New Slaves

File:Frank Ocean (2013) (cropped).jpg, which was first revealed at the song's video projections in May 2013.|alt=Frank Ocean performing in 2013]]

In 2011, singer Frank Ocean was featured on the tracks "No Church in the Wild" and "Made in America" for Kanye West and fellow rapper Jay-Z's collaborative album Watch the Throne. After the appearances, Ocean developed more of a following and embarked on a tour for his debut album Channel Orange (2012). Ocean appeared on "New Slaves" in 2013, the same year as his feature on Jay-Z's song "Oceans".{{cite magazine |last1=Thompson |first1=Paul |title=Thinking 'Bout Forever: Frank Ocean and Time Travel |url=https://www.spin.com/2016/08/frank-ocean-boys-dont-cry-time-travel/ |magazine=Spin |access-date=July 6, 2024 |date=August 4, 2016 |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706210355/https://www.spin.com/2016/08/frank-ocean-boys-dont-cry-time-travel/ |url-status=live }} The singer's vocals on the song were revealed during West's video projections prior to release, with his mother confirming the appearance via Twitter.{{cite web | url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/05/kanye-west-will-premiere-new-single-and-video-across-the-globe-tonight | title=Kanye West premieres new single 'New Slaves', video projected around the world tonight | website=Consequence | date=May 17, 2013 | access-date=July 18, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607175027/http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/05/kanye-west-will-premiere-new-single-and-video-across-the-globe-tonight | archive-date=June 7, 2013 | url-status=live }} "New Slaves" was produced by West and co-produced by Benjamin Bronfman, with additional production from Mike Dean, Noah Goldstein, Sham Joseph, Che Pope, and GOOD Music signee Travis Scott. The first three producers served as songwriters with Ocean, Cyhi the Prynce, Malik Yusef, Rhymefest, Elon Rutberg, Sakiya Sandifer, King Louie, and Anna Adamis, with Hungarian composer Gábor Presser receiving a songwriting credit due to the sample of "Gyöngyhajú lány". After Yeezus production consultant Arca introduced West to "HBA War" by Dutch E Germ, he sampled it on the track.{{cite magazine|last=Nostro|first=Lauren|title=Dutch E Germ Has Lived a Life You Cannot Possibly Fathom|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/stream-dutch-e-germ-in-rak-dust-ep/|magazine=Vice|access-date=December 23, 2022|date=March 6, 2014|archive-date=December 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224051701/https://www.vice.com/en/article/68bz36/stream-dutch-e-germ-in-rak-dust-ep|url-status=live}}

On May 12, 2013, Scottish producer Hudson Mohawke previewed the song during his set at the Polish Free Form Festival. The preview featured the phrase "new slaves" repeatedly, although the title was not officially known nor if it would be on the album at the time.{{cite magazine |last1=Hogan |first1=Marc |title=Sample Kanye West's Ugly, Shade-Throwing New Tracks, Courtesy Hudson Mohawke |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/05/kanye-west-hudson-mohawke-new-tracks-watch/ |magazine=Spin |access-date=July 7, 2024 |date=May 13, 2013 |archive-date=July 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707071430/https://www.spin.com/2013/05/kanye-west-hudson-mohawke-new-tracks-watch/ |url-status=live }} "New Slaves" was subsequently confirmed as the title by West confidant and fashion designer Virgil Abloh, and the song was also announced to be part of Yeezus. A 73-second snippet of the studio version was leaked to SoundCloud on June 5, 2013, becoming the first leak from the album.{{cite magazine | url=http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/06/05/kanye-west-new-slaves-snippet/ | title=Kanye West's 'New Slaves' snippet leaks: Hear it here | magazine=Entertainment Weekly | date=June 5, 2013 | access-date=July 18, 2024 | last=Rahman | first=Ray | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130610083435/http://music-mix.ew.com/2013/06/05/kanye-west-new-slaves-snippet/ | archive-date=June 10, 2013 | url-status=dead }} In a 2014 interview with Zach Baron of GQ, West recalled having engaged in around 30 meetings where he was advised to "Stay in your place".{{cite news|last=Baron|first=Zach|title=Kanye West's GQ Profile: A Brand-New Ye|url=https://www.gq.com/story/kanye-west|website=GQ|access-date=June 16, 2019|date=July 21, 2014|archive-date=June 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601150358/https://www.gq.com/story/kanye-west|url-status=live}} West elaborated that the conversations encouraged to "Stay in your box" and not go outside of his creative reach, which moved him to create tracks such as "New Slaves" and "Blood on the Leaves" for Yeezus, ideally setting out "a protest in music".

File:Omega együttes fortepan 88423.jpg that combines Ocean's pitch–altered, cooing freestyle falsetto with a sample of "Gyöngyhajú lány" by Omega (pictured).|alt=Five members of Omega]]

Musically, "New Slaves" is an industrial hip hop, political rap,{{cite magazine |last=Kamer |first=Foster |title=Live Review: Kanye West as Yeezus Christ Superstar in Brooklyn |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/foster-kamer/kanye-west-yeezus-concert-review-brooklyn-new-york |magazine=Complex |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=November 20, 2013 |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227171650/https://www.complex.com/music/a/foster-kamer/kanye-west-yeezus-concert-review-brooklyn-new-york |url-status=live }} and gothic rock song, with elements of electro and heavy metal music.{{cite magazine |last1=Reed |first1=Ryan |title=Kanye West: Yeezus |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/kanye-west/kanye-west-yeezus |magazine=Paste |access-date=July 21, 2024 |date=June 18, 2013 |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223233113/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/kanye-west/kanye-west-yeezus |url-status=live }} Its production is based on sparse, pulsing synths.{{cite web|last=Khanna|first=Vish|title=Kanye West – Yeezus|url=http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/HipHop/kanye_west-yeezus|website=Exclaim!|access-date=July 22, 2024|date=June 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621041103/http://exclaim.ca/Reviews/HipHop/kanye_west-yeezus|archive-date=June 21, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Kot|first=Greg|author-link=Greg Kot|title=Kanye West's 'Yeezus' an uneasy listen|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-06-17/entertainment/chi-kanye-west-yeezus-review-20130616_1_kanye-wests-gospel-record-saul-williams|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|access-date=July 22, 2024|date=June 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622051211/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-06-17/entertainment/chi-kanye-west-yeezus-review-20130616_1_kanye-wests-gospel-record-saul-williams|archive-date=June 22, 2013|url-status=live}} The synths have a staccato rhythm that consists of stabs,{{cite web |last=Cardamenis |first=Forrest |title=Kanye West: Yeezus |url=https://www.noripcord.com/reviews/music/kanye-west/yeezus |website=No Ripcord |access-date=July 20, 2024 |date=June 20, 2013 |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722105725/https://www.noripcord.com/reviews/music/kanye-west/yeezus |url-status=live }} with influences of punk rock rather than West's signature kicks and snares.{{cite magazine |last1=Suarez |first1=Gary |title=Kanye West — Yeezus |url=https://thequietus.com/quietus-reviews/kanye-west-yeezus-review/ |magazine=The Quietus |access-date=July 22, 2024 |date=June 18, 2013}} The song has a minimalist melody, including a rhythmic breakdown,{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Randall|title=Review: Kanye West's wildly experimental, narcissistic 'Yeezus'|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-review-kanye-wests-wildly-experimental-narcissistic-yeezus-20130617-story.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|access-date=July 23, 2024|date=June 17, 2013|archive-date=November 3, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103150300/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-review-kanye-wests-wildly-experimental-narcissistic-yeezus-20130617-story.html|url-status=live}} choral swirl, and Ken Lewis' noises and vocal sounds. It begins with a soft, dark bassline.{{cite magazine |title=Kanye West, 'Yeezus': Track-by-Track review |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-yeezus-track-by-track-review-1567053/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 22, 2024 |date=June 14, 2013 |archive-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722082937/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-yeezus-track-by-track-review-1567053/ |url-status=live }} The beginning also features a slowed sample of Dutch E Germ's "HBA War", which is interrupted by a three-note riff. For the outro, it moves into a chipmunk soul coda that lasts for a minute and 15 seconds. The coda combines pitch-altered vocals from Ocean with a sample of the 1969 single "Gyöngyhajú lány" by Hungarian band Omega.{{cite magazine | url=http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/albums/kanye-west-yeezus/ | title=Kanye West – Yeezus | magazine=DIY | date=June 18, 2013 | access-date=July 18, 2024 | last=Milton | first=Jamie | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622022627/http://www.thisisfakediy.co.uk/articles/albums/kanye-west-yeezus/ | archive-date=June 22, 2013 | url-status=dead }} West delivers an aggressive performance,{{cite magazine|last=Tapley|first=Chris|title=Kanye West – Yeezus|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-yeezus-127806|magazine=The Line of Best Fit|access-date=July 22, 2024|date=June 17, 2013|archive-date=July 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722203651/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-yeezus-127806|url-status=live}} rapping in double-time and he does not deliver any hooks.{{cite magazine | url=https://mamacolive.com/thefly/reviews/album/1019299/kanye-west-yeezus/ | title=Kanye West – 'Yeezus' | magazine=The Fly | date=June 18, 2013 | access-date=July 22, 2024 | last=Denney | first=Alex | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622030756/https://mamacolive.com/thefly/reviews/album/1019299/kanye-west-yeezus/ | archive-date=June 22, 2013 | url-status=dead }} Towards the end, he utilizes Auto-Tune to sing.

In the lyrics of "New Slaves", West links the wealth of different classes of black people to the counterproductive consumerism holding them back, referencing racial politics as he compares segregation to capitalism and companies controlling the citizens.{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/17/arts/music/yeezus-kanye-wests-raw-and-jolting-new-album.html| title=A Fighter Returns With Angrier Air Punches| newspaper=The New York Times| url-access=registration| date=June 16, 2013| access-date=June 18, 2013| last=Pareles| first=Jon| author-link=Jon Pareles| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618023159/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/17/arts/music/yeezus-kanye-wests-raw-and-jolting-new-album.html| archive-date=June 18, 2013| df=mdy-all}} He addresses the economic disparity between poor and rich African Americans, comparing the poor's racism of "Don't touch anything in the store" to the rich's "Come in, please buy more" in the first verse. The rapper blames the government and prison–industrial complex of the United States{{cite magazine |last1=Moore |first1=Michael J. |title=Kanye West – Yeezus |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/kanye-west-yeezus/ |magazine=Clash |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=June 20, 2013 |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422193842/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/kanye-west-yeezus/ |url-status=live }} for the lack of a black middle class, accusing the Drug Enforcement Administration of working with the Corrections Corporation of America. West acknowledges the situation of leaders like himself and their followers, declaring that he would "rather be a dick than a swallower". He intones the N-word repeatedly and also mentions seeing "Blood on the Leaves", a reference to Billie Holiday's song "Strange Fruit" that is sampled on the album's track of the quote's name. West threatens prison owners living in the Hamptons of Long Island as he insults their spouses and houses towards the end,{{cite magazine |last1=Hunte |first1=Justin |title=Kanye West – Yeezus |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2095/title.kanye-west-yeezus |magazine=HipHopDX |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=June 17, 2013 |archive-date=May 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511132617/https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2095/title.kanye-west-yeezus |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Scheinman |first1=Ted |title=Review: Kanye West, Yeezus |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/kanye-west-yeezus/ |magazine=Slant Magazine |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=June 17, 2013 |archive-date=January 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230101145226/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/kanye-west-yeezus/ |url-status=live }} followed by Ocean delivering a freestyle falsetto that includes coos on the outro.

File:New Slaves projection.jpg video projection of "New Slaves" on the W Hotel in Los Angeles, showing West staring past the building.|alt=West's face shown on a projection across the W Hotel in Los Angeles]]

"New Slaves" was included as the fourth track on West's sixth studio album, Yeezus, released on June 18, 2013, through his labels Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella.{{cite web|last=Jeffries|first=David|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/yeezus-mw0002554883|title=Yeezus – Kanye West|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=June 19, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621043546/http://www.allmusic.com/album/yeezus-mw0002554883|archive-date=June 21, 2013}} Prior to the song's release, West unveiled it with video projections at 66 buildings across the world on May 17, 2013. West posted the locations and times of the screenings via his website, including Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Toronto.{{cite web | url=http://pitchfork.com/news/50579-kanye-west-unveils-album-details-via-projections-around-the-world/ | title=Watch: Kanye West Projects New Video 'New Slaves' on Buildings Around the World | website=Pitchfork | date=May 17, 2013 | access-date=May 20, 2013 | author=Battan, Carrie | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607111458/http://pitchfork.com/news/50579-kanye-west-unveils-album-details-via-projections-around-the-world/ | archive-date=June 7, 2013 | url-status=dead }} A black and white projection of West staring onwards rapping the song was shown; Miriam Coleman of Rolling Stone said that the simplicity "provided a striking context for the rapper's searing lyrics on race and materialism".{{cite magazine |last1=Sargent |first1=Jordan |title=Kanye West Debuts 'New Slaves' by Projecting His Face on Buildings All Over World |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/05/kanye-west-new-slaves-projection-buildings-world-hudson-mohawke/ |magazine=Spin |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=May 18, 2013 |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525061849/https://www.spin.com/2013/05/kanye-west-new-slaves-projection-buildings-world-hudson-mohawke/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine|last=Coleman|first=Miriam|title=Kanye West Premieres 'New Slaves' With Video Projections Around the World – Video|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/kanye-west-premieres-new-slaves-with-video-projections-around-the-world-20130518|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|access-date=June 15, 2013|date=May 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614082149/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/kanye-west-premieres-new-slaves-with-video-projections-around-the-world-20130518|archive-date=June 14, 2013|url-status=live}} The projections launched the promotion of Yeezus, concluding with its title and release date of June 18, 2013.{{cite news |last1=Villarreal |first1=Yezmin |title=Kanye West's Phoenix 'New Slaves' Projection Was Mostly Just an Excuse To Tweet About It |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/kanye-wests-phoenix-new-slaves-projection-was-mostly-just-an-excuse-to-tweet-about-it-6608337 |website=Phoenix New Times |access-date=July 18, 2024 |date=May 26, 2013 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718113648/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/music/kanye-wests-phoenix-new-slaves-projection-was-mostly-just-an-excuse-to-tweet-about-it-6608337 |url-status=live }} They were also shared via YouTube and Vine. Another projection at Miami Beach, Florida was shut down by police,{{cite magazine |last1=Josephs |first1=Brian |title=Did Kanye's Viral Installation In Miami Get Shut Down? |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/did-kanyes-viral-installation-in-miami-get-shut-down |magazine=Complex |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=May 17, 2013 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616204013/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/did-kanyes-viral-installation-in-miami-get-shut-down |url-status=live }} albeit leaving fans excited and eager to see the song's then-upcoming performance on Saturday Night Live (SNL).{{cite magazine |last1=Nostro |first1=Lauren |title=Kanye West Performs 'Black Skinhead' and 'New Slaves' on Saturday Night Live |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/kanye-west-performs-black-skinhead-on-saturday-night-live |magazine=Complex |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=May 18, 2013 |archive-date=June 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616204015/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/kanye-west-performs-black-skinhead-on-saturday-night-live |url-status=live }}

West updated his website's map with 24 other locations for projections on May 24, 2013. The locations included US cities like Atlanta, Austin, and Philadelphia, in addition to European cities such as Amsterdam, Birmingham, and Milan.{{cite magazine |last1=Harling |first1=Danielle |title=Kanye West Announces 24 New Projection Locations |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.24083/title.kanye-west-announces-24-new-projection-locations |magazine=HipHopDX |access-date=July 18, 2024 |date=May 24, 2013 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718113648/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.24083/title.kanye-west-announces-24-new-projection-locations |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Cubarrubia |first1=RJ |title=Kanye West Plans More Projections This Weekend |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-plans-more-projections-this-weekend-244566/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=July 18, 2024 |date=May 24, 2013 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718113648/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-plans-more-projections-this-weekend-244566/ |url-status=live }} Three of the projections were cancelled in Houston, including one at the Rothko Chapel due to a lack of permit.{{cite news |last1=Michaels |first1=Sean |author-link=Sean Michaels (writer) |title=Kanye West's New Slaves screening shut down by Houston police |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/may/27/kanye-west-new-slaves-houston |website=The Guardian |access-date=July 18, 2024 |date=May 27, 2013}} West also cancelled a screening in San Antonio for the same reason.{{cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|title=Kanye West's 'New Slaves' Screening Fizzles at the Alamo|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanye-wests-new-slaves-screening-fizzles-at-the-alamo-20130528|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|access-date=June 15, 2013|date=May 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614090934/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kanye-wests-new-slaves-screening-fizzles-at-the-alamo-20130528|archive-date=June 14, 2013|url-status=live}} West followed the projections of "New Slaves" by projecting other songs from the album on buildings across the world in June 2013, including North America, Europe, and Oceania.{{cite magazine |last1=Reilly |first1=Dan |title=Kanye West Projecting More 'Yeezus' Songs Tonight |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-projecting-more-yeezus-songs-tonight-247903/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=July 18, 2024 |date=June 14, 2013 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718113649/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-projecting-more-yeezus-songs-tonight-247903/ |url-status=live }} On December 23, 2013, West ranted during a concert at Toronto's Air Canada Centre on The Yeezus Tour that the song was part of the representations of "the opportunities and the blessings that I had in my life".{{cite magazine |last1=Kahn |first1=Andrew |last2=Wickman |first2=Forrest |title=All of Kanye West's 'rants' from the 2013 Yeezus tour, transcribed. |url=https://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2016/02/all_of_kanye_west_s_rants_from_the_2013_yeezus_tour_transcribed.html |magazine=Slate |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=February 11, 2016 |archive-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905002342/https://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/2016/02/all_of_kanye_west_s_rants_from_the_2013_yeezus_tour_transcribed.html |url-status=live }} West tweeted that the song's second verse was the best rap verse of all time in July 2013,

{{cite magazine|last=Rogulewski|first=Charley|title=Kanye West Calls 'New Slaves' 'Best Rap Verse of All Time. Period'|url=https://www.vibe.com/2013/07/kanye-west-calls-new-slaves-best-rap-verse-all-time-period/|magazine=Vibe|access-date=November 9, 2018|date=July 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109153426/https://www.vibe.com/2013/07/kanye-west-calls-new-slaves-best-rap-verse-all-time-period/|archive-date=November 9, 2018|url-status=live}} an opinion he reiterated in his interview with GQ one year later.

"New Slaves" was met with widespread acclaim from music critics, with general praise for West's lyrics about racism. Robert Christgau of MSN Music cited "New Slaves" as a highlight of the album, as did The Daily Telegraph{{'}}s Helen Brown.{{cite web|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|date=July 2, 2013|url=http://social.entertainment.msn.com/music/blogs/post--odds-and-ends-031|title=Odds and Ends 031|website=MSN Music|access-date=July 2, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705231619/http://social.entertainment.msn.com/music/blogs/post--odds-and-ends-031|archive-date=July 5, 2013}} Brown said that West takes on racism "with a ferocious urgency", despite the message becoming confusing.{{cite news|last=Brown|first=Helen|date=June 19, 2013|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/10130246/Kanye-West-Yeezus-review.html|title=Kanye West, Yeezus, review|newspaper=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|url-access=subscription|access-date=July 24, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309111712/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/cdreviews/10130246/Kanye-West-Yeezus-review.html|archive-date=March 9, 2014}} Writing for Drowned in Sound, Kyle Ellison hailed the song as the strongest track on Yeezus with its message of "anger and self-hatred", calling out "society's culture of aspiration" from West's insider position within society.{{cite web |last1=Ellison |first1=Kyle |title=Album Review: Kanye West - Yeezus / Releases |url=https://drownedinsound.com/releases/17709/reviews/4146541 |website=Drowned in Sound |access-date=July 24, 2024 |date=June 20, 2013 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930034505/https://drownedinsound.com/releases/17709/reviews/4146541 |url-status=dead }} He elaborated that West demands for listens by moving towards "the brutalist, industrial arrangements", deploying the "consumer and race politics" from throughout his career. Also picking "New Slaves" as the album's best track for the Los Angeles Times, Randall Roberts lauded it as a jam with "a nuanced rhythmic breakdown" that is just as aggressive "as it is hardened". Michael Madden of Consequence saw clarity in West's concept linking blacks of different classes with consumerism, listing it as one of the "essential tracks" of Yeezus.{{cite web |last1=Madden |first1=Michael |title=Kanye West – Yeezus |url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2013/06/album-review-kanye-west-yeezus/ |website=Consequence |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=June 20, 2013 |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717123838/https://consequenceofsound.net/2013/06/album-review-kanye-west-yeezus/ |url-status=live }} For The Fly, Alex Denney noticed how West manages to "swipe the double-time raps of Kendrick Lamar" and take from Lex Luger's production techniques for his minimalist work, calling out the racism of those assuming blacks "want nothing more than the symbols of conspicuous consumption" while condemning the prison–industrial complex. In MusicOMH, Jordan Mainzer was taken aback by the track's discussion of the economic and class differences between different African Americans. Mainzer elaborated that West laments the lack of a middle class for the group as he characterizes a larger society as "in on preventing it from flourishing", seeing the track as a version of Killer Mike's R.A.P. Music (2012) with Ocean's stylized outro.{{cite magazine |last=Mainzer |first=Jordan |title=Kanye West – Yeezus |url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-yeezus-2 |magazine=MusicOMH |access-date=July 24, 2024 |date=June 19, 2013 |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417231900/https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/kanye-west-yeezus-2 |url-status=live }} Jamie Milton of DIY was impressed with the track not holding back on its double-meanings by perfecting a "documentation of expectations on [the classes of] black America". He thought it jumps rapidly from the abrasive verses to Ocean's cries supported by the "Gyöngyhajú lány" sample, "a eureka moment" that validates the album's almost unattainable expectations.

Several reviewers highlighted the industrial production. At The Line of Best Fit, Chris Tapley expressed that the track makes up for the album's lack of bold messages with its socially-conscious lyrics and Ocean's chipmunk soul outro. Tapley observed how the track demonstrates West's "leaner, more aggressive and militant" material, creating an ideal canvas from "caustic beats" and a stark minimalist melody. Tiny Mix Tapes{{'}}s Alex Griffin praised West's ability to take on black consumerism and called the outro reminiscent of Wu-Tang Clan's "I Can't Go To Sleep" (2001), noting the piece's emotion and that West still has "more work to be done".{{cite web|last=Griffin|first=Alex|url=http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/kanye-west-yeezus|title=Kanye West – Yeezus|website=Tiny Mix Tapes|access-date=July 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131106114046/http://www.tinymixtapes.com/music-review/kanye-west-yeezus|archive-date=November 6, 2013|url-status=dead}} Evan Rytlewski from The A.V. Club called the track "menacing" and praised its triumphant coda with Ocean's freestyle, although felt that the beat becomes "staticky and blown out" as its prettiness experiences distortion.{{cite web |last1=Rytlewski |first1=Evan |title=Kanye West: Yeezus |url=https://www.avclub.com/kanye-west-yeezus-1798177119 |website=The A.V. Club |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=June 17, 2013 |archive-date=December 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210202718/https://music.avclub.com/kanye-west-yeezus-1798177119 |url-status=live }} Jim Farber of the New York Daily News felt that the song creates the setting for the reimagining of industrial rock on Yeezus, describing the prominent synths as recalling the sound of rap acts from the 1990s. Farber noted that the "heavy metal girth [...] still swings" and called the sampling of "Gyöngyhajú lány" the album's "most cool, and obscure, sample".{{cite news|last=Farber|first=Jim|title=Kanye West's 'Yeezus' is as much industrial rock as rap: music review|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/five-star-review-kanye-west-yeezus-rocks-raps-article-1.1373220|newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=June 15, 2013|date=June 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617063319/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/five-star-review-kanye-west-yeezus-rocks-raps-article-1.1373220|archive-date=June 17, 2013|url-status=live}} For PopMatters, David Amidon viewed the track as West's attempt at Michael Jackson's 1990s singles "Scream" and "Stranger in Moscow" as he evokes his "most paranoid royalty".{{cite web|last=Amidon|first=David|url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/172739-kanye-west-yeezus/|title=Kanye West: Yeezus (take two)|website=PopMatters|date=June 28, 2013|access-date=July 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705003319/https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/172739-kanye-west-yeezus/|archive-date=July 5, 2013|url-status=dead}} Amidon stated West has "the fire and brimstone of Game of Thrones{{'}} Mad King", although found Ocean's "spot to nod at James Fauntleroy" to be distracting. Exclaim{{'}}s Vish Khanna declared that the song features a "pulsing, simmer-to-boil rage" as West asserts his leader status in music, yet this is frustrating for him acting "like such an asshole". Justin Hunte from HipHopDX stated that West "bumrushes impeccably" on the track, dedicated to removing "the glossy trimmings, flexing a sense of addition by subtraction". Hunte was also intrigued by how West criticizes prison owners and their spouses from the Hamptons, yet later raps about a club being packed on fellow Yeezus track "Send It Up".

Following the release of Yeezus, the track entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 56, lasting for two weeks. It further reached number 17 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In April 2015, "New Slaves" was awarded a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for pushing 500,000 certified units in the US.{{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=July 19, 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}} The track also reached numbers 97 and 99 on the UK Singles Chart and Canadian Hot 100, respectively.{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/14958/kanye-west/|title=Kanye West {{!}} Chart history|access-date=July 19, 2024|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}}

"New Slaves" was named to year-end lists of multiple publications in 2013. Complex and Time both ranked "New Slaves" as the best song of 2013; Dave Bry of the former publication commented that even though various artists outsold West, no one came close to being "as artistically powerful".{{cite magazine| url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/best-songs-of-2013/kanye-west-new-slaves | magazine=Complex | title=The 50 Best Songs Of 2013 | date=December 2, 2013 | access-date=December 2, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205165246/http://www.complex.com/music/2013/12/best-songs-of-2013/kanye-west-new-slaves | archive-date=December 5, 2013 | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine| first=Melissa| last=Locker| url=https://entertainment.time.com/2013/12/20/the-25-best-songs-of-2013-the-entire-year/slide/no-1-new-slaves-kanye/ | magazine=Time | title=The 25 Best Songs Of 2013 (The Entire Year) | date=December 20, 2013 | access-date=June 30, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114182336/http://entertainment.time.com/2013/12/20/the-25-best-songs-of-2013-the-entire-year/slide/no-1-new-slaves-kanye/ | archive-date=November 14, 2014 | url-status=live }} Bry compared the song to the four bass notes of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg's "Deep Cover" (1992), while he found it "higher-minded [and] more ambitious" with a different audience. It was named the second best track of 2013 by Pitchfork, whose Jayson Greene highlighted the awareness of West's lyricism and called the track "the leanest and grisliest piece of music" on Yeezus.{{cite web|last=Greene|first=Jayson|author-link=Jayson Greene|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9288-the-top-100-tracks-of-2013/|title=The Top 100 Tracks of 2013|website=Pitchfork|date=December 16, 2013|access-date=June 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623141419/https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9288-the-top-100-tracks-of-2013/|archive-date=June 23, 2018|url-status=live}} Consequence named it the third best song of the year, while the song was ranked at number four on The Village Voice{{'}}s Pazz & Jop poll. "New Slaves" was listed as the eighth best song of 2013 by Paste, with Tyler Kane writing that its sparse synth-based production sets the scene for the album as West "deconstructs modern ownership and the social constructs" tying people to lives defined by consumption.

Beats Per Minute named "New Slaves" as the 60th best track of the past five years up to 2013; Brendan Frank commented that while its premiere was not smooth, the track makes the most of the album's electronic aesthetic. Frank praised West for showing his angry side, feeling he has a varied subject matter from "the effects of race on consumerism to ejaculating on trophy wives".{{cite web|last=Frank|first=Brendan|url=http://beatsperminute.com/features/bpm-5-top-100-tracks/3/|title=BPM 5: The Top 100 Tracks|website=Beats Per Minute|date=October 9, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111210142/http://beatsperminute.com/features/bpm-5-top-100-tracks/3/|archive-date=November 11, 2013|url-status=dead}} In August 2014, "New Slaves" was ranked as the 51st best song of the 2010s decade so far by Pitchfork. Craig Jenkins of the publication depicted that West "bookended the state-of-the-disenfranchised address" of his 2004 single "Jesus Walks" as he still found closed doors to pass in his position of power, having "weaponized [his] livewire awareness" of race and wealth's crossover points.{{cite web|last=Jenkins|first=Craig|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/9466-the-200-best-tracks-of-the-decade-so-far-2010-2014/|title=The 200 Best Tracks of the Decade So Far (2010-2014)|website=Pitchfork|date=August 17, 2014|access-date=July 20, 2024}} The song was nominated for Best Rap Song at the 2014 Grammy Awards, ultimately losing to "Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz.{{cite magazine |last1=X |first1=Dharmic |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/grammy-award-winners-2014 |title=Here Are The Winners For The 2014 Grammy Awards |magazine=Complex |date=January 24, 2014 |access-date=January 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105201626/https://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/grammy-award-winners-2014 |archive-date=January 5, 2019 |url-status=live }}

Prior to the album's release, West performed "New Slaves", along with "Black Skinhead", for SNL on May 18, 2013. West stood in place and looked dead-eyed into the camera as he performed with backing from a projection of eyes, while he wore an all-black outfit that included a studded leather jacket.{{cite web |last1=Pelly |first1=Liz |title=Watch Kanye West Do 'Black Skinhead' & 'New Slaves' On SNL |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1354031/watch-kanye-west-do-black-skinhead-new-slaves-on-snl/video/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=May 19, 2013 |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525061844/https://www.stereogum.com/1354031/watch-kanye-west-do-black-skinhead-new-slaves-on-snl/video/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Martins |first1=Chris |title=Watch Kanye West Usurp 'SNL' for 'Black Skinheads' and 'New Slaves' |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/05/kanye-west-saturday-night-live-black-skinheads-new-slaves-video-snl/ |magazine=Spin |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=May 19, 2013 |archive-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525061844/https://www.spin.com/2013/05/kanye-west-saturday-night-live-black-skinheads-new-slaves-video-snl/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Must-See: Kanye West Performs 'New Slave' on 'Saturday Night Live' |url=https://www.essence.com/entertainment/must-see-kanye-west-performs-new-slave-saturday-night-live/ |magazine=Essence |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=May 19, 2013 |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210010230/https://www.essence.com/entertainment/must-see-kanye-west-performs-new-slave-saturday-night-live/ |url-status=live }} A video screen showed a projection of a close-up of West's face and discount price tag images, including "new slaves" and "not for sale".{{cite magazine |last1=Harris |first1=Aisha |title=Kanye West Unveils New Songs on SNL |url=https://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/05/19/watch_kanye_perform_new_music_on_snl_video.html |magazine=Slate |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=May 19, 2013 |archive-date=May 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529025028/https://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/05/19/watch_kanye_perform_new_music_on_snl_video.html |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Friedlander |first1=Whitney |title=Kanye West on 'SNL': Performs Tracks From New Album 'Yeezus' |url=https://variety.com/2013/music/news/kanye-west-on-snl-unveils-tracks-from-new-album-yeezus-1200483782/ |magazine=Variety |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=May 19, 2013 |archive-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707114622/https://variety.com/2013/music/news/kanye-west-on-snl-unveils-tracks-from-new-album-yeezus-1200483782/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last=Phillips|first=Amy|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/50795-watch-kanye-west-debuts-black-skinhead-performs-new-slaves-on-saturday-night-live/|title=Watch: Kanye West Debuts 'Black Skinhead', Performs 'New Slaves' on 'Saturday Night Live'|website=Pitchfork|date=May 18, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2024|archive-date=January 22, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122103740/https://pitchfork.com/news/50795-watch-kanye-west-debuts-black-skinhead-performs-new-slaves-on-saturday-night-live/|url-status=live}} West growled his lyrics and made them more appropriate for TV, such as changing "dick" to "prick."{{cite magazine |last1=Lipshutz |first1=Jason |title=Kanye West Performs 'Black Skinhead,' 'New Slaves' on 'SNL': Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1562874/kanye-west-performs-black-skinhead-new-slaves-on-snl-watch |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=May 19, 2013 |archive-date=March 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310011734/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1562874/kanye-west-performs-black-skinhead-new-slaves-on-snl-watch |url-status=live }} The rapper subsequently performed the song with the "not for sale" images at the Governors Ball Music Festival on June 9, 2013.{{cite news|last=Farber|first=Jim|title=Kanye West unveils new industrial style at Governors Ball Music Fest|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/kanye-reveals-dark-new-style-governors-ball-fest-article-1.1367874|newspaper=New York Daily News|access-date=June 15, 2013|date=June 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130614012508/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/kanye-reveals-dark-new-style-governors-ball-fest-article-1.1367874|archive-date=June 14, 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Governors Ball 2013: Kanye West, The xx, Haim Shine on Sunday|url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/governors-ball-2013-kanye-west-the-xx-haim-shine-on-sunday-1566412/|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 26, 2024|date=June 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123214423/https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/governors-ball-2013-kanye-west-the-xx-haim-shine-on-sunday-1566412/|archive-date=January 23, 2022|url-status=live}} The performance caused the ground beneath the crowd to shake and during interludes between West's verses, he paused to take breaths.{{cite web |last1=Makarechi |first1=Kia |title=Kanye's Governors Ball Show: 'I Am A God,' 'On Site' And A Few Words (Videos) |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/kanye-governors-ball-i-am-a-god-on-site-videos_n_3413446 |website=HuffPost |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=June 10, 2013 |archive-date=July 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203552/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/kanye-governors-ball-i-am-a-god-on-site-videos_n_3413446 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Anderson |first1=Stacey |title=Kanye West Performs 'Yeezus' Songs at Governors Ball |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-performs-yeezus-songs-at-governors-ball-114131/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-access=limited |access-date=June 16, 2019 |date=June 10, 2013 |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428093802/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-performs-yeezus-songs-at-governors-ball-114131/ |url-status=live }} West delivered an a capella performance of the song during the album's listening party in Basel on June 12, 2013.{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Alex |title=Watch Kanye West's a capella performance of 'New Slaves' |url=https://consequence.net/2013/06/watch-kanye-wests-a-capella-performance-of-new-slaves/ |website=Consequence |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=June 12, 2013 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125192811/https://consequence.net/2013/06/watch-kanye-wests-a-capella-performance-of-new-slaves/ |url-status=live }} Travis Scott brought West out to perform the track at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on August 1.{{cite magazine |last1=McGovern |first1=Kyle |title=Kanye West Performs Ear-Shattering 'New Slaves' at Travi$ Scott Concert |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/08/kanye-west-travis-scott-live-show-new-slaves-video/ |magazine=Spin |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=August 2, 2013 |archive-date=February 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206194555/https://www.spin.com/2013/08/kanye-west-travis-scott-live-show-new-slaves-video/ |url-status=live }} On September 20, 2013, West performed the song for an extended episode of Later... with Jools Holland with backing vocals from his collaborator Charlie Wilson. West delivered a stripped-down, acoustic rendition based on piano keys that removed the synths.{{cite magazine |last=X |first=Dharmic |title=Watch Kanye West Perform 'New Slaves' and 'Blood On The Leaves' on Later... with Jools Holland |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/dharmic-x/kanye-west-new-slaves-blood-on-the-leaves-later-with-jools-holland |magazine=Complex |access-date=July 25, 2024 |date=September 21, 2013 |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906213323/https://www.complex.com/music/a/dharmic-x/kanye-west-new-slaves-blood-on-the-leaves-later-with-jools-holland |url-status=live }}

File:Kanye West OFWGKTA Carnival 2013.jpg on November 9, 2013.|alt=West appears at Odd Future Carnival on November 9, 2013]]

West incorporated five spelled-out movements into The Yeezus Tour (2013–14), beginning with the "Fighting" movement that featured him performing "New Slaves".{{cite magazine |last1=Trammell |first1=Matthew |title=Live: Yeezus Preaches the Word, But Will the World Listen? |url=https://www.thefader.com/2013/11/25/kanye-west-yeezus-tour-new-york-a-tribe-called-quest-kendrick-lamar-live-review |magazine=The Fader |access-date=July 26, 2024 |date=November 25, 2013 |archive-date=June 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240630183018/https://www.thefader.com/2013/11/25/kanye-west-yeezus-tour-new-york-a-tribe-called-quest-kendrick-lamar-live-review |url-status=live }} During his tour performance at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on November 20, 2013, West kept his face away from the microphone at the beginning. The rapper was brought out by his associate Tyler, the Creator to perform the song at Odd Future Carnival on November 9, 2013, after which the two exchanged a hug.{{cite magazine |last=X |first=Dharmic |title=Watch Kanye West Perform 'Late' and 'New Slaves' at Odd Future Carnival |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/dharmic-x/kanye-west-odd-future-carnival-performances |magazine=Complex |access-date=July 25, 2024 |date=November 10, 2013 |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227065229/https://www.complex.com/music/a/dharmic-x/kanye-west-odd-future-carnival-performances |url-status=live }} West made an unannounced appearance on Dave Chappelle's comedy show at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown Manhattan, New York City on June 20, 2014, which included a performance of the track.{{cite web |last1=Blay |first1=Zeba |title=Kanye West closes Dave Chappelle's Radio City Music Hall gig |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a579475/kanye-west-closes-dave-chappelles-radio-city-music-hall-gig-video/ |publisher=Digital Spy |access-date=July 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830183939/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a579475/kanye-west-closes-dave-chappelles-radio-city-music-hall-gig-video/ |archive-date=August 30, 2019 |date=June 21, 2014}} On April 21, 2015, West performed the song as part of a medley of tracks from throughout his career at the Time 100 gala.{{cite web| last=Dionne| first=Zach|title=Kanye West's 'Time' 100 Gala Performance Was One for the Ages| url=https://www.fuse.tv/videos/2015/04/kanye-west-time-100-performance-video| publisher=Fuse| url-access=subscription| date=April 22, 2015| access-date=July 26, 2024| archive-date=June 27, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627042011/https://www.fuse.tv/videos/2015/04/kanye-west-time-100-performance-video| url-status=live}} West delivered a medley of his 2012 single "Mercy" with "New Slaves" at the Glastonbury Festival 2015, which featured the audience shouting the track's "swallower" line.{{cite web|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60151-kanye-west-brings-out-bon-iver-covers-queen-gets-stage-invader-at-glastonbury/|title=Kanye West Brings Out Bon Iver, Covers Queen, Gets Stage Invader at Glastonbury|website=Pitchfork|date=June 27, 2015|access-date=July 26, 2024|archive-date=January 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124025536/https://pitchfork.com/news/60151-kanye-west-brings-out-bon-iver-covers-queen-gets-stage-invader-at-glastonbury/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Mackay|first=Emily|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/festivals-blog/defiant-kanye-west-confronts-glastonbury-critics-with-one-man-masterclass-review-16737|title=Defiant Kanye West Confronts Glastonbury Critics With One-Man Masterclass – Review|website=NME|date=June 28, 2015|access-date=July 26, 2024|archive-date=July 26, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726203553/https://www.nme.com/blogs/festivals-blog/defiant-kanye-west-confronts-glastonbury-critics-with-one-man-masterclass-review-16737|url-status=live}}

On May 20, 2016, Presser launched a lawsuit against West for one third of "New Slaves", alleging that it includes an unauthorized sample of his work "Gyöngyhajú lány", which he called one of Hungary and Eastern Europe's "most beloved pop songs ever".{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36367591 | title=Kanye West accused of copyright theft by Hungarian rock singer |publisher=BBC News | date=May 24, 2016 | access-date=July 5, 2024 }}{{cite news | last=Stempel | first=Jonathan | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyle/kanye-west-is-sued-by-hungarian-rock-star-for-alleged-song-theft-idUSKCN0YE1WT/ | title=Kanye West is sued by Hungarian rock star for alleged song theft | publisher=Reuters | date=May 23, 2016 | access-date=July 5, 2024 }}{{cite news|last=Pearce|first=Sheldon|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/65617-kanye-west-sued-over-new-slaves/|title=Kanye West sued over 'New Slaves'|date=May 20, 2016 |website=Pitchfork|access-date=May 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160523040155/http://pitchfork.com/news/65617-kanye-west-sued-over-new-slaves/|archive-date=May 23, 2016|url-status=live}} West had previously been sued for sampling on Yeezus in 2013, with Ponderosa Twins Plus One singer Ricky Spicer citing a lack of compensation for a sample on "Bound 2". The lawsuit revealed that West was granted permission for the "New Slaves" sample on the case of a formal deal being arranged and the rapper gave Presser a $10,000 check as he insisted for a license to be granted within 24 hours, although he chose not to cash the cheque. Presser filed a complaint in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York that cited West's intentions of having "misappropriated [the] plaintiff's composition" and alleged the defendants were not willing "to deal fairly with plaintiff" once they learnt of his theft, seeking $2.5 million.

On March 20, 2017, West and Presser reached an out-of-court settlement with an undisclosed amount; he was previously set to go to trial on March 22.{{cite magazine |last1=Jefferson |first1=J'na |title=Kanye West Settles Lawsuit Out Of Court Over 'New Slaves' Sample |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-settles-lawsuit-new-slaves-sample-7736587/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 6, 2024 |date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=January 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125003907/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/kanye-west-settles-lawsuit-new-slaves-sample-7736587/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Welsh |first1=April Clare |title=Kanye West settles $2.5m lawsuit over 'New Slaves' sample |url=https://www.factmag.com/2017/03/24/kanye-west-new-lawsuit-new-slaves-settlement/ |magazine=Fact |access-date=July 6, 2024 |date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706140300/https://www.factmag.com/2017/03/24/kanye-west-new-lawsuit-new-slaves-settlement/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |last1=Danbridge-Lemco |first1=Ben |title=Kanye West Reportedly Settled In Lawsuit Over 'New Slaves' Sample |url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/03/24/kanye-west-new-slaves-sample-lawsuit-settlement |magazine=The Fader |access-date=July 6, 2024 |date=March 24, 2017 |archive-date=July 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706140301/https://www.thefader.com/2017/03/24/kanye-west-new-slaves-sample-lawsuit-settlement |url-status=live }} A report further revealed that Presser was aware of West's sample since the projections for the song prior to release, although he allowed the sample for another week before seeking an agreement. Presser said he was "very glad it is over", while his lawyer called the resolution amicable.

On July 8, 2013, California record producer and former West associate Hit-Boy shared his re-worked version of "New Slaves" entitled "New Chains".{{cite magazine |last1=Martins |first1=Chris |title=Former Kanye Pal Hit-Boy Recasts 'New Slaves' in His Own Image |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/07/hit-boy-new-chains-slaves-kanye-west-video/ |magazine=Spin |access-date=July 27, 2024 |date=July 8, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240304110041/https://www.spin.com/2013/07/hit-boy-new-chains-slaves-kanye-west-video/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Listen to Hit-Boy's take on Kanye West's 'New Slaves', 'New Chains' |url=https://www.factmag.com/2013/07/08/listen-to-hit-boys-take-on-kanye-wests-new-slaves-new-chains/ |magazine=Fact |access-date=July 27, 2024 |date=July 8, 2013 |archive-date=July 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714115413/https://www.factmag.com/2013/07/08/listen-to-hit-boys-take-on-kanye-wests-new-slaves-new-chains/ |url-status=live }} The version adds glitchy elements, incorporating a beat switch, guitar solo, distorted vocals, and prog-rock synths, while it omits the original's outro.{{cite web|last=Adams|first=Gregory|title=Hit-Boy 'New Chains (James Somersett)' (video) (Kanye West rework)|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/hit-boy-new_chains_james_somersett_video|website=Exclaim!|access-date=July 27, 2024|date=July 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125031808/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/hit-boy-new_chains_james_somersett_video|archive-date=November 25, 2020|url-status=live}} Lyrically, it is inspired by British slave James Somersett, who used English and Welsh law to free himself in 1772. An accompanying music video was shared that shows Hit-Boy watching old footage of chain gangs, accompanied by two impeded ladies wearing shiny swimsuits.

On July 31, 2013, rapper Angel Haze covered the song because she was "bored" and shared a free download. The cover adds new lines such as "My mother was raised in the era when/Crack rock lived in the veins of our heroines", although it keeps the original's chorus.{{cite magazine | url=https://diymag.com/news/listen-angel-haze-shares-new-slaves-kanye-cover | title=Listen: Angel Haze Shares 'New Slaves' Kanye Cover | magazine=DIY | date=July 31, 2013 | access-date=July 27, 2024 | last=Milton | first=Jamie | archive-url=https://archive.today/20240727074244/https://diymag.com/news/listen-angel-haze-shares-new-slaves-kanye-cover | archive-date=July 27, 2024 | url-status=live }}{{cite news | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/angel-haze-17-1251414 | title=Angel Haze covers Kanye West's 'New Slaves' – listen | website=NME | date=July 31, 2013 | access-date=July 27, 2024 | last=Levine | first=Nick | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727073703/https://www.nme.com/news/music/angel-haze-17-1251414 | archive-date=July 27, 2024 | url-status=live }} Lil Wayne released his mixtape Dedication 5 on September 1, 2013, featuring his track "New Slaves" where he raps over the song's instrumental.{{cite web |title=Lil Wayne releases Dedication 5, raps over Kanye West, Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar beats |url=https://consequence.net/2013/09/lil-wayne-releases-dedication-5-raps-over-kanye-west-jay-z-kendrick-lamar-beats/ |website=Consequence |access-date=July 27, 2024 |date=September 1, 2013 |archive-date=July 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727074350/https://consequence.net/2013/09/lil-wayne-releases-dedication-5-raps-over-kanye-west-jay-z-kendrick-lamar-beats/ |url-status=live }} West collaborator Pusha T released his debut album My Name Is My Name in October, which samples "New Slaves" on the track "King Push".{{cite news | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/15428-origins-pusha-t-my-name-is-my-name-news | title=Origins: Pusha T's 'My Name Is My Name' | website=HotNewHipHop | date=October 15, 2013 | access-date=July 27, 2024 | last=Leon | first=Mike De | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204090730/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/15428-origins-pusha-t-my-name-is-my-name-news | archive-date=December 4, 2023 | url-status=live }}

Credits are adapted from the Yeezus liner notes.{{cite AV media notes|url=http://images.modlife.com.s3.amazonaws.com/custom/kanye/YEEZUS-CREDITS.pdf|title=Yeezus|others=Kanye West|year=2013|publisher=Def Jam Recordings|access-date=May 27, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003021031/http://images.modlife.com.s3.amazonaws.com/custom/kanye/YEEZUS-CREDITS.pdf|archive-date=October 3, 2013|df=mdy-all}}

Recording

• Engineering at No Name Hotel (Paris), Germano Studios (NYC) and Shangri-La (Malibu, CA)
• Assistant engineering at Studios de la Seine (Paris), Germano Studios (NYC) and Shangri-La (Malibu, CA)
• Mix and assistant mixing at Shangri-La (Malibu, CA)

Personnel

{{Div col|colwidth=21em}}

• Kanye West{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, production
• Benjamin Bronfman{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, co-production
• Mike Dean{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, additional production, recording engineer
• Frank Ocean{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, additional vocals
• Cydel Young{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
• Malik Jones{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
• Che Smith{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
• Elon Rutberg{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
• Sakiya Sandifer{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
• Louis Johnson{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
• Gábor Presser{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
• Anna Adamis{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
• Noah Goldstein{{spaced en dash}} additional production, recording engineer
• Travis Scott{{spaced en dash}} additional production
• Sham Joseph{{spaced en dash}} additional production
• Che Pope{{spaced en dash}} additional production
• Ken Lewis{{spaced en dash}} noises and vocal sounds
• Hudson Mohawke{{spaced en dash}} additional programming
• Arca{{spaced en dash}} additional programming
• Anthony Kilhoffer{{spaced en dash}} recording engineer, mix engineer
• Marc Portheau{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer
• Khoï Huynh{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer
• Raoul Le Pennec{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer
• Nabil Essemlani{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer
• Keith Parry{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer
• Kenta Yonesaka{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer
• Dave Rowland{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer
• Kevin Matela{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer
• Sean Oakley{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer, assistant mix engineer
• Eric Lynn{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer, assistant mix engineer
• Dave "Squirrel" Covell{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer, assistant mix engineer
• Josh Smith{{spaced en dash}} assistant recording engineer, assistant mix engineer

{{Div col end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "New Slaves"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=New Slaves|artist=Kanye West|type=single|award=Gold|certyear=2015|digital=true|access-date=July 26, 2024}}

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

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{YouTube|SoKFycTmVU|SNL performance}}

{{Kanye West songs}}

{{Frank Ocean}}

{{authority control}}

Category:2013 songs

Category:Frank Ocean songs

Category:Gothic rock songs

Category:Industrial hip-hop songs

Category:Kanye West songs

Category:Political rap songs

Category:Song recordings produced by Kanye West

Category:Songs about American slavery

Category:Songs about racism and xenophobia

Category:Songs involved in plagiarism controversies

Category:Songs written by Cyhi the Prynce

Category:Songs written by Frank Ocean

Category:Songs written by Kanye West

Category:Songs written by Malik Yusef

Category:Songs written by Mike Dean (record producer)

Category:Songs written by Rhymefest