comments: 3

  • Joey from Louisville, Kythis song is definitly one of the best rap songs ever. im more of a head banger but this song owns :)3-23-09
  • Zach from Mt P, MiAs well as it being a song showing pride in his city, "Put On" is a song about the change the United States is needing right now. The black and silver flag is a symbol for the change.
  • Fatima from Norfolk, VaGood song, love Kanye's verse!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.

British Invasion

British InvasionFact or Fiction

Go beyond The Beatles to see what you know about the British Invasion.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.

AC/DC

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.