Tell the Vision

{{Short description|2021 song by Pop Smoke featuring Kanye West and Pusha T}}

{{good article}}

{{Infobox song

| name = Tell the Vision

| type = song

| artist = Pop Smoke featuring Kanye West and Pusha T{{efn|West is credited as the only artist on the Donda version.}}

| cover =

| album = Faith and Donda

| released = {{start date|2021|7|16}}

| recorded =

| genre = Drill

| length =

  • {{duration|m=3|s=35}}
  • {{duration|m=1|s=44}} (Donda version)

| label =

| writer =

| producer =

}}

"Tell the Vision" is a song by American rapper Pop Smoke featuring fellow American rappers Kanye West and Pusha T from the former's second posthumous studio album, Faith (2021). West produced the song with Boogz, FnZ, Rico Beats, and SethInTheKitchen, while Jalil Peraza and Jess Jackson served as additional producers. A drill track, it samples a choir and Angie Martinez's ode to Pop Smoke. In the lyrics of the song, the rapper discusses his upbringing in Brooklyn and the struggles he experienced during this period.

Some music critics praised the song's lyrical content, while others criticized the process behind it. In the United States, "Tell the Vision" charted at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also scored top 50 positions in Australia, Canada, Greece, and Switzerland, alongside reaching number 33 on the Billboard Global 200. An alternative version of the song was released on West's tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The version features a tweaked beat that includes a piano loop, accompanying the vocals that are solely performed by Pop Smoke. Most reviewers complained about the rapper being disused, while a couple of them expressed disappointment in the lack of drums. The version charted at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100, while reaching number 69 in Australia.

Background and development

File:Kanye West North Charleston Rally, July 2020 (cropped).jpg at a presidential rally in South Carolina during 2020.|The song was initially set to be released on Kanye West's 2021 album Donda, though an alternate version was ultimately issued on the album.]]

Alongside "Tell the Vision", Pusha T appears on fellow Faith track "Top Shotta". He had previously recorded a verse for Pop Smoke's track "Paranoia" that was not released on his debut posthumous studio album Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon (2020) because of a glitch, though it leaked in July 2020. The song was included on the deluxe edition of the album, to which Pusha T responded by "demand[ing]" Victor for the removal of his verse "to avoid any confusion that may take away from this amazing body of work!"{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/young-thug-criticises-pusha-t-for-dissing-drake-on-unreleased-pop-smoke-track-2703476|title=Young Thug criticises Pusha T for dissing Drake on unreleased Pop Smoke track|website=NME|last=Triscari|first=Caleb|date=July 8, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=December 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231030814/https://www.nme.com/news/music/young-thug-criticises-pusha-t-for-dissing-drake-on-unreleased-pop-smoke-track-2703476|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/pusha-t-drake-pop-smoke-song/|title=Pusha T Responds to Young Thug's Criticism Over Drake Diss|website=Highsnobiety|last=Osei|first=Sarah|date=July 8, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2021}}

On July 15, 2021, Pop Smoke's manager Steven Victor revealed Faith{{'}}s track list via his Instagram that includes the song with features from West and Pusha T.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-dua-lipa-pusha-t-pop-smoke-posthumous-lp-faith-1197884/|title=Kanye West, Dua Lipa, Pusha T Feature on New Pop Smoke Posthumous LP|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|last=Kreps|first=Daniel|date=July 15, 2021|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831082832/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/kanye-west-dua-lipa-pusha-t-pop-smoke-posthumous-lp-faith-1197884/|url-status=live}} It was produced by West, BoogzDaBeast under the moniker of Boogz, FnZ, Rico Beats, and SethInTheKitchen, with additional production from Jalil Peraza and Jess Jackson. West later unveiled a collaboration with Pop Smoke for Donda during the album's second listening party at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on August 6, 2021, which excited the crowd.{{cite web|last1=Barmash|first1=Seth|url=https://www.revolt.tv/2021/8/6/22612955/kanye-west-second-donda-listening-party-recap|title=Inside Kanye West's jaw-dropping second 'Donda' listening party in Atlanta|publisher=Revolt|date=August 6, 2021|access-date=August 27, 2021|archive-date=August 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210808182345/https://www.revolt.tv/2021/8/6/22612955/kanye-west-second-donda-listening-party-recap|url-status=live}} An alternate version of "Tell the Vision" was ultimately included as the album's 19th track on August 29, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/kanye-west-donda-review-3031977|title=Kanye West – 'Donda' review: some gems among lots – and lots – of filler|website=NME|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=August 29, 2021|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830004820/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/kanye-west-donda-review-3031977|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9611383/kanye-west-donda-album-songs-ranked|title=Kanye West's 'Donda' Album: Every Song Ranked|magazine=Billboard|last=Saponara|first=Michael|date=August 29, 2021|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830002338/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9611383/kanye-west-donda-album-songs-ranked|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Thomas|first=Fred|title=Donda – Kanye West|publisher=AllMusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/donda-mw0003560076|access-date=September 4, 2021}} A tribute to Pop Smoke, it was produced by West and BoogzDaBeast, while co-produced by FnZ and Ojivolta.{{cite web|url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/195728118|title=Kanye West / Donda|publisher=Tidal|access-date=August 30, 2021|archive-date=August 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210829120509/https://listen.tidal.com/album/195728118|url-status=live}} The version only includes Pop Smoke's vocals, removing West and Pusha T's performances, though credits the former of the two as the sole artist. It has a shortened length of one minute and forty-four seconds (1:44), and a much simpler, piano-based instrumental

Music and lyrics

Musically, "Tell the Vision" is a drill track.{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/music/pop-smoke-tell-the-vision-pusha-t-kanye-west/|title=Pop Smoke Aims To 'Tell The Vision' With Pusha T And Kanye West|publisher=Uproxx|last=Okon|first=Wongo|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062905/https://uproxx.com/music/pop-smoke-tell-the-vision-pusha-t-kanye-west/|url-status=live}} During the breaks in its beat, a choir sample is present. The song uses a synth-pop production that features the use of drill drums,{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/article/song-review-pop-smoke-tell-the-vision-kanye-pusha-t.html|title=Pop Smoke's Vision Remains Crystal Clear, Even When Others Are Seeing It Through|website=Vulture|last=Jenkins|first=Craig|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807032539/https://www.vulture.com/article/song-review-pop-smoke-tell-the-vision-kanye-pusha-t.html|url-status=live}} lurching synths, choral flourishes, and interspersed spoken testimonials.{{cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/pop-smoke-faith-album-review|title=Faith is the ultimate affirmation of Pop Smoke's musical transcendence|website=The Line of Best Fit|last=Mahalingan|first=Udit|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=July 17, 2021|archive-date=July 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716211250/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/pop-smoke-faith-album-review|url-status=live}} West begins the song's intro, before it slows down.{{cite magazine |last=Aderoju |first=Darlene |date=July 16, 2021 |title=Kanye West & Pusha T Drop Fiery Bars on Pop Smoke's 'Tell the Vision': Listen |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9602216/kanye-west-pusha-t-pop-smoke-tell-the-vision/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805015200/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9602216/kanye-west-pusha-t-pop-smoke-tell-the-vision/ |archive-date=August 5, 2021 |access-date=August 4, 2021 |magazine=Billboard}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/pop-smoke-celebrates-success-on-tell-the-vision-with-kanye-west-and-pusha-t-new-song.1991993.html|title=Pop Smoke Celebrates Success On 'Tell The Vision' With Kanye West & Pusha-T|website=HotNewHipHop|last=Zidel|first=Alex|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062903/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/pop-smoke-celebrates-success-on-tell-the-vision-with-kanye-west-and-pusha-t-new-song.1991993.html|url-status=live}} The intro then features a sample of Power 105.1 host Angie Martinez delivering an ode to Pop Smoke, which aired the day after he died.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/7/17/22581366/pop-smokes-mom-says-its-easier-to-listen-to-her-sons-voice-on-faith|title=Pop Smoke's mom says 'it's easier' to listen to her son's voice on second album 'Faith'|publisher=Revolt|last=Harris|first=Christopher|date=July 17, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062903/https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/7/17/22581366/pop-smokes-mom-says-its-easier-to-listen-to-her-sons-voice-on-faith|url-status=live}} This is followed by Pop Smoke performing the first verse, the chorus, and an interlude, preceding Pusha T rapping the song's second verse. The song's alternate version is a drill interlude with no drums and features a tweaked beat from West that is reliant on a piano loop,{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/5-takeaways-from-kanye-wests-donda/|title=5 Takeaways from Kanye West's Donda|website=Pitchfork|last=Ruiz|first=Matthew Ismael|date=August 30, 2021|access-date=August 31, 2021|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830211412/https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/5-takeaways-from-kanye-wests-donda/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02/1033424732/from-a-small-house-in-a-big-stadium-kanye-comes-up-empty-handed|title='Donda': From A Small House In a Big Stadium, Kanye Comes Up Empty-Handed|publisher=NPR|last=Sundaresan|first=Mano|date=September 2, 2021|access-date=September 3, 2021|archive-date=September 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210903010739/https://www.npr.org/2021/09/02/1033424732/from-a-small-house-in-a-big-stadium-kanye-comes-up-empty-handed|url-status=live}} accompanied by quick, fragmented hi-hats. The version's sole verse is performed by Pop Smoke, whose vocals are altered through processing.{{cite magazine|last=Thompson|first=Paul|title=Review: Kanye West, 'Donda'|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/kanye-wests-donda-review-1219244/|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|date=September 1, 2021|access-date=September 4, 2021|archive-date=September 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210901211847/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/kanye-wests-donda-review-1219244/|url-status=live}}

Throughout "Tell the Vision", Pop Smoke raps about his early life in Brooklyn, New York, the struggles he faced at the time, and his favorite name-brand designers.{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-premieres/vibe-magazine-new-music-friday-1234623491/|title=New Music Friday: Pop Smoke, Blxst, Tink, Rubi Rose, Trippie Redd, Logic|website=Vibe|last=Brown|first=Preezy|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=December 3, 2021}} The rapper also references having gone from the bottom to the top: "Look, I remember the days, same 'fit for a week straight/I used to eat 50-cent cake, now, it's Philippe's/It's Philippe's for the steak and hella thots up in the Wraith."{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/reviews/pop-smoke-faith-album-review-1235021897/|title=Pop Smoke's Second Posthumous Album, 'Faith,' Brings in More Guests and a Broader Palette: Album Review|website=Variety|last=Amorosi|first=A.D.|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730104047/https://variety.com/2021/music/reviews/pop-smoke-faith-album-review-1235021897/|url-status=live}} The track begins with West uttering ad-libs-filled lines: "Trippin/Wildin' on television, You could/Still see a nigga tell the vision/Pimpin'/Boy, these boys, pimpin'/Different/ These boys, boys."{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/listen-to-kanye-west-and-pusha-ts-collaboration-with-pop-smoke-tell-the-vision-2995378|title=Listen to Kanye West and Pusha T's collaboration with Pop Smoke, 'Tell The Vision'|website=NME|last=Moore|first=Sam|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062903/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/listen-to-kanye-west-and-pusha-ts-collaboration-with-pop-smoke-tell-the-vision-2995378|url-status=live}} Pusha T pays his respect to Pop Smoke, while mentioning fellow rapper Tyler, the Creator's sixth studio album Call Me If You Get Lost (2021), hailing it the best album of the year so far.{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.63212/title.pusha-t-gives-tyler-the-creator-temporary-album-of-the-year-props-on-pop-smoke-collab|title=Pusha T Gives Tyler, The Creator Temporary 'Album Of The Year' Props On Pop Smoke Collab|website=HipHopDX|last=Walker|first=Joe|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062905/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.63212/title.pusha-t-gives-tyler-the-creator-temporary-album-of-the-year-props-on-pop-smoke-collab|url-status=live}} He raps about Faith competing against Call Me If You Get Lost, alluding to the former potentially going platinum.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/7/16/22580666/pusha-t-tyler-the-creator-album-of-the-year|title=Pusha T says Tyler, The Creator has the album of the year...for now|publisher=Revolt|last=A. Perry|first=Peter|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062906/https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/7/16/22580666/pusha-t-tyler-the-creator-album-of-the-year|url-status=live}} Pusha T then hints at releasing an album soon after: "Look, Tyler got the album of the year, for now/But Pop about to drop, I see the platinum in the clouds/Now Push about to drop, so real trappers stick around."{{cite web|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/pusha-t-declares-pop-smokes-faith-will-overtake-tyler-the-creators-cmiygl-for-aoty/|title=Pusha T Declares Pop Smoke's 'Faith' Will Overtake Tyler, The Creator's 'CMIYGL' For AOTY|publisher=AllHipHop|last=Kyles|first=Yohance|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062905/https://allhiphop.com/news/pusha-t-declares-pop-smokes-faith-will-overtake-tyler-the-creators-cmiygl-for-aoty/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2021/07/16/pusha-t-salutes-tyler-the-creator-announces-new-album-in-verse-on-pop-smokes-tell-the-vision/|title=Pusha T Salutes Tyler, the Creator & Announces New Album In Verse on Pop Smoke's 'Tell the Vision'|work=The Source|last=Grant|first=Shawn|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062914/https://thesource.com/2021/07/16/pusha-t-salutes-tyler-the-creator-announces-new-album-in-verse-on-pop-smokes-tell-the-vision/|url-status=live}} The rapper also affirms "the crown is only for the king, they tryna place it on a clown", which was speculated to be a diss to Canadian musician Drake.{{cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/pusha-t-drake-diss-pop-smoke-song/|title=People Say Pusha T Is Dissing Drake on New Pop Smoke Song 'Tell the Vision' – Listen|work=XXL|last=Woods|first=Aleia|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062903/https://www.xxlmag.com/pusha-t-drake-diss-pop-smoke-song/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2021/07/16/pusha-t-drake-diss-pop-smoke-tell-the-vision/|title=Pusha T May Be Dissing Drake on Pop Smoke's Album|work=Rap-Up|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=August 4, 2021|archive-date=August 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805062903/https://www.rap-up.com/2021/07/16/pusha-t-drake-diss-pop-smoke-tell-the-vision/|url-status=live}}

Release and reception

On July 16, 2021, Pop Smoke's second posthumous studio album Faith was released, including "Tell the Vision" as the third track.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/faith-mw0003558631|title=Faith – Pop Smoke|publisher=AllMusic|last=Crone|first=David|access-date=August 29, 2021|archive-date=July 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728141830/https://www.allmusic.com/album/faith-mw0003558631|url-status=live}} In Rolling Stone, Mosi Reeves hypothesized that the line "I see the platinum in the clouds" is about Faith potentially having "the same commercial heights" as Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/pop-smoke-faith-review-1198984/|title=Pop Smoke's 'Faith' Dilutes Its Star's Intensity With Endless Features|magazine=Rolling Stone|url-access=limited|last=Reeves|first=Mosi|date=July 19, 2021|access-date=July 19, 2021|archive-date=July 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719205119/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/pop-smoke-faith-review-1198984/|url-status=live}} Wongo Okon from Uproxx saw the song as an appropriate fit "in the drill rap pocket" that Pop Smoke was successful in before dying "as he raps about the struggles he faced growing up". Writing for Variety, A.D. Amorosi perceived that Pusha T gets the most controversy during the song through his lyrical performance. Craig Jenkins of Vulture said the song is "so crowded and outrageous and spirited and weird there's almost not even time to stew about mortality". He continued, saying it is"the most alluring ratio of wild ideas to improbable successes" and manages to traverse "multiple microgenres at the same time". Robin Murray from Clash stated the song "is simply a moment for the history books".{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/pop-smoke-faith|title=Pop Smoke – Faith|website=Clash|last=Murray|first=Robin|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=July 17, 2021|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717141400/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/pop-smoke-faith|url-status=live}}

Alex Zidel, for HotNewHipHop, stated that even though listening to "Tell the Vision" seems "bittersweet", Pop Smoke's team "did a great job putting [it] together". Antoine-Samuel Mauffette Alavo of Exclaim! assumed that even though Pusha T "rarely misses in the lyrical department", he should not have been included on "Tell the Vision" and "Top Shotta" since fellow Pop Smoke collaborator Fivio Foreign did not get included on the album.{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/pop_smoke_faith_album_review|title=Pop Smoke's Fans Won't Lose 'Faith' Despite Uneven New Posthumous Album|website=Exclaim!|last=Alavo|first=Antoine-Samuel Mauffette|date=July 20, 2021|access-date=July 20, 2021|archive-date=July 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720152716/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/pop_smoke_faith_album_review|url-status=live}} At HipHopDX, Anthony Malone thought the song goes "downhill immediately" once West "decides to screech phrases".{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3763/title.pop-smokes-team-shamelessly-chose-commercialism-over-credibility-on-faith-album|title=Pop Smoke's Team Shamelessly Chose Commercialism Over Credibility On 'Faith' Album|website=HipHopDX|last=Malone|first=Anthony|date=July 29, 2021|access-date=July 30, 2021|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730062739/https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.3763/title.pop-smokes-team-shamelessly-chose-commercialism-over-credibility-on-faith-album|url-status=live}} Alphonse Pierre for Pitchfork stated the track's energy is akin to that "of a college paper struggling to hit the word count" and believed the record label was disinterested in how it sounded like, estimating "it's just there" for the purpose of "fill[ing] space and generat[ing] clicks".{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/pop-smoke-faith/|title=Pop Smoke: Faith Album Review|website=Pitchfork|last=Pierre|first=Alphonse|date=July 21, 2021|access-date=July 21, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721041410/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/pop-smoke-faith/|url-status=live}} Preezy Brown of Vibe described the track as a "standout". Alex Suskind and Jason Lamphier for Entertainment Weekly mentioned it was "a sad but celebratory cut".{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/music/music-reviews/friday-five-swedish-house-mafia-pop-smoke/|title=Friday Five: Swedish House Mafia are back, Pop Smoke's victory lap, and more|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|last1=Suskind|first1=Alex|last2=Lamphier|first2=Jason|date=July 16, 2021|access-date=December 16, 2021}}

In regards to the Donda version of the track, Matthew Ismael Ruiz of Pitchfork was disgusted by one of Pop Smoke's last performances in "Tell the Vision" amounting to "an aimless interlude" with the alternate version, condemning this as "a crime against hip-hop" and also disliking the lack of drums. In a review of Donda for The New York Times, Jon Caramanica saw the song as a "recycled" collaboration between West and Pop Smoke, perceiving it to be "purely decorative".{{cite web|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Caramanica|title=Kanye West's 'Donda' Era, on a Chaotic Stage|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/arts/music/kanye-west-donda.html|work=The New York Times|date=August 31, 2021|access-date=October 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905104343/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/arts/music/kanye-west-donda.html|archive-date=September 5, 2021|url-status=live|url-access=registration}} Expressing a similar sentiment at Slate, Carl Wilson affirmed that the "recycled" track "could have been jettisoned easily".{{cite news|last=Wilson|first=Carl|author-link=Carl Wilson (writer)|title=Congrats, Kanye West: You've Achieved Peak Jackass-dom|work=Slate|url=https://slate.com/culture/2021/08/kanye-west-donda-review-album.html|date=August 30, 2021|access-date=October 2, 2021|archive-date=August 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210831015446/https://slate.com/culture/2021/08/kanye-west-donda-review-album.html|url-status=live}} Billboard reviewer Michael Saponara ranked the track as the 26th best on the album, viewing it as "more of an interlude or bridge than a legit track" from Pop Smoke. Mano Sundaresan from NPR felt assured that the track is "one of the worst pieces of posthumous rap" he has ever listened to, citing "its plodding piano instrumental" and the lack of drums.

Commercial performance

Following the release of Faith, "Tell the Vision" entered the US Billboard Hot 100 at number 49.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2021-07-31|title=Music: Top 100 Songs – July 31, 2021|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731155033/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100|url-status=live}} The track lasted for one week on the Hot 100. At the same time as its entry, the track debuted at number 16 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2021-07-31|title=Music: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – July 31, 2021|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=July 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730063942/https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2021-07-31|url-status=live}} It performed best in Canada, reaching number 19 on the Canadian Hot 100.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2021-07-31|title=Canadian Music: Top 100 Songs – July 31, 2021|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=July 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727093726/https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-hot-100/2021-07-31|url-status=live}} In total, the track lasted for four weeks on the chart.

In Australia, the track peaked at number 47 on the ARIA Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2021-07-26|title=ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|date=July 26, 2021|access-date=July 23, 2021|archive-date=July 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723070141/https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/2021-07-26|url-status=live}} It entered the Greece International Digital Singles Chart at number 25 on the issue for the 28th week of 2021, before rising four places to number 21 the following week.{{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html|title=Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 28/2021|publisher=IFPI Greece|access-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729060810/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html|archive-date=July 29, 2021|url-status=dead}} It was less successful in Switzerland, charting at number 50 on the Swiss Hitparade Singles Top 75. Similarly, the track reached number 55 on the UK Singles Chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/56914/pop-smoke/|title=Pop Smoke {{!}} full Official Chart History|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=August 28, 2021|archive-date=January 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105085234/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/56914/pop-smoke/|url-status=live}} On the Billboard Global 200, it debuted at number 33.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/global-200/2021-07-31|title=Global Music: Top 200 Songs – July 31, 2021|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 28, 2021}} The song's alternate version opened at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100, alongside entering the Canadian Hot 100 at number 71.{{cite magazine|last=Zellner|first=Xander|title=Kanye West Lands 23 Songs From 'Donda' on Billboard Hot 100, With Two in Top 10|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9625539/kanye-west-donda-23-songs-hot-100|magazine=Billboard|date=September 7, 2021|access-date=September 10, 2021|archive-date=September 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908114315/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9625539/kanye-west-donda-23-songs-hot-100|url-status=live}} The version reached number 69 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.{{cite web|url=https://listen.tidal.com/album/190954915|title=Pop Smoke / Faith|publisher=Tidal|access-date=August 29, 2021|archive-date=August 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210813093012/https://listen.tidal.com/album/190954915|url-status=live}}

{{Div col}}

  • Kanye West{{spaced en dash}} producer, songwriter, featured artist, programmer
  • Boogz{{spaced en dash}} producer, songwriter, programmer
  • FnZ{{spaced en dash}} producer, songwriter, programmer
  • Rico Beats{{spaced en dash}} producer, songwriter, programmer
  • SethInTheKitchen{{spaced en dash}} producer, songwriter, programmer
  • Jalil Peraza{{spaced en dash}} additional producer, songwriter
  • Jess Jackson{{spaced en dash}} additional producer, mastering engineer, mix engineer
  • Bashar Jackson{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, vocalist
  • Pusha T{{spaced en dash}} songwriter, vocalist
  • Ross Portaro{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
  • Steven Victor{{spaced en dash}} songwriter
  • Ciel Eckard-Lee{{spaced en dash}} assistant mixer
  • David Bone{{spaced en dash}} assistant mixer
  • Chris Ku{{spaced en dash}} recording engineer
  • Dave Cook{{spaced en dash}} recording engineer
  • Jordan Franzino{{spaced en dash}} recording engineer
  • Randy "Enzo" Bondurant{{spaced en dash}} recording engineer
  • Vic Wainstein{{spaced en dash}} recording engineer

{{Div col end}}

  • Samuel Jackson - songwriter, producer

Charts

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

=Weekly charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+Chart performance for Faith version

! scope="col"| Chart (2021)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

{{single chart|Australia|47|artist=Pop Smoke feat. Kanye West & Pusha T|song=Tell the Vision|rowheader=true|access-date=September 3, 2021|refname="aus"}}
{{single chart|Canada|19|artist=Pop Smoke|rowheader=true|refname="can"|access-date=July 27, 2021}}
scope="row"| France (SNEP){{cite web|url=https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-la-semaine/top-albums/?categorie=Top%20Singles&semaine=29|title=Top Singles (Week 29, 2021)|publisher=Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique|access-date=July 26, 2021|language=fr|archive-date=July 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726145944/https://snepmusique.com/les-tops/le-top-de-la-semaine/top-albums/?categorie=Top%20Singles&semaine=29|url-status=live}}

| 96

{{single chart|Billboardglobal200|33|artist=Pop Smoke|rowheader=true|access-date=July 27, 2021}}
scope="row"| Ireland (IRMA){{cite web|url=http://irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Pop+Smoke|title=Irish-charts.com – Discography Pop Smoke|publisher=Irish Singles Chart|access-date=July 26, 2021|archive-date=October 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008164334/http://www.irish-charts.com/showinterpret.asp?interpret=Pop+Smoke|url-status=live}}

| 62

{{single chart|Dutch100|61|artist=Pop Smoke feat. Kanye West & Pusha T|song=Tell The Vision|rowheader=true|access-date=August 28, 2021}}
scope="row"| Greece International Digital Singles (IFPI){{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html|title=Official IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Week: 29/2021|publisher=IFPI Greece|access-date=September 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802231920/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_iel.html|archive-date=August 2, 2021|url-status=dead}}

| 21

scope="row"| New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/hot-singles/2021-07-23|title=NZ Hot Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=July 26, 2021|access-date=July 24, 2021|archive-date=July 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723220834/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/hotsingles?chart=5172|url-status=live}}

| 3

{{single chart|Portugal|76|artist=Pop Smoke feat. Kanye West & Pusha T|song=Tell The Vision|rowheader=true|access-date=July 26, 2021}}
scope="row"| South Africa (TOSAC){{cite web|url=https://theofficialsacharts.co.za/charts/streaming-chart-20-08-2021-to-26-08-2021/|title=Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100: 27/08/2021 to 02/09/2021|publisher=The Official South African Charts|access-date=June 1, 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909213625/https://theofficialsacharts.co.za/charts/streaming-chart-20-08-2021-to-26-08-2021/|archive-date=September 9, 2021}}

| 33

scope="row"| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan){{cite web|url=https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/41?dspy=2021&dspp=29|title=Veckolista Singlar, vecka 29|publisher=Sverigetopplistan|language=sv|access-date=July 23, 2021|archive-date=July 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723112744/https://www.sverigetopplistan.se/chart/41?dspy=2021&dspp=29|url-status=live}}

| 65

{{single chart|Switzerland|50|artist=Pop Smoke feat. Kanye West & Pusha T|song=Tell The Vision|rowheader=true|refname="switz"|access-date=July 26, 2021}}
{{single chart|UK|55|date=20210723|rowheader=true|access-date=July 23, 2021}}
{{single chart|UKrandb|19|date=20210723|rowheader=true|access-date=July 23, 2021}}
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|49|artist=Pop Smoke|rowheader=true|refname="Hot-100"|access-date=July 27, 2021}}
{{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|16|artist=Pop Smoke|rowheader=true|access-date=July 27, 2021}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+Chart performance for Donda version

! scope="col"| Chart (2021)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

scope="row"| Australia (ARIA){{cite magazine|title=The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 6 September 2021|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association|issue=1644|page=4|date=September 6, 2021}}

| 69

{{single chart|Canada|71|artist=Kanye West|rowheader=true|access-date=September 8, 2021|refname=CANKanye}}
{{single chart|Billboardglobal200|86|artist=Kanye West|rowheader=true|access-date=September 8, 2021}}
scope="row"| Lithuania (AGATA){{cite web|url=https://www.agata.lt/lt/naujienos/34s-2/|title=2021 35-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)|language=Lithuanian|publisher=AGATA|date=September 3, 2021|access-date=September 3, 2021}}

| 99

scope="row"| UK R&B (OCC){{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/r-and-b-singles-chart/20210903/114/|title=Official R&B Singles Chart Top 40|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=September 7, 2021}}

| 31

{{single chart|Billboardhot100|90|artist=Kanye West|rowheader=true|access-date=September 8, 2021|refname=Hot100Kanye}}
{{single chart|Billboardchristiansongs|23|artist=Kanye West|rowheader=true|access-date=September 10, 2021}}
scope="row"| US Gospel Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/kanye-west/chart-history/gsi/|title=Kanye West Chart History (Hot Gospel Songs)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=September 10, 2021}}

| 23

{{single chart|Billboardrandbhiphop|40|artist=Kanye West|rowheader=true|access-date=September 8, 2021}}

{{col-2}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="text-align:center"

|+2021 year-end chart performance for Donda version

!scope="col"|Chart (2021)

!scope="col"|Position

scope="row"| US Christian Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine|title=Hot Christian Songs – Year-End 2021|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/hot-christian-songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 2, 2021}}

| 85

scope="row"| US Gospel Songs (Billboard){{cite magazine|title=Hot Gospel Songs – Year-End 2021|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2021/hot-gospel-songs|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 2, 2021}}

| 41

{{col-end}}

Notes

{{Notelist}}

References