:Homecoming (Kanye West song)

File:Abbey road studios.jpg, where the song was recorded and West first met Martin by chance.]]

"Homecoming" was produced by West and record producer Warryn Campbell, who served as co-writers with Coldplay's lead vocalist Chris Martin.{{cite AV media notes |others=Kanye West |title=Graduation |year=2007 |publisher=Roc-A-Fella Records }} On February 13, 2006, Coldplay played a live show for BBC Radio 2 at London's Abbey Road Studios, where West was in attendance. West had wanted an appearance from Martin on "Homecoming" to crossover to working with the member of a mainstream band; they collaborated on the song after the show.{{cite news|url=https://www.abbeyroad.com/news/15-years-ago-today-the-story-of-kanye-wests-homecoming-2911|title=15 Years Ago Today - The Story of Kanye West's 'Homecoming'|publisher=Abbey Road Studios|date=February 13, 2021|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=March 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325185053/https://www.abbeyroad.com/news/15-years-ago-today-the-story-of-kanye-wests-homecoming-2911|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Uitti|first=Jacob|url=https://americansongwriter.com/3-songs-you-didnt-know-chris-martin-wrote-for-other-artists/|title=3 Songs You Didn't Know Chris Martin Wrote for Other Artists|magazine=American Songwriter|date=June 2023|access-date=March 25, 2024|archive-date=March 25, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325175043/https://americansongwriter.com/3-songs-you-didnt-know-chris-martin-wrote-for-other-artists/|url-status=live}} The rapper felt them being in the same place showed the collaboration was meant to be and brought by God, saying he "serve[d] as a vessel". After fellow rapper Jay-Z heard the song himself, he decided to invite Martin to make a guest appearance on one of his songs. The collaborators worked on "Beach Chair", released before Graduation on Jay-Z's Kingdom Come in 2006. On fellow album track "Big Brother", West references the tension that came from Jay-Z having a feature from Martin after he told him of their collaboration.{{cite web| last=Padania| first=Jesal 'Jay Soul'| title=RapReview Of The Week – Kanye West:: Graduation| url=http://www.rapreviews.com/feature3.html| website=RapReviews| date=September 11, 2007| access-date=March 27, 2024| archive-date=February 28, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228123500/http://www.rapreviews.com/feature3.html| url-status=live}} West recalled that he was initially reluctant for their collaboration due to his competitive nature, later regretting this.{{cite book |last=Beaumont |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Beaumont (journalist) |title=Kanye West: God & Monster |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-y3aBwAAQBAJ |date=2015 |pages=241, 242 |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=9781783233946 |via=Google Books |access-date=March 29, 2024 |archive-date=April 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427145154/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=-y3aBwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover |url-status=live }} In December 2008, West praised Coldplay's for their consistent musicality and representing British stadium music.{{cite magazine|title=Kanye West Interviewed|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/features/kanye-west-interviewed/|magazine=Clash|date=December 4, 2008|access-date=March 27, 2024|archive-date=March 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327151250/https://www.clashmusic.com/features/kanye-west-interviewed/|url-status=live}}

"Homecoming" was a reworking of West's track known as "Home (Windy)" that was recorded for a demo tape in 2001; the term "Windy" in its original title referred to Chicago's nickname of Windy City. The track relied on a looped sample of harmonious vocals from Patti LaBelle and the BlueBelles's 1963 cover of the show tune "You'll Never Walk Alone", accompanied by West's boom bap production.{{cite web|title=The Best Kanye West Songs From Before 'The College Dropout'|url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/pigeons/10-best-pre-college-dropout-kanye-west-songs|magazine=Complex|date=October 22, 2015|access-date=November 16, 2015|archive-date=September 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906143806/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/a/pigeons/10-best-pre-college-dropout-kanye-west-songs|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Griffin|first=Marc|url=https://www.vibe.com/lists/songs-that-sample-patti-labelle/kanye-west-home-feat-john-legend/|title=Patti LaBelle: What's That Sample?|magazine=Vibe|date=May 24, 2023|access-date=March 26, 2024|archive-date=March 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326142637/https://www.vibe.com/lists/songs-that-sample-patti-labelle/kanye-west-home-feat-john-legend/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Quilantan|first=Vanessa|url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/the-four-best-patti-labelle-samples-7049077|title=The Four Best Patti Labelle Samples|newspaper=Dallas Observer|date=February 13, 2013|access-date=March 26, 2024|archive-date=March 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326142637/https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/the-four-best-patti-labelle-samples-7049077|url-status=live}} It featured a hook from singer John Legend under his real name of John Stephens, singing about soldiers who did not make it back home.{{cite web|author=Lynch, Joe|title=10 Things We Learned From Kanye West's Pre-Fame Mixtape|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2013/04/kanye-west-pre-fame-mixtape-prerequisite|publisher=Fuse|date=April 22, 2013|access-date=April 22, 2013|archive-date=April 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130425065622/http://www.fuse.tv/2013/04/kanye-west-pre-fame-mixtape-prerequisite|url-status=live}}{{cite news | author=Pareles, Jon | title=Kanye West - Graduation - Music | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/05/arts/music/05west.html | newspaper=The New York Times | url-access=registration | date=September 5, 2007 | access-date=March 26, 2024 | archive-date=December 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201111341/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/05/arts/music/05west.html | url-status=live }} "Home (Windy)" circulated under the new title "Home" on numerous mixtapes that West released over the years, including Get Well Soon... in 2003.{{Cite magazine |last=Barber, Andrew |date=February 9, 2016 |title=The 100 Best Kanye West Songs |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/02/the-100-best-kanye-west-songs/homecoming |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330022047/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/02/the-100-best-kanye-west-songs/homecoming |archive-date=March 30, 2016 |access-date=April 11, 2016 |magazine=Complex}}{{Cite news |last=Benbow, Julian |date=September 11, 2007 |title=After the Hip-hop Hype |url=https://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2007/09/11/after_the_hip_hop_hype/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070920181956/http://www.boston.com/ae/music/cd_reviews/articles/2007/09/11/after_the_hip_hop_hype/ |archive-date=September 20, 2007 |access-date=September 11, 2007 |work=The Boston Globe}} "Home" was also available on an advance copy of West's debut studio album The College Dropout (2004), the same year that Legend released his debut Get Lifted with the rapper's production.{{cite web|last=Greene |first=Jayson |author-link=Jayson Greene |title=Kanye West Graduation – Music Review |url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/kanye-west/graduation.htm |work=Stylus Magazine |date=September 10, 2007 |access-date=September 10, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929172650/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/kanye-west/graduation.htm |archive-date=September 29, 2007 }} However, this version was never released due to a leak months before its intended initial release date of August 12, 2003.{{Cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Road To The Grammys: The Making Of Kanye West's College Dropout|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1496766/road-grammys-kanye-west.jhtml|publisher=MTV|date=February 9, 2005|access-date=January 4, 2009|archive-date=July 18, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718104107/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1496766/road-grammys-kanye-west.jhtml|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Patel|first=Joseph|title=Producer Kanye West's Debut LP Features Jay-Z, ODB, Mos Def|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472302/kanye-west-readying-debut-lp.jhtml|date=June 5, 2003|publisher=MTV|access-date=April 21, 2009|archive-date=October 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026080735/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1472302/kanye-west-readying-debut-lp.jhtml|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |last=Goldstein |first=Hartley |date=December 5, 2003 |title=Kanye West: Get Well Soon / I'm Good |url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/westkanye-getwellsoon/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227103009/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/westkanye-getwellsoon/ |archive-date=February 27, 2013 |access-date=March 21, 2013 |website=PopMatters}} West used the opportunity to refine The College Dropout, as the project was significantly remixed, remastered, and revised prior to being released. In the end, "Home" and a number of original album tracks were retracted. West revised or reused lyrics from his early demo and mixtape tracks, such as basing "Homecoming" on "Home".

An entirely new beat was made for "Homecoming", even though it used verses from "Home", while Legend's hook was replaced by a chorus from Martin.{{Cite magazine|last=Shipley|first=Al|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/kanye-wests-graduation-10-things-you-didnt-know-w501933|title=Kanye West's 'Graduation': 10 Things You Didn't Know|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=September 11, 2017|access-date=September 11, 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203163048/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/kanye-wests-graduation-10-things-you-didnt-know-w501933|url-status=live}} The song served as a loving, emotional ode to Chicago.{{Cite news|last= Ruiz|first= Eric M.|url= http://observer.com/2016/05/fashawn-and-the-complex-relationship-with-our-hometowns/|url-access= limited|title= Fashawn and the Complex Relationship with Our Hometowns|newspaper= The New York Observer|date= May 17, 2016|access-date= March 27, 2024|archive-date= February 1, 2024|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240201003659/https://observer.com/2016/05/fashawn-and-the-complex-relationship-with-our-hometowns/|url-status= live}}{{cite web|title=15 Best Kanye West Songs Ranked|url=http://www.craveonline.com/music/1254187-15-best-kanye-west-songs-ranked/2|publisher=CraveOnline|date=January 26, 2017|access-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006071317/http://www.craveonline.com/music/1254187-15-best-kanye-west-songs-ranked/2|archive-date=October 6, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|last=Barnes|first=Tom|url=http://mic.com/articles/173953/kendrick-lamar-and-u2-s-xxx-comes-from-a-history-of-rap-rock-duets-they-re-not-all-bad#.28x2t7xIt|title=Kendrick Lamar and U2's 'XXX' comes from a history of rap-rock duets. They're not all bad|publisher=Mic|date=April 13, 2017|access-date=March 29, 2024|archive-date=October 18, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018065340/https://www.mic.com/articles/173953/kendrick-lamar-and-u2-s-xxx-comes-from-a-history-of-rap-rock-duets-they-re-not-all-bad#.28x2t7xIt|url-status=live}} West expresses a metaphoric narrative with a feminized personification of Chicago, depicting the city as a childhood sweetheart. The rapper kept most of his lyrics from the original, which were inspired by his labelmate and fellow Chicago rapper Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R." (1994) and he changed certain ones as Martin requested him to.{{cite magazine | author=Darville, Jordan| title=Kanye West's 10 Most Stripped-Down, Minimal Songs| url=http://www.chartattack.com/features/2013/06/17/list-10-minimal-kanye-songs/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624152335/http://www.chartattack.com/features/2013/06/17/list-10-minimal-kanye-songs/| url-status=dead| archive-date=June 24, 2013|magazine=Chart Attack| date=June 17, 2013| access-date=June 17, 2013}}{{Cite magazine |last=X |first=Dharmic |date=November 21, 2013 |title=Kanye West: 'I Will Never Be on The Same Level Rap-Wise as Jay Z' |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/11/kanye-west-jay-z-comparisons-q102 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004104528/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/11/kanye-west-jay-z-comparisons-q102 |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |access-date=September 19, 2015 |magazine=Complex}} He led Martin to forgo his typical midtempo balladry in favor of flashier, inspirational piano work.{{cite web|title=Kanye West Cares About Dopey White People|url=https://www.vulture.com/2007/08/who_will_be_kanyes_favorite_do.html|work=Vulture|date=August 28, 2007|access-date=March 14, 2008|archive-date=May 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512113651/http://www.vulture.com/2007/08/who_will_be_kanyes_favorite_do.html|url-status=live}} Martin's pounding piano was looped to begin off-beat for a raw, hip-hop sound, which displays a gospel influence recurrent in West's productions.{{cite web |author=Winkie, Luke |title=25 Best Kanye West Songs|url=http://www.redbull.com/us-en/20-best-kanye-west-songs|publisher=Red Bull|date=June 30, 2016 |access-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330193215/http://www.redbull.com/us-en/20-best-kanye-west-songs |archive-date=March 30, 2019}}{{cite magazine |author=Scaggs, Austin |title=Kanye West: A Genius In Praise of Himself |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanye-west-a-genius-in-praise-of-himself-20070920 |url-access=limited |magazine=Rolling Stone |date=September 20, 2007 |access-date=September 26, 2007 |archive-date=March 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309060656/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/16257550/kanye_west_a_genius_in_praise_of_himself/print |url-status=live }}

The song was described as "very emotional" by West during an interview with Concrete Loop on October 5, 2007. Inspired by his worldwide stadium tour with Irish rock band U2 from 2005 to 2006, he redesigned the song for it to be chanted.{{cite web|author=Lal, Kish|title=Graduation: The road to Kanye's Electronic Apogee|url=http://www.redbull.com/au-en/graduation-the-road-to-kanye-wests-electronic-apogee|publisher=Red Bull|date=September 10, 2017|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081158/https://www.redbull.com/au-en/graduation-the-road-to-kanye-wests-electronic-apogee|url-status=live}} During the recording and production of Graduation, West was listening to other bands like Keane, the Killers, and Radiohead for heavy inspiration.{{cite news|author=Lyons, Patrick|title=Kanye West's 'Graduation,' Ten Years On|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/on-graduation-kanye-west-reached-for-the-stars-fell-and-landed-on-the-clouds-news.37177.html|work=HotNewHipHop|date=September 11, 2017|access-date=September 12, 2017|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912013424/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/on-graduation-kanye-west-reached-for-the-stars-fell-and-landed-on-the-clouds-news.37177.html|url-status=live}} Accordingly, the new composition features sharp piano flourishes placed over booming, stadium music to accompany a sing-along pop chorus.{{cite news |author=MacInnes, Paul |title=Readers Recommend: Songs About Uncertainty |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2010/oct/22/readers-recommend-songs-uncertainty?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=October 21, 2010 |access-date=November 12, 2017 |location=London |archive-date=May 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513011331/https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2010/oct/22/readers-recommend-songs-uncertainty?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Niedzielski, Nick |date=February 18, 2013 |title=MEB Ranks: Best Albums Of 2007' |url=http://mindequalsblown.net/features/meb-ranks/meb-ranks-best-albums-of-2007 |url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512112710/http://mindequalsblown.net/features/meb-ranks/meb-ranks-best-albums-of-2007 |archive-date=May 12, 2018 |access-date=June 30, 2014 |website=Mind Equals Blown}} Meanwhile, the piano accompaniment is laden with energetic minor chords and results in arena rock.{{cite news |author=Swash, Rosie |title=Ready For a Fall, Hot Chip Rise To Expectations |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jan/22/singlesclub.rosieswash |newspaper=The Guardian |date=January 22, 2008 |access-date=September 9, 2017 |location=London |archive-date=May 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510185025/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/jan/22/singlesclub.rosieswash |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://us.napster.com/artist/kanye-west/album/graduation-explicit |title=Graduation (Explicit) by Kanye West |publisher=Napster |access-date=May 11, 2018 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612162544/https://us.napster.com/artist/kanye-west/album/graduation-explicit |url-status=dead }}

File:John Legend performing in Pennsylvania.jpg.]]

West and Martin met each other for the very first time when Coldplay played a show at Abbey Road on February 13, 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/kanye-wests-indie-rock-dalliances-31676/8-coldplay/|title=Kanye West's Indie Rock Dalliances – Coldplay|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 1, 2023|access-date=March 26, 2024|archive-date=March 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326175742/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/kanye-wests-indie-rock-dalliances-31676/8-coldplay/|url-status=live}} The rapper originally spent a one-day session in the venue's Studio Two recording strings, then booked the Studio Three for the week's remainder. Engineer Mirek Stiles spent this time working with different vocals takes and loops alongside the production team of West, who was then joined by Martin in the control room. West and Martin engaged in an impromptu jam session that included Martin singing into a Neumann U 47 and resulted in "Homecoming"; the singer came up with the concept.{{cite magazine |author=Park, Adam |title=Kanye West 'God Just Brings Collaborations Together' |url=http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/kanye-west |magazine=Clash |date=January 7, 2007 |access-date=April 13, 2008 |archive-date=January 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118040031/http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/kanye-west |url-status=live }} A beat was played to Martin from West intended for his 2005 single "Heard 'Em Say", to which he responded by suggesting it should be "more like a homecoming or something". Studio Two, used for an initial session, was the same studio the Beatles recorded in and West later had his photo on the wall of Abbey Road alongside the band in 2021.{{cite news|last=Dalton|first=Stephen|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/abbey-road-open-house-beatles-kanye-west-kyle-nile-rodgers-pink-floyd-b949563.html|title=Abbey Road Open House: from the Beatles to Kanye and Kylie, you can feel the music in the walls|newspaper=Evening Standard|date=August 13, 2021|access-date=March 26, 2024|archive-date=March 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326175742/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/abbey-road-open-house-beatles-kanye-west-kyle-nile-rodgers-pink-floyd-b949563.html|url-status=live}} At the time of recording, West was traveling around the world to meet collaborators. This was a different approach to his later years when people visited him to collaborate, and he frequented the Record Plant in Hollywood with percussionist Jon Brion.{{cite magazine|author=Saponara, Michael|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7957949/kanye-west-graduation-10-year-anniversary-interview|title=Grammy-Winning Engineer Anthony Kilhoffer Recalls Memorable Studio Sessions From Kanye's 'Graduation' Album|magazine=Billboard|date=September 19, 2007|access-date=September 19, 2007|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912035433/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7957949/kanye-west-graduation-10-year-anniversary-interview|url-status=live}} West also traveled to the Sony Music Studios in New York City (NYC), the Fever Recording Studio in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, and Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood to record "Homecoming". The song was mixed at Chalice Recording Studios in Hollywood and Chung King Studios in NYC.

West retracted the original vocal sample of "You'll Never Walk Alone" for "Homecoming" and replaced it with a looped piano riff, which he decorated over a stadium-friendly beat. Much of Graduation contained glossy, synthesizer-based productions influenced by West's experimentation with electronic music.{{cite web|author=D., Spence|title=Kanye West - Graduation Review|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/12/kanye-west-graduation-review|work=IGN|date=September 12, 2007|access-date=June 17, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008192913/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/12/kanye-west-graduation-review|archive-date=October 8, 2013}}{{cite web| last=Maza| first=Matías de la|title=Ordenando La Discografía De Kanye West: Un Ejercicio Arbitrario| language=Spanish| url=http://culto.latercera.com/2017/06/08/ordenando-la-discografia-kanye-west-ejercicio-arbitrario/| work=La Tercera| date=June 8, 2017| access-date=February 12, 2018| archive-date=May 10, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510115828/http://culto.latercera.com/2017/06/08/ordenando-la-discografia-kanye-west-ejercicio-arbitrario/| url-status=live}} He opted for a contrasting style on "Homecoming", with a more stripped-down and piano-based instrumental to complement the introspectiveness of its lyrics.

File:Marina10.jpg

Musically, "Homecoming" is an upbeat hip-hop song,{{cite web|last=Bernstein|first=Stephanie|title=14 Songs That Remind Us of How Much We Love Chicago|url=https://www.timeout.com/chicago/blog/14-songs-that-remind-us-of-how-much-we-love-chicago-112017|work=Time Out Chicago|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=February 27, 2018|archive-date=February 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201215931/https://www.timeout.com/chicago/blog/14-songs-that-remind-us-of-how-much-we-love-chicago-112017|url-status=live}} with a duration of three minutes and twenty-six seconds (3:26). The track is a gospel-inflected jam, featuring an anthemic stadium beat and elements of pub rock.{{cite web|author=McCabe, Bret|title=The Pay-Per-Listen Rap Rivalry|url=http://www.nysun.com/arts/pay-per-listen-rap-rivalry/61803/|work=The New York Sun|date=September 4, 2007|access-date=September 17, 2007|archive-date=February 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209063916/http://www.nysun.com/arts/pay-per-listen-rap-rivalry/61803/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |author=Thompson, Ben |title=Kanye West, Graduation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2007/sep/16/shopping.urban1 |work=The Observer |date=September 16, 2007 |access-date=September 17, 2007 |location=London |archive-date=October 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005183532/http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2007/sep/16/shopping.urban1 |url-status=live }} The song includes a raw, arena rock piano riff from Martin, which is looped. Martin plays an energetic piano, adding gospel elements. The instrumental of the song relies on the piano, as do the energetic minor chords. Its instrumentation also consists of percussion and heavy drums.

According to the sheet music published at Musicnotes.com by EMI Music Publishing, the song is set in common time, with a moderate tempo of 88 beats per minute. "Homecoming" is written in the key of E minor, and Martin's vocal range spans from a low of D₄ to a high of E₅. The musical composition uses four-measure phrases, which follow a basic chord progression of Em–D/F#–Em/G–G–Am₇–D/C–C_maj7–Bm₇.{{cite web| author=West, Kanye| title=Kanye West 'Homecoming' Sheet Music| url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0067930| publisher=MusicNotes.com| date=2007| access-date=June 10, 2008| archive-date=September 20, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920174421/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0067930| url-status=live}} Opening on a hammering E minor triad, the song's piano arrangement begins off-beat and incorporates flourishes. Throughout the track, the noise of a cheering crowd can be heard faintly in the background.

{{Listen|pos = right

|filename=Kanye West Homecoming.ogg

|title="Homecoming"

|description=A 20-second sample of West rapping the first verse to "Homecoming". West personifies his hometown of Chicago as a childhood sweetheart called Wendy that he identifies as "Windy", narrating their bittersweet relationship as he regrets leaving her and mentions how she rejects him. His performance is accompanied with an instrumentation driven by Martin's looped raw piano riff, alongside heavy drums, percussion, and the faint background noise of a cheering crowd.

| type = music

| format = ogg

}}

Lyrically, "Homecoming" serves as a love ode to Chicago from West and Martin. West uses introspection in a narrative that follows his bittersweet relationship with Chicago as his hometown across the song's two verses, personifying the city as a childhood sweetheart named Wendy.{{cite web |author=Siddiqui, Samir|url=https://uproxx.com/hiphop/review-kanye-west-graduation/ |title=Review: Kanye West – Graduation|work=Uproxx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612184523/https://uproxx.com/hiphop/review-kanye-west-graduation/ | archive-date=June 12, 2018 | date=August 30, 2007|access-date=April 24, 2008}} The rapper identifies her as "Windy" in the lyrics, mentioning that she "likes to blow trees". He acknowledges that the childhood sweetheart slipped away and expresses guilt over having left her for fame, not being able to feel at home after leaving despite rejection from her.{{cite web|author=Pattison, Louis|title=Reviews – Kanye West: Graduation|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/kanye-west/8950|work=NME|date=September 13, 2005|access-date=September 13, 2007|archive-date=October 20, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020032935/http://web.nme.com/reviews/kanye-west/8950|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Breihan, Tom|title=Kanye West: Going Nuts?|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2008/05/20/kanye-west-going-nuts/|work=The Village Voice|date=May 20, 2008|access-date=May 23, 2008|archive-date=May 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180513081121/https://www.villagevoice.com/2008/05/20/kanye-west-going-nuts/|url-status=live}} The lyrics reference Common's "I Used to Love H.E.R.", a rap song that similarly tells of a metaphoric relationship with a woman.{{cite magazine | last=Bonaime| first=Ross| title=Everybody Knows I'm A Monster: The Album Tracks of Kanye West, Ranked| url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/11/everybody-knows-im-a-monster-the-album-tracks-of-k.html?p=3| magazine=Paste| date=November 6, 2015| access-date=March 5, 2016| archive-date=July 14, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221855/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/11/everybody-knows-im-a-monster-the-album-tracks-of-k.html?p=3| url-status=live}}{{cite web | last=Kelly| first=Lauren Leigh| title=Hip-Hop Literature: The Politics, Poetics, and Power of Hip-Hop in the English Classroom| url=https://hcommons.org/app/uploads/sites/1002005/2023/05/Kelly-2013-Hip-Hop-Literature-The-Politics-Poetics-and-Pow.pdf| work=Humanities Commons| date=May 2013| access-date=April 4, 2024| archive-date=June 1, 2023| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601065448/https://hcommons.org/app/uploads/sites/1002005/2023/05/Kelly-2013-Hip-Hop-Literature-The-Politics-Poetics-and-Pow.pdf| url-status=live}} After each verse, Martin sings a smooth, sing-along pop chorus that poses the question of "Do you think about me now and then? / 'Cause I'm coming home again".{{cite news |author=Luke, Bainbridge |title=It's Kanye's World |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2007/aug/12/urban.kanyewest |newspaper=The Guardian |date=August 11, 2007 |access-date=March 12, 2008 |archive-date=September 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924131146/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2007/aug/12/urban.kanyewest |url-status=live }} His vocals were compared by The Observer and Digital Spy to that of musician and singer-songwriter Sting, frontman of the British post-punk band the Police.{{cite web|author=Levine, Nick|title=Kanye West: 'Graduation'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/review/a75414/kanye-west-graduation.html|publisher=Digital Spy|date=September 10, 2007|access-date=September 11, 2007|archive-date=April 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411163511/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a75414/kanye-west-graduation/|url-status=live}} Despite being from Devon, United Kingdom, Martin sings of a memory of fireworks at Lake Michigan, one of the North American Great Lakes.{{cite news |author=Lynskey, Dorian |title=CD: Kanye West, Graduation |url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2007/sep/07/urban.shopping |newspaper=The Guardian |date=September 7, 2007 |access-date=September 10, 2007 |location=London |archive-date=December 4, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204011102/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2007/sep/07/urban.shopping |url-status=live }} The singer also croons on the chorus and he delivers the line "e-yo-oh-oh" in a reggae style, evoking Jamaican musician Bob Marley.{{Cite web |last=Heaton, Dave |date=September 10, 2007 |title=Kanye West Graduation – Music Review |url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/kanye-west-graduation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216022235/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/kanye-west-graduation |archive-date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=September 12, 2007 |website=PopMatters}}

In January 2007, West told Billboard that he was considering releasing the song as the lead single for Graduation.{{cite magazine|author=Crosley, Hillary|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1055858/kanye-rolling-with-chris-martin-on-new-album|title=Kanye Rolling With Chris Martin On New Album|magazine=Billboard|date=January 19, 2007|access-date=January 19, 2007|archive-date=June 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628050847/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1055858/kanye-rolling-with-chris-martin-on-new-album|url-status=live}} "Homecoming" was first previewed when the digital radio station BBC Radio 1Xtra hosted an "Audience With Kanye West" event at the BBC Radio Music Theatre in London on August 13.{{cite web|author=MistaJam|title=kanYeWest – Graduation|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/mistajam/2007/08/kanyewest_graduation.shtml|publisher=BBC|date=August 14, 2007|access-date=August 15, 2007|archive-date=October 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017095422/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/mistajam/2007/08/kanyewest_graduation.shtml|url-status=live}} West guided a specially selected audience through Graduation, playing the album on his MacBook Air laptop via a speaker system. "Homecoming" was one of the tracks that West played during a listening session for Graduation at the New World Stages in Manhattan, NY on August 28, 2007. Inside an auditorium, West revealed his influences and aspirations. West played the songs from start-to-finish uninterrupted, with special programs of the lyrics handed out.{{Cite web|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|title=Kanye's Graduation: Inside The NYC Listening Party For West's So-Called 'Comeback'|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1568459/20070829/west_kanye.jhtml|publisher=MTV|date=August 29, 2007|access-date=August 29, 2007|archive-date=October 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021054752/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1568459/20070829/west_kanye.jhtml|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Longfellow, Robert|title=Album Preview: Kanye West's Graduation|url=http://allhiphop.com/2007/08/29/album-preview-kanye-wests-graduation/|publisher=AllHipHop|date=August 29, 2007|access-date=August 12, 2016|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006062158/http://allhiphop.com/2007/08/29/album-preview-kanye-wests-graduation/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Breihan, Tom|title=Kanye West's Graduation: A Preview|url=http://blogs.villagevoice.com/statusainthood/2007/08/kanye_wests_gra.php|work=The Village Voice|date=August 29, 2007|access-date=September 22, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023180552/http://blogs.villagevoice.com/statusainthood/2007/08/kanye_wests_gra.php|archive-date=October 23, 2012}} When an audience member asked West why "Home" became "Homecoming" with a new beat, he replied that he believed the original would not suit stadiums, but that the lyrics were too good to not use.{{Cite web |url=http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/an-evening-with-kanye-westa-graduation-ceremony/ |title=An Evening With Kanye West.....A Graduation Ceremony |publisher=MissInfo.TV |date=August 29, 2007 |access-date=December 12, 2017 |archive-date=December 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213090800/http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/an-evening-with-kanye-westa-graduation-ceremony/ |url-status=dead }}

On September 11, 2007, Graduation was released, including "Homecoming" as the twelfth track.{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r1113566|title=Graduation – Kanye West|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=October 16, 2009|archive-date=October 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028073119/http://allmusic.com/album/r1113566|url-status=live}} West subsequently imparted that it was among his three favorite songs from the album.{{cite web | author=Laws, Angel | title=Exclusive Interview W/ Kanye West | url=http://concreteloop.com/interviews-kanyewest | work=Concrete Loop | date=October 5, 2007 | access-date=October 5, 2007 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130428084427/http://concreteloop.com/interviews-kanyewest | archive-date=April 28, 2013 }} On February 2, 2008, the song was released for digital download in the UK by West's labels Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam as the fifth and final single from the album. The labels later issued it on a maxi-single in Germany on May 9, with "Good Night" serving as the B-side. Four days later, the song was serviced to US rhythmic contemporary radio stations. On July 1, 2008, the song was released on a CD single through Universal.

"Homecoming" was met with mixed reviews from music critics. Giving the song four out of five stars in Digital Spy, Nick Levine described it as the "emotional centrepiece" of Graduation, commenting that West shows his humanity and Martin provides "a pomp-filled piano riff" with undertones of English singer and composer Elton John. Levine noted how the song could have ended up becoming "a crass exercise in mutual back-slapping", thanking Martin for managing to bring out West's softness that marked "the bragging rapper's most affecting moment to date".{{cite web|author=Levine, Nick|title=Kanye West ft. Chris Martin: 'Homecoming'|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/review/a86125/kanye-west-ft-chris-martin-homecoming/|publisher=Digital Spy|date=January 18, 2008|access-date=January 16, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202164403/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/review/a86125/kanye-west-ft-chris-martin-homecoming/|url-status=live}} Jackie Im of Treblezine declared that the song exceeded his expectations, praising Martin's vocals on the hook for their heavy catchiness and his piano as reminiscent of Elton John, summarizing it as a "nice little pop song that leads into Kanye's most earnest moment".{{cite web|author=Im, Jackie|title=Kanye West: Graduation|url=http://www.treblezine.com/reviews/kanye-west-graduation/|work=Treblezine|date=September 10, 2007|access-date=November 4, 2007|archive-date=October 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008161058/http://www.treblezine.com/reviews/kanye-west-graduation/|url-status=live}} Pitchfork{{'s}} Mark Pytlik wrote that the song seemingly "hits all the right notes", aided by Martin.Pytlik, Mark. September 11, 2007. [https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/10658-graduation/ Review: Graduation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090929162018/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/10658-graduation/ |date=September 29, 2009 }}. Pitchfork. Retrieved on October 6, 2009. Vadim Rizov from Slant Magazine said the song is among West's strongest rapping on the album and quipped that in contrast to Jay-Z's collaboration with Martin on "Beach Chair", West may be able to "make Coldplay acceptable for the cool kids again".{{cite web|author=Rizov, Vadim|title="Indie 500": Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Joy Division and Pale Young Gentlemen|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/house/2007/11/indie-500-kanye-west-swizz-beatz-joy-division-and-pale-young-gentlemen/|work=Slant Magazine|date=November 1, 2007|access-date=March 14, 2012|archive-date=April 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411163333/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/indie-500-kanye-west-swizz-beatz-joy-division-and-pale-young-gentlemen/|url-status=live}} Ann Powers, for the Los Angeles Times, also held the belief that West bests Jay-Z's utilization of Martin's "reedy pipes".Powers, Ann (September 10, 2007). [https://web.archive.org/web/20121017223201/http://articles.latimes.com/2007/sep/10/entertainment/et-west10/2 Hip-hop's Man of Two Minds]. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved on October 6, 2009. Paste reviewer Ross Bonaime wrote that West's usage of Martin is the most successful and they are a "undeniably pretty great" duo, although found it weird hearing the singer sing of Chicago as home. Writing for NME, Louis Pattison was satisfied with the song, but questioned the decision for Martin to appear after he worked with Jay-Z.

File:Chris Martin + Guitar, 2011 (1, cropped).jpg in 2008, the same year of the song's release.|Music critics were split in their feelings towards Martin's appearance. Some praised his vocal performance, while others were unsure of the decision to feature him on the song as a British singer.]]

Several music journalists questioned the authenticity of Martin's appearance on "Homecoming". Dorian Lynskey of The Guardian paid attention to its flaws, advising against guesting Martin on a song about Chicago due to his Devon nativity and thought even his emotion cannot make being "moved by the memory" of Lake Michigan fireworks convincing. Nathan Rabin from The A.V. Club viewed the collaboration as showing West's "broad musical palette that occasionally gets him into trouble", feeling Martin to be unsuitable for representing Chicago's strong musical heritage.{{cite news|last=Rabin|first=Nathan|author-link=Nathan Rabin|date=September 11, 2007|url=https://www.avclub.com/kanye-west-graduation-1798202973|title=Kanye West: Graduation|newspaper=The A.V. Club|location=Chicago|access-date=April 8, 2013|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522160948/http://www.avclub.com/articles/kanye-west-graduation%2C7568/|url-status=live}} Exclaim!{{'s}} Del Cowie remarked that "Homecoming" lacks the level of emotion that a "hometown ode should elicit", attributing this to Martin's "yodelling soccer yob".{{cite web | author=Cowie, Del | title=Recently Reviewed | url=http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/latestsub.aspx?csid1=114&csid2=870&fid1=27524 | work=Exclaim! | date=October 2007 | access-date=October 13, 2008 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105192102/http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/latestsub.aspx?csid1=114&csid2=870&fid1=27524 | archive-date=January 5, 2008 }} Labeling the track as one of the album's transgressions, Noah Love of Chart Attack stated that it would be better without the singer's crooning and considered West was still finding his lyrical potential.{{cite magazine|author=Love, Noah |title=Kanye West — Graduation |url=http://www.chartattack.com/reviews/58703/kanye-west |magazine=Chart Attack |date=September 11, 2007 |access-date=November 16, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210055108/http://www.chartattack.com/reviews/58703/kanye-west |archive-date=February 10, 2009 }} Chicago Tribune music critic Greg Kot dismissed Martin's vocals and the "cornball piano riff", feeling that the song fails and results in the album's biggest misstep.Greg Kot (August 31, 2007). [http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2007/08/graduation-day-.html 'Graduation' day arrives: Kanye West exploits his growing pains] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120716152254/http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/turn_it_up/2007/08/graduation-day-.html |date=July 16, 2012 }}. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 1, 2010.

Some reviews of the song were not focused on Martin's vocals. While he upheld the belief that Graduation did not meet its expectations, Kyle Ryan of The A.V. Club wrote that the song is an example of "its usual share of West gold".{{cite web|author=Ryan, Kyle|title=Best Music of 2007: The Ballots|url=https://www.avclub.com/article/best-music-of-2007-the-ballots-2103|work=The A.V. Club|date=December 11, 2007|access-date=December 11, 2007|archive-date=March 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302225908/http://www.avclub.com/article/best-music-of-2007-the-ballots-2103|url-status=live}} NOW Magazine editor Jason Richards labeled the song as the highlight of the album.{{cite web|author=Richards, Jason|title=Discs Kanye West Graduation|url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2007-09-06/music_discs2.php|work=NOW Magazine|date=September 6, 2007|access-date=May 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014184343/http://nowtoronto.com/issues/2007-09-06/music_discs2.php|archive-date=October 14, 2007|url-status=dead}} At Stylus Magazine, Jayson Greene expressed that the usage of "Home" for the song is the album's prime example of West's "narrow lyrical focus" of reiterating his older works and strongly demonstrates he has not left his defining moment, despite "a big, stadium-ready beat". On a similar note, The Boston Globe{{'}}s Julian Benbow criticized West for the awkwardness of combining "a song from a four-year-old mix-tape" with heavy drums and piano.

Despite receiving mixed reviews, "Homecoming" appeared on several retrospective lists of West's best songs. In 2016, Complex listed the song at number 38 among West's 100 best songs. Also in this year, Jeva Lange of The Week identified the song as West's best track and was impressed by his personification of Chicago that showed a deep love, praising its evolution for the original too.{{cite web|author=Lange, Jave|url=https://theweek.com/articles/646486/kanye-west-song-made-chicago|title=A Kanye West song made me go to Chicago|work=The Week|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=May 18, 2019|archive-date=May 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518081527/https://theweek.com/articles/646486/kanye-west-song-made-chicago|url-status=live}} To honor West's 39 birthday in June, The Jamaica Observer composed a list of his top 10 best songs and placed "Homecoming" 10th.{{cite web| title=Top 10 Kanye Songs Ever| url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/None/Top-10-Kanye-songs-ever| work=The Jamaica Observer| date=June 8, 2016| access-date=December 13, 2016| archive-date=October 6, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006112037/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/None/Top-10-Kanye-songs-ever| url-status=live}} In 2017, CraveOnline ranked "Homecoming" as West's best song; the staff summarized that the instrumentation is the highlight and combined with the topic of his love for Chicago, makes for a "high point". Highsnobiety cited "Homecoming" as the 40th best West song six years later, with Donovan Barnett referring to it as a "classic Kanye cut" for the piano instrumentation, ode to the city, and Martin's chorus.{{cite web| author=Barnett, Donovan| title=The 40 Best Kanye West Songs| url=http://www.highsnobiety.com/2017/06/08/best-kanye-west-songs/| work=Highsnobiety| date=2023| access-date=April 25, 2024| archive-date=December 13, 2021| archive-url=https://archive.today/20211213090744/https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/best-kanye-west-songs/| url-status=live}}

"Homecoming" was declared the 50th greatest Chicago rap song by Complex.{{cite web|author=Barber, Andrew|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2010/11/the-50-greatest-chicago-rap-songs/homecoming|title=The 50 Greatest Chicago Rap Songs|work=Complex|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416013733/http://www.complex.com/music/2010/11/the-50-greatest-chicago-rap-songs/homecoming|url-status=live}} For Chart Attack{{'}}s list of Kanye West's 10 Most Stripped-Down, Minimal Songs, head writer Jordan Darville ranked it at number four. Discussing the track's lyricism, he mentioned it is among the introspectiveness of Graduation that is "much more deeply felt". Billboard cited "Homecoming" as among West's 10 most romantic songs; Jason Lipshutz stated that it marked one of rap's most loving hometown tributes.{{cite magazine|author1=Wete, Brad|author2=Lipshutz, Jason|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5763202/kimyes-wedding-playlist-kanye-wests-10-most-romantic-songs|title=KimYe's Wedding Playlist: Kanye West's 10 Most Romantic Songs|magazine=Billboard|date=May 23, 2014|access-date=May 24, 2014|archive-date=May 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524022733/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5763202/kimyes-wedding-playlist-kanye-wests-10-most-romantic-songs|url-status=live}} "Homecoming" received a nomination for Best R&B/Hip-Hop Track at the 2008 Teen Choice Awards.{{cite news|title=2008 Teen Choice Awards winners and nominees|url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17,0,2603341.htmlstory|access-date=December 26, 2017|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=June 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080912051322/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/env-2008-teen-choice-awards-scorecard17jun17,0,2603341.htmlstory|archive-date=September 12, 2008}}

File:One_Of_The_Last_Harold_Ickes_Buildings.jpg was one of the housing projects that West visited for the video's various filming locations.|alt=An image of a building in Chicago.]]

The accompanying music video was shot by the acclaimed director Hype Williams on location in Chicago on November 6, 2007. Williams and West had previously worked together on several music videos, including fellow album tracks "Can't Tell Me Nothing" and "Stronger". The music video was filmed entirely in black-and-white, with Williams taking a simplistic visual approach. West dressed in a patchwork shirt with a keffiyeh that had contrasting patterns.{{cite web| title=Kanye West – Homecoming Featuring Chris Martin| url=https://hypebeast.com/2008/4/kanye-west-homecoming-featuring-chris-martin| publisher=Hypebeast| date=April 1, 2008| access-date=February 9, 2012| archive-date=October 6, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006062329/https://hypebeast.com/2008/4/kanye-west-homecoming-featuring-chris-martin| url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Soo-Young |first1=Kim |last2=Deleon |first2=Jian |last3=Henson |first3=Matthew |title=Kanye West's 100 Best Outfits |url=http://www.complex.com/style/2012/06/kanye-wests-100-best-outfits/homecoming-music-video-shoot |magazine=Complex |date=June 12, 2012|access-date=November 22, 2017|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213083046/http://www.complex.com/style/2012/06/kanye-wests-100-best-outfits/homecoming-music-video-shoot|url-status=live}}

Prior to its premiere, West posted screenshots of the music video to his blog on March 6, 2008.{{cite web|author=West, Kanye |title=Home.....Coming.....Soon!!!! |url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=192769_-1__0_%7E0_-1_3_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281= |publisher=Kanye West Blog |date=March 6, 2008 |access-date=March 6, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309135042/http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=192769_-1__0_%7E0_-1_3_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281= |archive-date=March 9, 2008 }} He also made exclusive behind-the-scenes images from the shoot available. Additional behind-the-scenes footage was later obtained and release by Channel Zero in December 2010. The footage showed West on set with rappers Bump J, Wildstyle of Crucial Conflict, and Malik Yusef. Cameos were featured from Don C, Virgil Abloh, Ibn Jasper, Morocco Vaughn, and Orr Academy High School students.{{cite web| author=Barber, Andrew| title=Video: The Making of Kanye West's 'Homecoming' [Unreleased]| url=https://www.fakeshoredrive.com/2010/12/video-the-making-of-kanye-wests-homecoming-unreleased.html/| work=Fake Shore Drive| date=December 7, 2010| access-date=February 11, 2012| archive-date=August 19, 2011| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819201327/http://www.fakeshoredrive.com/2010/12/video-the-making-of-kanye-wests-homecoming-unreleased.html/| url-status=live}} On April 1, 2008, the music video was released on West's blog.{{cite web|author=West, Kanye |title=Homecoming (Ft. Chris Martin) |url=http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=193092_-1__0_%7E0_-1_4_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281= |publisher=Kanye West Blog |date=April 1, 2008 |access-date=April 1, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405153057/http://www.kanyeuniversecity.com/blog/?em3106=193092_-1__0_%7E0_-1_4_2008_0_0&em3161=&em3281= |archive-date=April 5, 2008 }}

File:Homecoming Music Video.png (The Bean) sculpture at Millennium Park in the black-and-white video.|alt=West walking in the "Homecoming" music video]]

The music video features a monochromatic montage of West rapping in a truck, wandering throughout many different areas of Chicago. The montage features slow-motion shots and angles highlighting the streets, buildings, monuments and citizens.{{cite magazine|title=Ranking All 43 of Kanye West's Music Videos|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/ernest-baker/ranking-all-42-of-kanye-wests-music-videos|magazine=Complex|date=June 8, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2024|archive-date=April 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422004835/https://www.complex.com/music/a/ernest-baker/ranking-all-42-of-kanye-wests-music-videos|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Anitai|first=Tamar|title=New Video: Kanye West, 'Homecoming'|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/emv47o/new-video-kanye-west-homecoming|publisher=MTV|date=April 14, 2008|access-date=April 11, 2024|archive-date=April 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411163326/https://www.mtv.com/news/emv47o/new-video-kanye-west-homecoming|url-status=dead}} The various locations and landmarks include the Cloud Gate sculpture at Millennium Park, DuSable Museum of African American History, Tribune Tower, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the Sears Tower, and the Cabrini–Green and Harold L. Ickes housing projects. Some of West's early friends follow him around Chicago, including a young girl that repeatedly makes appearances. Cameos are also made by local hip-hop acts like L.E.P. Bogus Boys and Common, whose work is referenced in the song. Throughout the video, these scenes are interspersed with animated silhouette outlines and shots of West rapping the song's verses. He is surrounded by reflective mirrors on top of a moving vehicle and Martin singing the chorus while playing an upright piano.

The music video was listed at number 84 on BET's Notarized: Top 100 Videos of 2008 countdown.{{cite AV media|title=Top 100 Videos of 2008|series=Notarized|publisher=BET|date=January 1, 2009}} On their 2013 list of West's 42 best music videos, Complex placed the visual at number 32; the writers praised the montage of West's revisit to the city with the accompaniment of friends and rap acts. VH1 ranked the music video as the fifth greatest clip filmed in an artist's hometown a year later, with Lucelenia Amparo hailing the shots of Chicago and "the perfect touch" from Martin.{{cite web |author=Amparo, Lucelenia |title=I'm Baaaaaaack! The 10 Greatest Music Videos Filmed In The Artist's Hometown|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/7gojk7/10-greatest-hometown-music-videos|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929080248/https://www.vh1.com/news/7gojk7/10-greatest-hometown-music-videos|url-status=live|archive-date=September 29, 2022|publisher=VH1|date=May 14, 2014|access-date=May 20, 2016}} It received a nomination for Best Hip Hop Video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.{{cite web|title=MTV Full List of Nominees|url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/mtv-full-list-of-nominees/news-story/82a0a372ef7814653664f3f6846b95a1|publisher=News.com.au|date=March 18, 2009|access-date=August 9, 2013|archive-date=February 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212091008/http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/mtv-full-list-of-nominees/news-story/82a0a372ef7814653664f3f6846b95a1|url-status=live}}

File:Kanye West at Bluesfest.jpg

"Homecoming" debuted at number 96 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for the issue dated June 7, 2008.{{cite magazine|author=Cohen, Jonathan|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045256/lil-wayne-tops-hot-100-amid-idol-infusion|title=Lil Wayne Tops Hot 100 Amid 'Idol' Infusion|magazine=Billboard|date=May 29, 2008|access-date=May 29, 2008|archive-date=July 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701215300/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045256/lil-wayne-tops-hot-100-amid-idol-infusion|url-status=live}} The next week, it rose to number 83 on the Hot 100.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-06-14|title=Music: Top 100 Songs – June 14, 2008|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 14, 2013|archive-date=July 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701071045/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-06-14|url-status=live}} The track then moved up 12 spaces, a week before peaking at number 69 on the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-06-21|title=Music: Top 100 Songs – June 21, 2008|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 28, 2015|archive-date=January 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111152304/http://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-06-21|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044099/ask-billboard-kanye-west-50-cent-and-kenny-chesney-uk-artists-rock-charts|title=Ask Billboard: Kanye West, 50 Cent and Kenny Chesney, UK artists, Rock Charts|magazine=Billboard|date=September 12, 2008|access-date=September 12, 2008|archive-date=January 4, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104070139/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044099/ask-billboard-kanye-west-50-cent-and-kenny-chesney-uk-artists-rock-charts|url-status=live}} It lasted for seven weeks on the Hot 100. "Homecoming" entered the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 68 on the issue dated May 22, 2008, standing as the highest debut of the week.{{cite magazine|author=Cohen, Jonathan|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045313/lil-waynes-lollipop-returns-to-hot-100-peak|title=Lil Wayne's 'Lollipop' Returns To Hot 100 Peak|magazine=Billboard|date=May 22, 2008|access-date=May 22, 2008|archive-date=July 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701215245/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1045313/lil-waynes-lollipop-returns-to-hot-100-peak|url-status=live}} Thereafter, the track peaked at number 33 on the chart issue dated June 14. That very same week, it debuted at number 19 on the US Hot Rap Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/rap-song/2008-06-07|title=Hot Rap Songs Chart – June 7, 2008|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 7, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826225430/http://www.billboard.com/charts/rap-song/2008-06-07|url-status=live}} Around a month later, the track reached its peak position of number 15 on the Hot Rap Songs chart issue dated July 12, 2008. By August 2015, "Homecoming" had been certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for amassing 1,000,000 certifiable units in the United States, standing as one of West's 10 platinum singles in the country for 2015.{{cite magazine|last=FD.|first=Aicha|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-strong-year-music-sales/|title=Kanye West Is Having a Strong Year in Music Sales Even Without Dropping a New Album|magazine=XXL|date=August 21, 2015|access-date=March 28, 2024|archive-date=March 28, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328111336/https://www.xxlmag.com/kanye-west-strong-year-music-sales/|url-status=live}} It was later awarded a triple platinum certification by the RIAA for reaching 3,000,000 certified units in the US on August 8, 2023.

"Homecoming" was commercially successful across Europe. The track debuted at number 19 on the Irish Singles Chart for January 10, 2008, marking the week's highest entry.{{cite web|url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2008&year=2008&week=2|title=Irish Singles Chart (January 10, 2008)|publisher=GfK Chart-Track|access-date=January 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213085120/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2008&year=2008&week=2|archive-date=December 13, 2017|url-status=dead}} Two weeks later, it peaked at number five on the chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2008&year=2008&week=4|title=Irish Singles Chart (January 24, 2008)|publisher=Gfk Chart-Track|access-date=January 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213082956/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2008&year=2008&week=4|archive-date=December 13, 2017|url-status=dead}} The track debuted at number 77 on the UK Singles Chart for the issue date September 29, 2007.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20070923/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 – September 23, 2007|access-date=October 9, 2017|publisher=Official Charts|archive-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007011501/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20070923/7501/|url-status=live}} It then exited the chart, re-entering at number 69 on December 30.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20071230/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100 – December 30, 2007|access-date=October 9, 2017|publisher=Official Charts|archive-date=December 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208125250/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20071230/7501/|url-status=live}} The track peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart on January 20, 2008. It became West's eighth top-10 track in the UK and his seventh as a solo artist, while lasting for 20 weeks on the chart.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14958/kanye-west/|title=Kanye West {{!}} Chart history|access-date=January 10, 2013|publisher=Official Charts|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617041308/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14958/kanye-west/|url-status=live}} At the end of 2008, the track ranked as the 91st most successful release on the UK Singles Chart. The track stands as West's 20th biggest hit of all time in the UK up to August 5, 2021.{{cite news|last=White|first=Jack|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kanye-wests-official-top-40-biggest-songs-in-the-uk__27335/|title=Kanye West's Official Top 40 biggest songs in the UK|publisher=Official Charts|date=August 5, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119224317/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kanye-wests-official-top-40-biggest-songs-in-the-uk__27335/|archive-date=November 19, 2023|url-status=live}} On September 9, 2022, "Homecoming" received a platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for selling 600,000 units in the country. The track debuted at number 11 on Norway's Topp 40 Singles chart, while it entered the Finnish Singles Chart at number 17 and peaked four positions higher after fluctuating for a few weeks. "Homecoming" charted at numbers 15 and 16 in Denmark and Turkey, respectively. The track further attained top 40 positions in Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland. On October 17, 2023, the track was awarded a platinum certification from IFPI Danmark for shipments of 90,000 units in Denmark. In Oceania, the track reached number 22 on the New Zealand Singles Chart. "Homecoming" further peaked at number 32 on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia, where it was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipping 35,000 copies on December 31, 2015.

West included "Homecoming" as one of the closing performances from the setlist on his Glow in the Dark Tour, which began on April 16, 2008, at the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington.

{{cite web|author=DeRogatis, Jim|title=Concert Preview: Kanye Comes Home|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/music/2008/05/concert-preview-kanye-comes-ho.html|work=Chicago Sun-Times|date=May 22, 2008|access-date=March 14, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

It was one of the various songs taken from West's first three studio albums that he utilized for his conceptual concert.{{cite web|author=Wilson, Sarah|title=Kanye West Tells A Story With His Biggest Hits, At The Glow In The Dark Tour's L.A. Stop|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586127/20080423/west_kanye.jhtml|publisher=MTV|date=April 23, 2008|access-date=May 12, 2008|archive-date=May 1, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501022157/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1586127/20080423/west_kanye.jhtml|url-status=dead}} The songs served to form a space opera storyline, telling the tale of how a stranded space traveler struggles for over a year making attempts to escape from a distant planet while on a mission to bring creativity back to Earth. West walked across the stage rocking a white jacket and large eyewear while performing "Homecoming" on the final night of Lollapalooza 2008 in August, co-headlining the festival in Chicago.{{cite web |last=Krasny |first=Ros |title=Kanye West, NIN close Lollapalooza fest in Chicago |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN03422207/ |date=August 4, 2008 |publisher=Reuters |location=Chicago |access-date=April 1, 2024 }}{{cite magazine |author=Hasty, Katie |title=Kanye West, NIN Bring Lollapalooza To A Close |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044590/kanye-west-nin-bring-lollapalooza-to-a-close |date=August 4, 2008 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=September 14, 2008 |archive-date=September 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912224357/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044590/kanye-west-nin-bring-lollapalooza-to-a-close |url-status=live }} The song was performed by West during his 90-minute headlining set for the annual dance music festival Global Gathering at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, on July 25, 2008. West was the first hip-hop artist to headline the festival and he was accompanied by lighting and smoke effects, alongside backup singers.{{cite web|author=Inglis, Greg|title=Global Gathering 2008 - Friday|url=http://www.clickmusic.com/live/article/Global-Gathering-2008-Friday|publisher=Clickmusic|date=July 26, 2008|access-date=April 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091125211348/http://www.clickmusic.com/live/article/Global-Gathering-2008-Friday|archive-date=November 25, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|author=Richards, Sam|title=Kanye West at Global Gathering 2008 – Live Review|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/reviews-kanye-west-9845|work=NME|date=August 8, 2008|access-date=September 13, 2008|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006112130/https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/reviews-kanye-west-9845|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Burley, Briar|title=Kanye Headlines Global Gathering|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7528000/7528162.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=July 28, 2008|access-date=September 13, 2017|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615033313/http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/music/newsid_7528000/7528162.stm|url-status=live}}

File:Kanye West United Center 2013.jpg in Chicago on December 18, 2013|upright|West performed the song on the second of his two nights at Chicago's United Center for The Yeezus Tour in December 2013, with the crowd re-citing its lyrics.]]

West performed the song during his show for VH1 in February 2009, although the performance was not originally broadcast.{{cite news |last1=Montgomery |first1=James |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1628248/kanye-west-vh1-storytellers-cddvd-hits-stores-in-january/ |title=Kanye West VH1 'Storytellers' CD/DVD Hits Stores In January |publisher=MTV |access-date=March 31, 2024 |date=December 14, 2009 |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402085658/http://www.mtv.com/news/1628248/kanye-west-vh1-storytellers-cddvd-hits-stores-in-january/ |url-status=dead }} It was later included as the tenth performance on the DVD of his second live album VH1 Storytellers on January 5, 2010, being added as a bonus clip.{{cite web |url=https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Kanye+West&titel=VH1+Storytellers&cat=a |title=Kanye West – VH1 Storytellers |publisher=dutchcharts.nl |access-date=April 2, 2021 |date=2010 |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016052409/http://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Kanye+West&titel=VH1+Storytellers&cat=a |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Dot |first1=B. |url=https://rapradar.com/2010/01/04/kanye-west-paranoid-x-homecoming-vh1/ |title=Kanye West 'Paranoid' x 'Homecoming' (VH1) |website=Rap Radar |access-date=April 2, 2021 |date=January 4, 2010 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715084756/https://rapradar.com/2010/01/04/kanye-west-paranoid-x-homecoming-vh1/ |url-status=live }} West performed "Homecoming" to an audience of 3,000 students from six different Chicago public schools for his second annual free Stay In School benefit concert at the Chicago Theatre on June 11, 2009, generating excitement amongst the audience. The concert was organized through West's charity foundation to help raise awareness of it, and he later partnered with Fuse for the show's television broadcast on July 25.{{cite news | title=Kanye indulges media for sake of education| url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/06/13/kanye-indulges-media-for-sake-of-education/| newspaper=Chicago Tribune| date=June 13, 2009| access-date=July 13, 2009| archive-date=March 31, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331204547/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2009/06/13/kanye-indulges-media-for-sake-of-education/| url-status=live}}{{cite web| title=Kanye West performs at Stay in School benefit| url=https://abc7chicago.com/archive/6859791/| publisher=ABC7 Chicago| date=June 11, 2009| access-date=March 31, 2024| archive-date=March 31, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331205024/https://abc7chicago.com/archive/6859791/| url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://uproxx.com/smokingsection/fuse-presents-kanye-west-live-at-chicago-theatre/ |title=Fuse Presents Kanye West: Live At Chicago Theatre |website=Uproxx |date=July 26, 2009 |access-date=August 29, 2017 |archive-date=December 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213091457/http://uproxx.com/smokingsection/fuse-presents-kanye-west-live-at-chicago-theatre/ |url-status=live }} On August 12, 2010, West and Legend performed the song to open their secret black-tie show at The Box nightclub on Chrystie Street in Manhattan, NYC, held for around 200 select attendees over 90 minutes. West dubbed the function "Rosewood" and used a stage set-up including a Roland TR-808 drum machine, a keyboard, and two microphones, with one utilized solely for Auto-Tune. Legend sat at the set-up's baby grand piano for the performance, which was accompanied by a red backdrop.{{cite web |author=Reid, Shaheem |title=Kanye West Surprises New York With Secret Black-Tie Show |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1645719/kanye-west-surprises-new-york-with-secret-black-tie-show/ |date=August 13, 2010 |publisher=MTV |access-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123200336/http://www.mtv.com/news/1645719/kanye-west-surprises-new-york-with-secret-black-tie-show/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web|last=Legend|first=John|author-link=John Legend|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg6BmUiN-70|title=JL & Kanye West, Homecoming. New York|via=YouTube|date=August 13, 2010|access-date=April 1, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401111944/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg6BmUiN-70|url-status=live}} On December 31, 2010, West made a surprise appearance during Jay-Z and Coldplay's co-headlining set at the Marquee Nightclub for the grand opening of the luxury resort casino and hotel Cosmpolitan on the Las Vegas Strip of Paradise, Nevada, performing the song with Martin for the first time.{{cite web|author=Young, Alex|title=Watch: Jay-Z, Kanye West & Coldplay Celebrate the New Year in Vegas|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2011/01/watch-jay-z-kanye-west-coldplay-celebrate-the-new-year-in-vegas/|work=Consequence|date=January 1, 2011|access-date=February 14, 2017|archive-date=October 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006112231/https://consequenceofsound.net/2011/01/watch-jay-z-kanye-west-coldplay-celebrate-the-new-year-in-vegas/|url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine|last=Perpetua|first=Matthew|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/video-jay-z-and-coldplay-ring-in-the-new-year-in-las-vegas-237809/|title=Video: Jay-Z and Coldplay Ring in the New Year in Las Vegas|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=January 3, 2011|access-date=April 1, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401111944/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/video-jay-z-and-coldplay-ring-in-the-new-year-in-las-vegas-237809/|url-status=live}} West performed the song live for his headlining set at the 2011 Coachella Festival.{{cite news|author=Goodman, William|title=Kanye's Bold Greek Tragedy Closes Coachella|url=https://www.spin.com/2011/04/kanyes-bold-greek-tragedy-closes-coachella/|work=Spin|date=April 18, 2011|access-date=May 18, 2019|archive-date=May 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518061029/https://www.spin.com/2011/04/kanyes-bold-greek-tragedy-closes-coachella/|url-status=live}} On December 18, 2013, West performed the song towards the close of his second show at Chicago's United Center on The Yeezus Tour (2013–14). The performance was the first one of "Homecoming" on the tour and saw the crowd chanting the lyrics back to West.{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Anthony|title=Kanye West Takes 'Yeezus' Tour To Chicago For A 'Homecoming'|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/v9g1y5/kanye-west-yeezus-tour-chicago-homecoming|publisher=MTV|date=December 19, 2013|access-date=April 1, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401111944/https://www.mtv.com/news/v9g1y5/kanye-west-yeezus-tour-chicago-homecoming|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=In Photos: Kanye West's homecoming show at Chicago's United Center|url=https://consequence.net/2013/12/in-photos-kanye-wests-homecoming-show-at-chicagos-united-center/|work=Consequence|date=December 19, 2013|access-date=April 1, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401111944/https://consequence.net/2013/12/in-photos-kanye-wests-homecoming-show-at-chicagos-united-center/|url-status=live}}

A remix of "Homecoming" by DiscoTech was included as the 17th track of Sky High on November 17, 2008. The mixtape consisted of remixes of various tracks that West originally produced and was compiled by DJ Benzi with the rapper's associate Plain Pat. The project was commissioned by West and his team in the lead-up to his fourth studio album 808s & Heartbreak, with each remix experiencing at least five reiterations before release; they are mostly club-friendly dance-themed numbers.{{cite web| author=Patel, Joseph| title=New Kanye West Album — No, Not That One — Hits The Web| url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1599564/new-kanye-west-album-no-not-that-one-hits-the-web/| publisher=MTV| date=November 17, 2008| access-date=November 17, 2008| archive-date=April 5, 2016| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405034437/http://www.mtv.com/news/1599564/new-kanye-west-album-no-not-that-one-hits-the-web/| url-status=dead}} Leo Flynn produced a Rockabye Baby! CD that consisted of instrumental lullaby renditions of West's tracks and was released on May 18, 2010, including "Homecoming" as the 12th and final track.{{cite web|last=Young|first=Alex|title=Kanye West's music turned into baby lullabies|url=https://consequence.net/2010/04/kanye-wests-music-turned-into-baby-lullabies/|work=Consequence|date=April 16, 2010|access-date=April 8, 2024|archive-date=April 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408112952/https://consequence.net/2010/04/kanye-wests-music-turned-into-baby-lullabies/|url-status=live}}{{cite web| title=Lullaby Renditions of Kanye West| url=http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/lullaby-renditions-of-kanye-west-2140.html| publisher=Rockabye Baby!| access-date=May 20, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628062233/http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/lullaby-renditions-of-kanye-west-2140.html| archive-date=June 28, 2016| url-status=dead}} On June 7, 2012, producer Carlos Serrano shared his mashup of "Homecoming" and singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey's "Born to Die" (2011), layering West and Martin's vocals over the instrumentation of the latter song.{{cite web|author=Rubenstein, Jenna|title=This Mashup Of Kanye West's 'Homecoming' And Lana Del Rey's 'Born To Die' Rules|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2301280/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-kanye-west-homecoming-mashup/|publisher=MTV|date=June 7, 2012|access-date=July 3, 2017|archive-date=August 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170813135342/http://www.mtv.com/news/2301280/lana-del-rey-born-to-die-kanye-west-homecoming-mashup/|url-status=dead}} Production duo Urban Noize included a re-imagined version of the song on their remix EP Mr. West on July 20, which consisted of remixes of eight tracks across West's career chosen by the duo.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Adrian|title=Urban Noize x Kanye West – Mr. West [EP]|url=https://earmilk.com/2012/07/20/urban-noize-x-kanye-west-mr-west-ep/|work=Earmilk|date=July 20, 2012|access-date=April 8, 2024|archive-date=April 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411163342/https://earmilk.com/2012/07/20/urban-noize-x-kanye-west-mr-west-ep/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Various Artists – Urban Noize Kanye West – Mr. W|url=https://archive.org/details/datpiff-mixtape-ma484374|via=Internet Archive|date=December 5, 2023|access-date=April 8, 2024}}{{cite web| author=Pina, Zach| title=Urban Noize & Kanye West – Mr. West (EP)| url=http://hypebeast.com/2012/07/urban-noize-kanye-west-mr-west-ep| publisher=Hypebeast| date=July 20, 2012| access-date=July 20, 2012| archive-date=July 20, 2012| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720140500/http://hypebeast.com/2012/07/urban-noize-kanye-west-mr-west-ep/| url-status=live}}

On October 3, 2016, Jeff Kirshman published his ode to "Homecoming" in Brooklyn Magazine, writing that it reminds him of living in Wyoming due to invoking his memories of images and knowledge.{{cite web|last=Kirshman|first=Jeff|url=https://www.bkmag.com/2016/10/03/wyoming-kanye-west-homecoming/|title=Musical Map Of The USA: Wyoming— Kanye West|magazine=Brooklyn Magazine|date=October 3, 2016|access-date=April 1, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401111944/https://www.bkmag.com/2016/10/03/wyoming-kanye-west-homecoming/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Baila|first=Morgan|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/05/153699/kanye-west-wyoming-making-new-music-relaxing|title=Kanye West In Wyoming New Music Delete Social Media Why|publisher=Refinery29|date=May 9, 2017|access-date=April 1, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401111944/https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2017/05/153699/kanye-west-wyoming-making-new-music-relaxing|url-status=live}} Kirshman particularly enjoyed the song when listening to Graduation in high school and first performed it at a dilapidated Hollywood-themed Karen & Jim's venue, affirming his view of his rap skills as basic from the crowd's negative reactions. He was compelled to perform the song again and did this at a bar while drinking warm beer by a row of dim lights, onlooked by a mounted head of the Star Wars character Admiral Ackbar. On April 29, 2022, British rapper Dave played a section of the song on piano for his We're All Alone in This Together tour's show at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago, serving as a tribute to West.{{cite news|last=Moore|first=Sam|title=Watch Dave play Kanye West's 'Homecoming' during Chicago show|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-dave-play-kanye-wests-homecoming-on-piano-during-chicago-show-3218231|work=NME|date=May 4, 2022|access-date=April 8, 2024|archive-date=April 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408112952/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-dave-play-kanye-wests-homecoming-on-piano-during-chicago-show-3218231|url-status=live}}

• German digital download{{cite web| title=Homecoming (Germany Version) by Kanye West| url=https://www.amazon.de/Homecoming-Germany-Version-Kanye-West/dp/B0049DJI2K| asin=B0049DJI2K| publisher=Amazon.de| access-date=April 11, 2024| archive-date=April 11, 2024| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240411163321/https://www.amazon.de/Homecoming-Germany-Version-Kanye-West/dp/B0049DJI2K| url-status=live}}

1. "Homecoming" (featuring Chris Martin)
2. "Stronger" (Ad Remix – Main)

• German Maxi-single

1. "Homecoming" (featuring Chris Martin)
2. "Good Night" (featuring Mos Def and Al Be Back)

• Japanese 12" vinyl

1. "Homecoming" (featuring Chris Martin)
2. "Stronger" (Ad Remix – Main)

Information taken from Graduation liner notes.

Recording

• Recorded at Fever Recording Studios (North Hollywood, CA), Abbey Road Studios (London), Sony Music Studios (NYC), and Record Plant and Ocean Way Recording (Hollywood)
• Mixed at Chalice Studios (Hollywood) and Chung King Studios (NYC)

Personnel

{{Div col|colwidth=21em}}

• Kanye West{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, producer
• Warryn Campbell{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, producer
• Chris Martin{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, additional vocals
• Andrew Dawson{{spaced en dash}} recorder, mix engineer
• Bruce Buechner{{spaced en dash}} recorder
• Anthony Kilhoffer{{spaced en dash}} recorder
• Greg Koller{{spaced en dash}} recorder
• Mike Dean{{spaced en dash}} mix engineer
• Matty Green{{spaced en dash}} assistant mix engineer
• Anthony Palazzole{{spaced en dash}} assistant mix engineer
• Andy Marcinkowski{{spaced en dash}} assistant mix engineer
• Jon Brion{{spaced en dash}} percussionist
• Sean Cooper{{spaced en dash}} sound design
• DJ "Reflex"{{spaced en dash}} project coordinator
• Sandra Campbell{{spaced en dash}} project coordinator

{{Div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Homecoming"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|title=Homecoming|artist=Kanye West|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2015|certmonth=12|refname="Accredation"|access-date=November 30, 2016}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|title=Homecoming|artist=Kanye West & Chris Martin|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2023|refname="Ifpi"|id=13044|access-date=October 18, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|relyear=2008|certyear=2018|artist=Kanye West|title=Homecoming|award=Gold|type=single|access-date=May 1, 2018}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|title=Homecoming|artist=Kanye West|refname="Bpi"|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2008|certyear=2022|id=13126-3986-1|access-date=September 27, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Homecoming|artist=Kanye West|refname="Riaa"|type=single|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2008|certyear=2023|access-date=August 10, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

• List of UK top-ten singles in 2008

{{Reflist|3}}

• {{cite book|last=Beaumont|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Beaumont (journalist)|date=2015|title=Kanye West: God & Monster |location=London, England |publisher=Omnibus Press |isbn=978-1-783-23394-6}}

{{Kanye West songs}}

{{Chris Martin}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2007 songs

Category:2008 singles

Category:Kanye West songs

Category:Music videos directed by Hype Williams

Category:Song recordings produced by Kanye West

Category:Song recordings produced by Warryn Campbell

Category:Songs written by Kanye West

Category:Songs written by Chris Martin

Category:Songs written by Warryn Campbell

Category:Songs about Chicago

Category:Roc-A-Fella Records singles

Category:Black-and-white music videos