Big Brother (Kanye West song)

"Big Brother" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, released as the closing track on his third studio album, Graduation (2007). West co-wrote the song with Toomp, who was the sole producer. It originally utilized Prince's "It's Gonna Be Lonely" for the beat, until he refused to approve and a re-recording was done. The song was written by West as a tribute to his close friend and mentor Jay-Z, who has shown his appreciation for it. West first teased the song in August 2007 for the BBC Radio 1Xtra event "Audience with Kanye West". A hip hop song with synths, it features a varied pace of rapping from West. In the lyrics, West introspectively examines the complexities of his friendship with Jay-Z.

"Big Brother" received generally positive reviews from music critics, who mostly lauded the theme. They often highlighted West's honesty and heavy detail, while some reviewers complimented the composition. Though not released as a single, the song peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart. West first performed it at the Westminster Central Hall of Westminster, London in August 2007. During 2007, he and Jay-Z performed a rendition of the song and the latter's "Encore" on BET's 106 & Park, and JAM'N 94.5. Bobby Creekwater recorded a reinterpretation of the former in February 2009, dedicated to Eminem and their working relationship.