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11 Years Ago: Kanye West Releases Spiritual Anthem ‘Jesus Walks’

By Trent Fitzgerald

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Eleven years ago today (May 25, 2004), Kanye West released “Jesus Walks,” one of the most polarizing tracks from his debut album, The College Dropout. On his spiritual anthem, the Chicago rapper contemplates on whether he should rap about his faith or sex and violence in order to get radio airplay.

On the song, Yeezy expresses his frustration with this verse: “So here go my single, dog, radio needs this / They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus / That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes / But if I talk about God my record won’t get played, huh?”

The song became a breakout hit on The College Dropout earning Yeezy a Grammy Award for Best Rap Song, along with his co-writer, fellow Chicago rapper Rhymefest.

But not only was the song brilliant, but Kanye made a bold and creative move to shoot three videos for the song.

It started when Kanye didn’t like the original version of the clip, which featured him as a preacher rapping from the pulpit as a prostitute, an alcoholic and a drug dealer seek redemption at his Baptist church.

So out of his own pocket, the “All Day” rhymer funded two more videos for the song.

The second version was shot by Chris Milk for $500,000. Set in the Deep South, it featured a chain gang and a Klu Klux Klan member carrying a burning cross while on fire. The third visual was directed by Coodie & Chike and shot in Chicago on a miniscule budget of $40,000. The black-and-white clip featured Jesus following Kanye while he goes about his day-to-day activities.

Overall, the three videos show that when Kanye has a vision he acts on it and makes it happen. Since it’s the 11th anniversary of his spiritual anthem “Jesus Walks,” we posted all three videos for your enjoyment.

Tell us which one is your favorite “Jesus Walks” video in the comments below.

[Version One]

[Version Two]

[Version Three]

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