| "Homecoming" | ||||
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| Single by Kanye West featuring Chris Martin | ||||
| from the album Graduation | ||||
| B-side | "Good Night" | |||
| Released | February 2, 2008 | |||
| Recorded | 2006 | |||
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| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 3:23 | |||
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| Kanye West singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Homecoming" on YouTube | ||||
"Homecoming" is a song by the American rapper Kanye West from his third studio album, Graduation (2007). The song was written by West and Warryn Campbell, who served as the producers, along with Chris Martin of Coldplay, who makes a guest appearance. Martin came up with the concept during a jam session with West at Abbey Road Studios in February 2006. It was a re-working of West's 2001 recording "Home (Windy)", which was inspired by Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R.". The recording featured John Legend and a different beat, with a theme around West's hometown of Chicago that was maintained for the final version.
On February 2, 2008, "Homecoming" was released in the United Kingdom by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings as the album's fifth and final single. It is a hip hop song with elements of gospel and pub rock, accompanied by Martin's arena rock piano. The singer also performs the chorus, questioning returning home and adding a hint of reggae. In the lyrics of the song, West delivers an ode to Chicago and narrates his relationship with the city. He personifies Chicago as a childhood sweetheart named Wendy, expressing his guilt and rejection from her after leaving for fame.
"Homecoming" received mixed reviews from music critics, who were mostly divided in their responses to Martin's feature. Some praised West's lyricism and emotional impact, while a few critics identified the song as a highlight of Graduation. It was later ranked as among West's best songs by numerous publications, including The Jamaica Observer and CraveOnline. The song charted at number 69 on the US Billboard Hot 100, while reaching number 15 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. It was more successful in Europe, peaking within the top 10 of Ireland and the United Kingdom. The song attained top 40 positions in 11 other countries, including Norway and Denmark. In the United States, the song was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It was certified platinum in Denmark by IFPI Danmark and in the UK by British Phonographic Industry.
An accompanying black-and-white music video was filmed in Chicago during November 2007 and released in April 2008. The video features a montage of West traversing the streets of the city and showcases its landmarks, alongside cameos from his friends and rap acts there. It was nominated for Best Hip Hop Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards. West delivered a live performance of "Homecoming" at The Box nightclub in August 2010, accompanied by Legend at the grand piano. The rapper performed the song at the Global Gathering in 2008 and Coachella in 2011. Dave delivered a piano cover of it live in April 2022.