By having "Heard 'Em Say" enter at this position the same time his previous single "Gold Digger" ranked number-one on the chart, West became the sixth and penultimate artist to make the rare, coincidental achievement of securing both the top and bottom spots on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was a significant crossover success for both West and Levine. "Heard Em Say" managed to debut at number one-hundred and peak at twenty-six on the U.S. West reflects on socioeconomical issues assailing black communities as he encourages listeners to remain optimistic. The melancholic song is written from the perspective of an afflicted, impoverished American lamenting societal fallacies and questioning the ways of the world. Lyrically, "Heard 'Em Say" imparts contemplative moral soliloquies touching on social issues. The two artists decided to collaborate, working together to write the song on the same plane. When they came across a demo for "Heard 'Em Say," the singer had ready an unused chorus he'd written for his band that he felt was perfect for it. West introduced himself to Levine and played tracks from his forthcoming sophomore album on his iPod. West and Levine met for the first time and forged a friendship during a flight to Rome set for the 2004 MTV Europe Music Awards.
The song features a guest appearance from Adam Levine, lead vocalist of the American pop rock band Maroon 5. It was included as the opening song on the track-listing of his second studio album Late Registration. " Heard 'Em Say" is a song by American hip-hop recording artist and record producer Kanye West.
Jon Brion, Kanye West Late Registration chronology " Wake Up Mr.