Follow God

File:Jesus is King - The Forum, LA (48951268196).jpg in LA. Under Jesus is King listening party.|West teased the song in 2019 prior to release, including playing it during a listening party for Jesus Is King at The Forum in the County of Los Angeles.]]

Kanye West produced "Follow God" with Xcelence and BoogzDaBeast, the latter of which is one of Jesus Is King{{'}}s lesser-known producers who contributed to six of its tracks.{{Cite web|url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/121012112|title=Jesus Is King / Kanye West|publisher=Tidal|access-date=November 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025183453/https://listen.tidal.com/album/121012112|archive-date=October 25, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-first-listen-takeaways|title=Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King': Biggest Takeaways From First Listen|work=Complex|date=October 25, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2020|author1=Skelton, Eric|author2=McKinney, Jessica|author3=High, Kemet|author4=Setaro, Shawn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205020301/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-first-listen-takeaways|archive-date=December 5, 2019|url-status=live}} West previously worked with BoogzDaBeast on the 2018 self-titled debut studio album by Kids See Ghosts, a hip hop duo composed of West and Kid Cudi.{{cite AV media notes|title=Kids See Ghosts|others=Kids See Ghosts|year=2018|type=booklet|publisher=GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings|id=B0028759-02}} The song title was first revealed in a revised track listing of Jesus Is King that West's wife Kim Kardashian shared via Twitter on September 27, 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kim-kardashian-shares-updated-tracklist-for-kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-news.91881.html|title=Kim Kardashian Shares Updated Tracklist For Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King'|work=HotNewHipHop|date=September 27, 2019|access-date=December 16, 2019|author=A., Aron|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216162540/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kim-kardashian-shares-updated-tracklist-for-kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-news.91881.html|archive-date=December 16, 2019|url-status=live}} West later previewed the track at a listening party for the album at The Forum in the Los Angeles County on October 23 of that year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-experience-los-angeles|title=One More Party in L.A.: Inside Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' Experience at the Forum|work=Complex|date=October 24, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2020|author1=Foster, Lucas|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131065802/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-experience-los-angeles|archive-date=January 31, 2020|url-status=live}}

The song samples "Can You Lose By Following God" (1969) by gospel band Whole Truth, which was featured on archival record label The Numero Group's 2013 compilation album Good God! Apocryphal Hymns.{{cite web |last=Herbert |first=Conor |title=Sampled Their Provisions: The Sonic Palette of 'Jesus Is King' |url=https://centralsauce.com/jesus-is-king-samples |website=Central Sauce |access-date=August 5, 2020 |date=November 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501071947/https://centralsauce.com/jesus-is-king-samples |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} Though the album was not confirmed to be the sample source, West had often sampled music released through the archival record label in the past, including on his tracks "Bound 2", "Facts", "Ghost Town", and "4th Dimension". Brothers Calvin and Curtis Eubanks received credit as writers on "Follow God" because they contributed backing vocals to "Can You Lose By Following God".{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-credits|title=Here Are the Contributors for Kanye West's New Album 'Jesus Is King'|last1=Cowen|first1=Trace William|date=October 25, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2020|website=Complex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191202151129/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-credits|archive-date=December 2, 2019}}{{Cite web|last1=Sajonas|first1=Felson|url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-every-sample-used|title=Kanye West Jesus is King: Every Sample Used|website=Hypebeast|date=October 27, 2019|access-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105114256/https://hypebeast.com/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-every-sample-used|archive-date=November 5, 2019}} The song was co-written by West, Aaron Butts, Xcelence and BoogzDaBeast. "Follow God" was one of the three tracks that caused the release of Jesus Is King to be delayed due to mixing modifications.{{cite news|last=Kenneally|first=Cerys|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/kanye-west-blames-jesus-is-king-delay-on-specifically-fixing-mixes|title=Kanye West blames Jesus Is King delay on 'specifically fixing mixes'|work=The Line of Best Fit|date=October 25, 2019|access-date=July 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716090434/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/kanye-west-blames-jesus-is-king-delay-on-specifically-fixing-mixes|archive-date=July 16, 2022|url-status=live}} West collaborator Consequence explained that the song was important to West due to him being "up against the ghost of" his previous tracks such as "Otis", "Good Morning", "Champion" and "Heard 'Em Say". According to Consequence, "Follow God" had "to go somewhere new" and "be mechanically in tune with the people." Consequence said the song "is a dirty version that got cleaned up," which he and West opted for, believing it was an authentic version that "the people are going to gravitate to".{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2019/12/consequence-interview-complexcon-kanye-west-jesus-is-king|title=Consequence On the Sprint to Finish 'Jesus Is King,' His New Album, and 'ComplexCon'|author=McKinney, Jessica|date=December 5, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2020|website=Complex|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205205559/https://www.complex.com/music/2019/12/consequence-interview-complexcon-kanye-west-jesus-is-king|archive-date=December 5, 2019}} West cited "Follow God" as an example of him creating a track "that people never heard before."{{Cite web|url=https://www.gq.com/story/inside-kanye-west-vision-for-the-future-cover-may-2020|title=Kanye West on His Next Album, Designing Yeezy, and Kobe Bryant|author=Welch, Will|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=April 19, 2020|website=GQ|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415223343/https://www.gq.com/story/inside-kanye-west-vision-for-the-future-cover-may-2020|archive-date=April 15, 2020}}

{{Listen

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"Follow God" is a hip hop track{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Kanye West's Jesus Is King album and IMAX experience: an unfinished pair |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/10/25/20932236/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-imax-movie-review |website=Vox |date=October 25, 2019 |access-date=June 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610151206/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/10/25/20932236/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-imax-movie-review |archive-date=June 10, 2020 }} which features a chopped up sample of Whole Truth's soul{{cite web|last=Wang|first=Oliver|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/10/28/774137186/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-like-its-creator-asks-a-little-too-much-of-us?t=1589701602798|title=Review: Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' Has Its Moments, But Asks Too Much|publisher=NPR|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=December 10, 2020}} recording "Can You Lose by Following God".{{Cite magazine|last1=Mamo|first1=Heran|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/lyrics/8542603/kanye-west-follow-god-lyrics|title=Kanye West's 'Follow God' Lyrics|magazine=Billboard|date=November 6, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203195848/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/lyrics/8542603/kanye-west-follow-god-lyrics|archive-date=December 3, 2019|url-status=live}} It was compared to West's earlier releases which used samples,{{Cite web|last1=Barker|first1=Andrew|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/reviews/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review-1203384481/|title=Album Review: Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King'|website=Variety|date=October 26, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119013013/https://variety.com/2019/music/reviews/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review-1203384481/|archive-date=November 19, 2019|url-status=live}} and his 2016 song "Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1".{{Cite news|last1=Butler|first1=Bethonie|last2=Izadi|first2=Elahe|last3=Chu|first3=Hau|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/25/kanye-west-finally-releases-jesus-is-king-movie-tie-in-kenny-gs-cameo-heres-what-know/|title=Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King': From Kenny G to the IMAX film, here's what to know|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=October 25, 2019|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025225326/https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2019/10/25/kanye-west-finally-releases-jesus-is-king-movie-tie-in-kenny-gs-cameo-heres-what-know/|archive-date=October 25, 2019|url-status=live}} "Follow God" is built around the sample's vocal line, "Father, I stretch/Stretch my hands to You," which begins from the 1:32 mark of the sample.{{cite web|last=Kameir|first=Rawiya|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-jesus-is-king/|title=Kanye West: Jesus Is King|website=Pitchfork|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029051120/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-jesus-is-king/|archive-date=October 29, 2019|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.defjam.com/news/know-sample-follow-god|title=Know The Sample: 'Follow God'|publisher=Def Jam|date=October 31, 2019|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519072400/https://www.defjam.com/news/know-sample-follow-god|archive-date=May 19, 2020|url-status=live}} It opens with the sample used as a declaration.

The lyrics are about Kanye's connection with his father, although he references God under this connection as well as Ray West. However, the lyrics are not entirely religious, with the song including Kanye West demonstrating faith in himself.{{cite web|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Caramanica|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/27/arts/music/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review.html|title=Kanye West, Heretic by Nature, Finds God|url-access=registration|work=The New York Times|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028014249/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/27/arts/music/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review.html|archive-date=October 28, 2019|url-status=live}} It also speaks of disconnecting from negativity related to social media. West begins his verse with lines about struggling to achieve pureness in a world of sin, while in other lyrics he compares himself to Jesus Christ and Michael Jordan.{{Cite web|last1=Carlin|first1=Shannon|url=https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2019/10/8630167/kanye-west-follow-god-lyrics-song-meaning|title=Kanye West Follow God Lyrics, Song Meaning|publisher=Refinery29|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028155336/https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/2019/10/8630167/kanye-west-follow-god-lyrics-song-meaning|archive-date=October 28, 2019|url-status=live}} In "Follow God", West considers what it means to be "Christlike" after an argument with his father. The song concludes with West climaxing the argument by recalling the two of them getting angry at each other, accompanied by a scream from him.{{Cite web|last1=Wilson|first1=Carl|url=https://slate.com/culture/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-review.html|title=Kanye West Jesus Is King album review: The spirit is willing, but the lyrics are weak.|website=Slate|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200113121610/https://slate.com/culture/2019/10/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-review.html|archive-date=January 13, 2020|url-status=live}}

The phrase "what your life like" is repeatedly used as a question by West and was compared to fellow rapper Shotgun Suge's "What's your life like?" phrase. Suge said the phrase was his slogan and that West should acknowledge battle rap culture. A writer from The Source argued that West used the phrase as "a device for introspective contemplation", while Suge used it to "challenge the authenticity of his opponents".{{Cite news|author=NdSmith|url=https://thesource.com/2019/12/02/kanye-west-swag-jacking-shotgun-suge/|title=Fans Check Kanye West for Swagger Jacking Shotgun Suge's Slogan|website=The Source|date=December 2, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202083304/https://thesource.com/2019/12/02/kanye-west-swag-jacking-shotgun-suge/|archive-date=February 2, 2020|url-status=live}}

"Follow God" was released on October 25, 2019, along with West's ninth studio album Jesus Is King, as its third track.{{Cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/jesus-is-king-mw0003318875 |title=Jesus Is King – Kanye West |last=Yeung |first=Neil Z. |date=October 31, 2019 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202152341/https://www.allmusic.com/album/jesus-is-king-mw0003318875 |archive-date=February 2, 2020 |url-status=live }} On November 5, West chose it as the lead single from Jesus Is King after it became the album's most popular track on streaming services at the time.{{Cite news |url=https://hiphop-n-more.com/2019/11/kanye-west-picks-follow-god-as-lead-single-from-jesus-is-king/ |title=Kanye West Picks 'Follow God' As Lead Single From 'Jesus is King' |author=Navjosh |date=November 5, 2019 |website=HipHop-N-More |access-date=November 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107055814/https://hiphop-n-more.com/2019/11/kanye-west-picks-follow-god-as-lead-single-from-jesus-is-king/ |archive-date=November 7, 2019 |url-status=live }} The song was playlisted by British mainstream radio station BBC Radio 1 on November 8, 2019.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist |title=Radio 1 – Playlist |publisher=BBC |date=November 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108203823/https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3tqPdBWF9yMbTrfjWvfKV8t/radio-1-playlist |archive-date=November 8, 2019 |access-date=November 9, 2019}} It was later released to radio stations in Italy on November 11, and the United States on November 12, 2019.{{Cite news |url=https://www.earone.it/news/kanye_west_follow_god_radio_date_11_11_2019_38647314/ |title=Kanye West - Follow God (Radio Date: 11-11-2019) |author=Attanasi, Claudia |date=November 11, 2019 |publisher=EarOne |language=it |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328210928/https://www.earone.it/news/kanye_west_follow_god_radio_date_11_11_2019_38647314/ |archive-date=March 28, 2020 |url-status=live }}

A lyric video was released for "Follow God" on YouTube on October 26, 2019.{{cite web|last=Vetrici|first=Marcus|url=https://www.sohh.com/watch-kanye-wests-follow-god-lyric-video-has-arrived/|title=Watch: Kanye West's Follow God Lyric Video Has Arrived|publisher=SOHH|date=October 26, 2019|access-date=November 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031002754/https://www.sohh.com/watch-kanye-wests-follow-god-lyric-video-has-arrived/|archive-date=October 31, 2019|url-status=live}} On November 1, 2019, West and his gospel group the Sunday Service Choir performed the song during a concert at Bethany Rose Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.{{cite news|last=Wert|first=John|url=https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/music/article_9a3b3142-fcec-11e9-ac9a-6f231eb1fa0a.html|title=Kanye West spreads gospel through 'Sunday Service' experience at Baton Rouge church|website=The Advocate|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231130041/https://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/entertainment_life/music/article_9a3b3142-fcec-11e9-ac9a-6f231eb1fa0a.html|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}} West performed the track during a surprise appearance at fellow rapper Travis Scott's Astroworld Festival in Houston on November 9, 2019.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-follow-god-travis-scott-astroworld-festival-910394/ |title=Kanye West Performs 'Follow God' During Travis Scott's Astroworld Set |author=Kreps, Daniel |date=November 10, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=November 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111131859/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-follow-god-travis-scott-astroworld-festival-910394/ |archive-date=November 11, 2019 |url-status=live }} During a Sunday Service Experience performance of the song at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church on November 17, West name-dropped American convict Rodney Reed, who Kardashian helped with delaying a court order.{{cite web|last=Byrne|first=Suzy|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kanye-wests-sunday-service-at-joel-osteens-megachurch-has-a-chaotic-start-strong-finish-164910651.html|title=Kanye West's Sunday Service at Joel Osteen's megachurch: Details|publisher=Yahoo! Celebrity|date=November 18, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191121082847/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kanye-wests-sunday-service-at-joel-osteens-megachurch-has-a-chaotic-start-strong-finish-164910651.html|archive-date=November 21, 2019}} West performed the song live as part of a Sunday Service concert in Downtown Los Angeles' Skid Row on December 29, 2019.{{cite web|last=Jackson-Fossett|first=Cora|url=https://lasentinel.net/kanye-west-brings-sunday-service-to-dtlas-skid-row.html|title=Kanye West Brings Sunday Service to DTLA's Skid Row|website=Los Angeles Sentinel|date=January 2, 2020|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102132208/https://lasentinel.net/kanye-west-brings-sunday-service-to-dtlas-skid-row.html|archive-date=January 2, 2020|url-status=live}}

"Follow God" was well received by most music critics; a number of them viewed it as the best track on Jesus Is King.{{refn|group=nb|Music critics who cited "Follow God" as the best track on Jesus Is King included Dean Van Nguyen of The Guardian, Jordan Bassett of NME, and Ross Horton of The Line of Best Fit. Roisin O'Connor of The Independent and Carl Wilson of Slate viewed it as among the best tracks on the album, while Brian Josephs of Entertainment Weekly said the song had "by-far" the best verse on the album.}} Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Brian Josephs called the song West's "most palpable post-Life of Pablo thriller," citing his verse as "a surreal stream-of-conscious sprint".{{Cite magazine |url=https://ew.com/music-reviews/2019/10/28/kanye-west-unreliable-pastor-jesus-is-king/ |title=Kanye West is an unreliable pastor on Jesus Is King |last1=Josephs |first1=Brian |date=October 28, 2019 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=February 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101075216/https://ew.com/music-reviews/2019/10/28/kanye-west-unreliable-pastor-jesus-is-king/ |archive-date=November 1, 2019 |url-status=live }} Wren Graves of Consequence of Sound said the song structure is reminiscent of West's "older tricks" and commented, "It's not just the best beat on the album; it's also Kanye at his most lucid and raw."{{Cite web |url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2019/10/album-review-kanye-west-jesus-is-king/ |title=Kanye West Even Bores God with the Passionless Jesus Is King |last=Graves |first=Wren |date=October 28, 2019 |work=Consequence of Sound |access-date=January 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028191359/https://consequenceofsound.net/2019/10/album-review-kanye-west-jesus-is-king/ |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |url-status=live }} The Atlantic{{'}}s Spencer Kornhaber likened the "focus and ease" of West's flow to that of Watch the Throne, his 2011 album with fellow rapper Jay-Z.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/10/kanye-wests-jesus-king-stunning-spiritual-empty-album-review/600919/ |title=Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' Review: Stunning, Empty |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=October 29, 2019 |website=The Atlantic |url-access=limited |access-date=February 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210192307/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2019/10/kanye-wests-jesus-king-stunning-spiritual-empty-album-review/600919/ |archive-date=December 10, 2019 |url-status=live }} Ross Horton of The Line of Best Fit regarded the track as "a sickening reminder of how good Ye has been in the past", highlighting its "bulletproof beats, scratchy rapid-fire rapping," and "tight rhymes".{{cite web|last=Horton|first=Ross|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-review|title=Kanye West – Jesus Is King {{!}} Album Review|website=The Line of Best Fit|date=October 26, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027001238/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-album-review|archive-date=October 27, 2019|url-status=live}}

Jordan Bassett of NME called the song "pounding" and likened its "bouncing beat" to music from West's 2018 album Ye.{{cite web|last=Bassett|first=Jordan|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review|title=Kanye West – 'Jesus Is King' review: an iconoclast sounds peaceful and fulfilled on this jubilant gospel collection|website=NME|date=October 25, 2019|access-date=February 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025210547/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review|archive-date=October 25, 2019|url-status=live}} Neil Z. Yeung from AllMusic cited the "slapping beat" as among Jesus Is King{{'}}s "true power" which he felt was in West's "meticulous studio tinkering". Rolling Stone{{'}}s Brendan Klinkenberg described the Whole Truth sample as "neck-snappingly good" with "the kind of textured punch that, still, only West seems capable of."{{cite magazine|last=Klinkenberg|first=Brendan|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-904921/|title=Review: Kanye West, 'Jesus Is King'|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028235236/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-904921/|archive-date=October 28, 2019|url-status=live}} In The Independent, Roisin O'Connor appreciated the sample's "cool, funk-inflected" groove, and said the song has "some of West's sharpest bars delivered in a strangely deadpan style."{{cite web|last=O'Connor|first=Roisin|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review-album-stream-tracklist-features-lyrics-sunday-service-a9171816.html|title=Kanye West review, 'Jesus is King': Rapper continues to divide on this confusing album|work=The Independent|date=October 25, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025210548/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review-album-stream-tracklist-features-lyrics-sunday-service-a9171816.html|archive-date=October 25, 2019|url-status=live}} Dean Van Nguyen of The Guardian wrote that the "lean soul sample" recalled West's 2013 single "Bound 2",{{cite web|last=Nguyen|first=Dean Van|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/oct/26/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review|title=Kanye West: Jesus Is King review – rap genius can't see the light|work=The Guardian|date=October 26, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026155013/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/oct/26/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review|archive-date=October 26, 2019|url-status=live}} while Chicago Tribune{{'}}s Greg Kot commented that it evoked West's earlier music which had a "knack for astutely reviving and recontextualizing snippets of soul 'dusties.'"{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/greg-kot/sc-ent-kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review-1025-20191025-3n6wn3ej75aszd3fdqilp3wxpm-story.html |title=Kanye West review: 'Jesus Is King' puts gospel message ahead of musicality |last=Kot |first=Greg |author-link=Greg Kot |date=October 25, 2019 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=February 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028025521/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/greg-kot/sc-ent-kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review-1025-20191025-3n6wn3ej75aszd3fdqilp3wxpm-story.html |archive-date=October 28, 2019 |url-status=live }} In a review for Clash, Will Rosebury felt the Whole Truth sample complimented the "incredible" song's thumping drums.{{Cite web |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/kanye-west-jesus-is-king |title=Kanye West – Jesus Is King {{!}} Reviews |last=Rosebury |first=Will |date=October 29, 2019 |website=Clash |access-date=February 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212111958/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/kanye-west-jesus-is-king |archive-date=December 12, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Rawiya Kameir of Pitchfork wrote that despite Jesus Is King lacking the vulnerability which made West "a uniquely compelling artist," "Follow God" was an exception because it "prompts consideration, however shallow, of what it means to be 'Christlike.'" In her review of the album, Phoebe Luckhurst of the Evening Standard regarded "Follow God" as "the best of a fairly poor bunch."{{cite web|last=Luckhurst|first=Phoebe|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/music/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-gospel-album-review-a4275736.html|title=Kanye West – Jesus is King review: A concept album without much of a concept|work=Evening Standard|url-access=registration|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102144731/https://www.standard.co.uk/go/london/music/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-gospel-album-review-a4275736.html|archive-date=November 2, 2019|url-status=live}} Exclaim!{{'}}s Joey Chini viewed it as the album's "only slapper" and said although being "painfully short", it is "a return to form" for West and "took the record in the right direction".{{cite web|last=Chini|first=Joey|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/kanye_west-jesus_is_king|title=Kanye West Jesus Is King|work=Exclaim!|date=October 27, 2019|access-date=February 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191028191404/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/kanye_west-jesus_is_king|archive-date=October 28, 2019|url-status=live}} On the other hand, Andrew R. Chow of Time was critical of West for not developing a metaphor about God, and called the song "a reject" from GOOD Music president Pusha T's 2018 album Daytona.{{cite magazine|last=Chow|first=Andrew R.|url=https://time.com/5712191/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review/|title=Kanye West's Jesus Is King Review: Album Lacks Inspiration|magazine=Time|url-access=subscription|date=October 28, 2019|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031093745/https://time.com/5712191/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-review/|archive-date=October 31, 2019|url-status=live}}

Complex placed "Follow God" at number 49 in its list of the Top Songs of 2019. Eric Skelton from the publication said the track was a reminder of West's "enduring musical gifts" and its "vintage Ye" production "should please anyone who still pines for a return of the 'old Kanye.'"{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/best-songs-2019/kanye-west-follow-god|title=Best Songs of 2019: Top Songs of The Year|work=Complex|date=December 17, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825125044/https://www.complex.com/music/best-songs-2019/kanye-west-follow-god|url-status=live}} "Follow God" ranked as Australian radio station Triple J's 87th most popular song of 2019.{{cite web |title=Triple J's Hottest 100 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/19/ |publisher=Triple J |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200214041339/https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/19/#/home |archive-date=February 14, 2020 |date=January 25, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |url-status=live}} The song was nominated for the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 20th BET Awards in 2020, though ultimately lost to Kirk Franklin's single "Just for Me" (2019).{{cite magazine |title=Here Are All the Winners From the 2020 BET Awards |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9410599/bet-awards-2020-winners-list |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629055755/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9410599/bet-awards-2020-winners-list |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |date=June 28, 2020 |access-date=August 5, 2020 |url-status=live}} At the 2020 Billboard Music Awards, the song won the Top Gospel Song award over fellow album tracks "Closed on Sunday", "On God" and "Selah". The song received a nomination for the award of Top Christian Song at the same ceremony.{{cite magazine |last1=Atkinson |first1=Katie |title=2020 Billboard Music Awards Winners: Complete List |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbmas/9465082/2020-billboard-music-awards-winners/ |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201015130746/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/bbmas/9465082/2020-billboard-music-awards-winners/ |archive-date=October 15, 2020 |date=October 14, 2020 |access-date=November 5, 2020}} At the 51st GMA Dove Awards in 2020, "Follow God" was awarded Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year.{{cite web |title=2020 Winners {{!}} The 51st Annual GMA Dove Awards |url=https://doveawards.com/awards/2020-winners/ |publisher=Dove Awards |access-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031173225/https://doveawards.com/awards/2020-winners/ |archive-date=October 31, 2020}}

The music video for the track was directed by Jake Schreier and filmed at West's ranch in Cody, Wyoming. It is the first video that Kanye and Ray West have appeared in together. Kardashian shared a preview of the music video via her Instagram stories on November 6, 2019, although the release date for it was unknown at the time.{{cite web|last=Osei|first=Sarah|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/kanye-west-follow-god-teaser/|title=Kim Kardashian Teases Kanye West's 'Follow God' Video|website=Highsnobiety|date=November 7, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019}}{{cite news|last=Moorwood|first=Victoria|url=https://www.revolt.tv/platform/amp/news/2019/11/7/20953252/kanye-west-follow-god-video|title=Watch a snippet of Kanye West's 'Follow God' video, featuring his dad|publisher=Revolt|date=November 7, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131071159/https://www.revolt.tv/platform/amp/news/2019/11/7/20953252/kanye-west-follow-god-video|archive-date=January 31, 2020|url-status=live}} Kanye West rented a Burberry store in New York the same day for a private screening of the video. The visual was played back multiple times in a room at the store.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8542978/kanye-west-follow-god-video-screening-nyc-recap|title=Kanye West's 'Follow God' NYC Video Screening Recap|magazine=Billboard|last=Saponara|first=Michael|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=February 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215071601/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8542978/kanye-west-follow-god-video-screening-nyc-recap|archive-date=February 15, 2020}} Fellow rappers Tyler, the Creator and ASAP Rocky attended the screening.{{cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2019/11/07/kanye-west-follow-god-video-teaser/|title=Watch a Preview of Kanye West's 'Follow God'|website=Rap-Up|date=November 7, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825125140/https://www.rap-up.com/2019/11/07/kanye-west-follow-god-video-teaser/|url-status=live}} The video was released on YouTube on November 7, 2019; West shared it simultaneously on Twitter.{{cite news|last=Neale|first=Matthew|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-kanye-west-father-drive-atvs-new-follow-god-video-2574338|title=Watch Kanye West and his father drive ATVs in 'Follow God' video|website=NME|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825125140/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-kanye-west-father-drive-atvs-new-follow-god-video-2574338|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-dad-stars-in-new-follow-god-video-watch/|title=Kanye's Dad Stars in New 'Follow God' Video: Watch|website=Pitchfork|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109202345/https://pitchfork.com/news/kanye-dad-stars-in-new-follow-god-video-watch/|archive-date=November 9, 2019|url-status=live}} "Follow God" became the first song from Jesus Is King to receive a music video.{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-follow-god-video-910065/ |title=Kanye West Hangs With His Dad at His Wyoming Ranch in 'Follow God' Video |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=November 8, 2019 |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=February 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215230920/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-follow-god-video-910065/ |archive-date=February 15, 2020 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://hiphop-n-more.com/2019/11/kanye-west-previews-follow-god-video-at-burberry-nyc-store-watch/ |title=Kanye West Previews 'Follow God' Video at Burberry NYC Store |author=Navjosh |date=November 7, 2019 |website=HipHop-N-More |access-date=January 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107174002/https://hiphop-n-more.com/2019/11/kanye-west-previews-follow-god-video-at-burberry-nyc-store-watch/ |archive-date=November 7, 2019 |url-status=live }}

File:USMC-12093.jpg (ATV) travelling on dirt.|Kanye and Ray West drive ATVs throughout the video.]]

The music video opens with a scene of Kanye and Ray West walking on snow.{{Cite news |url=https://www.msn.com/en-nz/entertainment/entertainmentmusic/kanye-west-drops-video-for-follow-god/ar-BBWvIRW |title=Kanye West drops video for 'Follow God' |date=November 9, 2019 |publisher=MSN New Zealand |access-date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202124618/https://www.msn.com/en-nz/entertainment/entertainmentmusic/kanye-west-drops-video-for-follow-god/ar-BBWvIRW |archive-date=February 2, 2020 }}{{cite news|last=Vannatta|first=Allyson|url=https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/popular-articles/kanye-wests-father-asks-what-does-it-really-mean-to-follow-god.html|title=Kanye West's Father Asks: What Does It Really Mean to Follow God?|work=Movieguide|date=2019|access-date=February 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206202144/https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/popular-articles/kanye-wests-father-asks-what-does-it-really-mean-to-follow-god.html|archive-date=February 6, 2020|url-status=live}} Pastor Kerwin B. Lee delivers a voiceover, asking: "What does it really mean to follow God?". He describes how Kanye and others feel fear when they first walk in the snow from the perspective of God looking at his children. The outfit worn by Kanye consists of an orange hoodie, white vest, brown gloves, and thermal trousers.{{cite news|last=Fitzgerald|first=Trent|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/11/kanye-west-dad-follow-god-video/|title=Kanye West Drops 'Follow God' Video Featuring His Dad: Watch|website=XXL|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105064505/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2019/11/kanye-west-dad-follow-god-video/|archive-date=January 5, 2020|url-status=live}} The Wests drive around in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the music video. After initially driving around in a relatively large ATV, the two of them later change to a larger one for transport and use the vehicle for doing donuts.{{cite web|last=Curto|first=Justin|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/kanye-west-follow-god-video.html|title=Watch Kanye West's 'Follow God' Video With His Dad Ray West|website=Vulture|url-access=limited|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=February 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215160439/https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/kanye-west-follow-god-video.html|archive-date=December 15, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Stavropoulos|first=Laura|url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/kanye-west-premieres-follow-god-music-video/|title=Kanye West Premieres 'Follow God' Music Video|website=uDiscoverMusic|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=February 8, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825125158/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/kanye-west-premieres-follow-god-music-video/|url-status=live}} The Wests are also shown dancing and Kanye mimes his own scream.{{cite news|last=Waite|first=Thom|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/46756/1/kanye-west-hangs-out-with-his-dad-video-release-follow-god-jesus-is-king|title=Kanye West hangs out with his dad in the video for 'Follow God'|website=Dazed|date=November 9, 2019|access-date=February 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110180849/https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/46756/1/kanye-west-hangs-out-with-his-dad-video-release-follow-god-jesus-is-king|archive-date=November 10, 2019|url-status=live}} The visual ends with white text displayed over a blue background. The message explains it took Kanye 42 years to realize that his father is his best friend.

Craig Jenkins of Vulture wrote that "Follow God" continued a streak from 2011's "Otis" and 2007's "Flashing Lights" as West's "most striking" videos that were also filmed in cars. Jenkins found the setting symbolic for the Wests due to Ray recalling a time when his children never saw snow, and Kanye now owning ranch lands that Ray's grandchildren can call their "backyard".{{cite web|last=Jenkins|first=Craig|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/kanye-west-follow-god-song-and-video-review.html|title=Kanye West 'Follow God' Song and Video Review|website=Vulture|url-access=limited|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=February 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214053535/https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/kanye-west-follow-god-song-and-video-review.html|archive-date=December 14, 2019|url-status=live}} Spin{{'}}s Tosten Burks said Kanye and Ray's connection in the video made it "one of the more charming things Kanye has released in some time".{{cite web|last=Burks|first=Jim|url=https://www.spin.com/2019/11/kanye-west-follow-god-music-video/|title=Kanye West's New 'Follow God' Music Video Stars His Dad|website=Spin|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127000347/https://www.spin.com/2019/11/kanye-west-follow-god-music-video/|archive-date=January 27, 2020}} Thom Waite of Dazed felt it showed that Kanye's relationship with Ray was "running a bit more smoothly" than what the song's lyrics suggested. The music video received over 1.6{{nbsp}}million views on YouTube following its first 14 hours of release.{{cite news|last=Butler|first=Karen|url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Music/2019/11/09/Kanye-West-has-top-album-in-the-US-No-1-music-video-on-YouTube/2731573291319/|title=Kanye West has top album in the U.S., No. 1 music video on YouTube|publisher=UPI.com|date=November 9, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206180055/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/Music/2019/11/09/Kanye-West-has-top-album-in-the-US-No-1-music-video-on-YouTube/2731573291319/|archive-date=February 6, 2020|url-status=live}} As of January 2024 the music video has 55 million views.

File:Ludacris Midtown.jpg in midtown Atlanta during 2021.|The song marked West's 18th single to reach the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100, tying him with Ludacris as the rapper with the fifth-most top-10s.]]

Following the release of Jesus Is King, "Follow God" debuted at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest charting track from the album on the chart. It became West's 18th song to reach the top 10 of the chart, and his 8th to debut in the top 10.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8542511/selena-gomez-lose-you-to-love-me-number-one-hot-100|title=Selena Gomez Scores First No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 With 'Lose You to Love Me'|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=November 4, 2019|access-date=November 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105005852/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8542511/selena-gomez-lose-you-to-love-me-number-one-hot-100|archive-date=November 5, 2019|url-status=live}} West tied Ludacris for the fifth-most top 10 singles on the chart among rappers, while also extending his span of top 10s to over 15 years, from 2004 to 2019.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8542559/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-full-album-hot-100-chart|title=Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King': All 11 Songs Debut on Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|last=Zellner|first=Xander|url-access=subscription|date=November 4, 2019|access-date=November 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105040719/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8542559/kanye-west-jesus-is-king-full-album-hot-100-chart|archive-date=November 5, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8543241/lewis-capaldi-someone-you-loved-number-one-second-week|title=Lewis Capaldi's 'Someone You Loved' Returns to No. 1 on Hot 100, Maroon 5 Adds 15th Top 10 With 'Memories'|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=November 11, 2019|access-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112035909/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8543241/lewis-capaldi-someone-you-loved-number-one-second-week|archive-date=November 12, 2019|url-status=live}} The track accumulated 34 million streams and sold 8,000 digital copies in its first week, and was present on the chart for six weeks.

"Follow God" became West's most successful release on US Christian Songs where it debuted at the top of the chart, ending Lauren Daigle's 66-week run at number one with "You Say".{{cite web|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/603006-most-weeks-at-no-1-on-the-us-hot-christian-songs-chart/|title=Most weeks at No.1 on the US Hot Christian Songs chart|publisher=Guinness World Records|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419170453/https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/603006-most-weeks-at-no-1-on-the-us-hot-christian-songs-chart/|archive-date=April 19, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Storms|first1=Helen|url=https://www.inquisitr.com/5832861/kanye-wests-gospel-music-charts/|title=Kanye West's Music Continues To Top Gospel Charts|publisher=Inquisitr|access-date=January 30, 2020|date=January 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130150227/https://www.inquisitr.com/5832861/kanye-wests-gospel-music-charts/|archive-date=January 30, 2020|url-status=live}} In total, the track remained at the summit of the Christian Songs chart for eight weeks. It topped the US Gospel Songs chart, spending 35 weeks at number one before falling to number two on the issue date of July 11, 2020, being replaced by West's own single "Wash Us in the Blood".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8543012/jesus-is-king-makes-history-hot-christian-songs|title='Jesus Is King' Makes History On Hot Christian Songs, Hot Gospel Songs Charts|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|last=Asker|first=Jim|date=November 7, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116040126/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8543012/jesus-is-king-makes-history-hot-christian-songs|archive-date=November 16, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last1=Asker|first1=Jim|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9414663/kanye-west-travis-scott-wash-us-in-the-blood-tops-billboard-spiritual-charts|title=Kanye West & Travis Scott's 'Wash Us in the Blood' Debuts Atop Billboard's Spiritual Charts|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|access-date=July 9, 2020|date=July 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709103913/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9414663/kanye-west-travis-scott-wash-us-in-the-blood-tops-billboard-spiritual-charts|archive-date=July 9, 2020|url-status=live}} The track also reached the summit of the US Christian Streaming Songs, Christian Digital Song Sales, Gospel Streaming Songs, and Gospel Digital Song Sales charts. On the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, the track debuted at number three and remained on the chart for a total of six weeks. On January 10, 2024, the song was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for track-equivalent sales of 2,000,000 units in the US.{{Cite magazine|last1=Giacomazzo|first1=Bernadette|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/kanye-west-graduation-7x-platinum-riaa|title=Kanye West's 'Graduation' Goes 7× Platinum In RIAA Certification|magazine=HipHopDX|date=January 14, 2024|access-date=March 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114150927/https://hiphopdx.com/news/kanye-west-graduation-7x-platinum-riaa|archive-date=January 14, 2024|url-status=live}}

Elsewhere, "Follow God" peaked at number six on the Canadian Hot 100 and New Zealand Singles Chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2019-11-09|title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs – November 9, 2019|magazine=Billboard|access-date=February 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104165945/https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2019-11-09|archive-date=November 4, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/singles/2019-11-01|title=NZ Top 40 Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=November 9, 2019|access-date=November 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101230526/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/singles?chart=4770|archive-date=November 1, 2019|url-status=live}} In Australia, it became the highest-charting track from Jesus Is King, entering the ARIA Singles Chart at number seven.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaweek.com.au/aria-chart-tones-and-i-sets-another-record-selena-kanye-new/|title=ARIA Chart: Tones and I sets another record, Selena & Kanye new|work=Mediaweek|last=Manning|first=James|date=November 3, 2019|access-date=January 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107065052/https://www.mediaweek.com.au/aria-chart-tones-and-i-sets-another-record-selena-kanye-new/|archive-date=January 7, 2020|url-status=live}} On the UK Singles Chart, the song debuted at number six, with first-week sales of 32,806 units.{{cite web|last1=Jones|first1=Alan|url=https://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/charts-analysis-tones-and-i-increases-sales-in-fifth-week-at-summit/077951|title=Charts analysis: Tones And I increases sales in fifth week at summit|website=Music Week|url-access=limited|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=May 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212000209/https://www.musicweek.com/analysis/read/charts-analysis-tones-and-i-increases-sales-in-fifth-week-at-summit/077951|archive-date=December 12, 2019|url-status=live}} This gave West his 20th top 10 single in the United Kingdom, and it spent six weeks on the chart.{{cite news|last1=Myers|first1=Justin|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/tones-and-is-dance-monkey-scores-highest-sales-week-yet-to-stay-at-number-1__27645/|title=Tones and I's Dance Monkey holds on to Number 1 thanks to bumper sales|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=August 25, 2020|archive-date=November 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102010042/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/tones-and-is-dance-monkey-scores-highest-sales-week-yet-to-stay-at-number-1__27645/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14958/kanye-west/|title=Kanye West {{!}} full Official Chart History|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=April 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220235353/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14958/kanye-west/|archive-date=December 20, 2019|url-status=live}} On November 22, 2024, "Follow God" was certified gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales of 400,000 units in the UK. The track charted in the top 10 in Estonia, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia. It charted at number 11 and 12 on the Danish Track Top-40 and Icelandic Singles Chart, respectively. On September 19, 2023, "Follow God" was awarded a gold certification by IFPI Danmark for selling 45,000 units in Denmark. In Norway, the track debuted at number 13 on the Norwegian Topp 40 Singles chart. The track also reached the top 20 in the Czech Republic, Portugal, Sweden, and Switzerland. On May 13, 2022, it was certified gold by the Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa (AFP) for shelving 5,000 units in Portugal.

File:Kanye West North Charleston Rally, July 2020.jpg.]]

After Jesus Is King{{'}}s release, the song was frequently viewed as the album's best track by users of Twitter. According to a number of them, it is the only good track on the album. Pusha T announced his wife Virginia Williams' pregnancy in a freestyle rap over "Follow God" shared via Instagram on December 9, 2019.{{cite web|last=Hore-Thorburn|first=Isabelle|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/pusha-t-baby-annoucenment-kanye-west/|title=Pusha T Raps Baby Announcement Over Kanye West's 'Follow God'|website=Highsnobiety|date=December 10, 2019|access-date=January 31, 2020}} Jay-Z placed the track among a playlist of his favourite songs of 2019, which was uploaded by him to Tidal on December 19 of that year.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/jay-z-names-kanye-west-follow-god-favourite-songs-of-2019-list-tidal-2590166|title=Jay-Z names Kanye West's 'Follow God' among his favourite songs of 2019|work=NME|date=December 20, 2019|access-date=February 6, 2020|author=Moore, Sam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226100815/https://www.nme.com/news/music/jay-z-names-kanye-west-follow-god-favourite-songs-of-2019-list-tidal-2590166|archive-date=December 26, 2019|url-status=live}} During a round of the primetime Jeopardy! tournament Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time on January 15, 2020, host Alex Trebek gave the clue for a question about West's discography by stating, "'Follow God' and 'Closed on Sunday' are tracks on this 2019 Kanye West album." The contestants Ken Jennings, Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer failed to correctly answer with Jesus Is King.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-stumped-three-of-jeopardys-greatest-of-all-time-contestants-news.100994.html|title=Kanye West's 'Jesus Is King' Stumped 'Greatest Of All Time' Jeopardy Contestants|work=HotNewHipHop|date=January 15, 2020|access-date=August 4, 2020|author=S., Lynn|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315074807/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/kanye-wests-jesus-is-king-stumped-three-of-jeopardys-greatest-of-all-time-contestants-news.100994.html|archive-date=March 15, 2020|url-status=live}} On August 12, 2020, Merrill mayor Derek Woellner endorsed West's 2020 presidential campaign and admitted that he was voting for him due to West being "the guy that says follow god," while Woellner shared a link to the song's music video as part of his endorsement.{{Cite news|last1=Brophy|first1=Natalie|url=https://eu.wausaudailyherald.com/story/news/2020/08/12/kanye-west-merrill-mayor-derek-woellner-endorses-rapper-president/3355821001/|title=Kanye West: Merrill Mayor Derek Woellner endorses rapper for president|work=Wausau Daily Herald|date=August 12, 2020|access-date=August 18, 2020}}

Credits adapted from Tidal.

{{Div col}}

• Kanye West – producer, songwriter
• BoogzDaBeast – producer, songwriter
• Xcelence – producer, songwriter
• Aaron Butts – songwriter
• Calvin Eubanks – songwriter
• Curtis Eubanks – songwriter
• Mike Dean – mastering, mixing
• Jess Jackson – mixing
• Andrew Drucker – recording engineer
• Josh Bales – recording engineer
• Josh Berg – recording engineer
• Randy Urbanski – recording engineer

{{Div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for "Follow God"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Kanye West|title=Follow God|award=Gold|refname="Ifpi"|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2023|access-date=September 23, 2023|id=12939}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Kanye West|title=Follow God|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|access-date=August 28, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=Kanye West|title=Follow God|award=Gold|refname="Portugal"|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2022|id=file_2022-05-13-15-04-29.pdf|access-date=May 23, 2022}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Kanye West|title=Follow God|award=Gold|type=single|refname="bpi"|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|access-date=November 23, 2024|id=16897-997-1}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Kanye West|title=Follow God|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2019|certyear=2024|refname="Platinum"|access-date=January 11, 2024}}

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

{{Reflist|group=nb}}

{{reflist}}

• {{youTube|PH3KD2bb_yc|Lyric video}}
• [https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/lyrics/8542603/kanye-west-follow-god-lyrics "Follow God" Lyrics] at Billboard

{{Kanye West songs}}

{{authority control}}

Category:2019 singles

Category:2019 songs

Category:Def Jam Recordings singles

Category:GOOD Music singles

Category:Kanye West songs

Category:Music videos directed by Jake Schreier

Category:Song recordings produced by Kanye West

Category:Songs about fathers

Category:Songs written by Kanye West

Category:Christian hip-hop songs