Kanye West and Paul McCartney team up on Only One

On New Year's Day, Kanye West released the first single from his currently untitled new album and follow-up to 2013's 'Yeezus'.

Only One is a collaboration with Paul McCartney and is told from the perspective of Kanye's late mother, Donda West. It's pretty bare-bones: a keyboard riff from Sir Paul, some singing from Kanye.

As revealed in the song's press release, Kanye felt that his mother was speaking through him during the song's recording session. "Kanye sat there with his family, holding his daughter North on his lap, and listened to his vocals, singing, Hello, my only one…" it reads, "And in that moment, not only could he not recall having sung those words, but he realized that perhaps the words had never really come from him… The process of artistic creation is one that does not involve thinking, but often channeling. And he understood in that moment that his late mother, Dr. Donda West, who was also his mentor, confidante, and best friend, had spoken through him that day… To some, Kanye's insight didn't immediately register. But then he explained: The name Kanye, which his mother had chosen, means 'only one'."

Although these were Kanye's mother's words, the lyrics still deal with Kanye's ego: Hello my Only One…just like the morning sun…you’ll keep on rising till the sky knows your name.

Apparently there are more McCartney collaborations on the way. As Ty Dollar $ign recently told Billboard, that might include a Kanye x Paul McCartney x Rihanna x Ty Dollar $ign song.

Head over to Kanye West's website to listen to the song.