The very first voice you hear on The Life is Pablo is not Kanye West, nor one of his many high-profile guests. Rather, it's a young girl delivering a passionate prayer. "We don't want no devils in the house, God," she shouts. "We want the Lord, and that's it." This powerful moment sets the tone for "Ultralight Beam," and while Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, and Kelly Price all make this a brilliant performance, four-year-old Natalie Green shines just as bright.
We reached out to Natalie via email/her mother to learn about the inspiration behind the original clip that was shared on her Instagram account three weeks ago, and what it was like to be featured on Kanye's new album. #WeDontWantNoDevilsInThisHouse
Who are some of your favorite artists?
My favorite artists are first, my mom "Carmin," Kanye West of course. Tasha Cobbs, Beyoncé Knowles, and Bryshere Gray (Hakeem).
What's the story behind the Instagram video?
The video came about one day when my family members were about to travel to Atlanta and asked me to say a quick prayer for them as they normally would before they departed.
When did Kanye and his team reach out to you to use the clip?
Kanye West's team reached out to me shortly before the release of his album. I was elated when the offer was presented.
What was your reaction when you first heard "Ultralight Beam?"
When I first listened to the song I was amazed. There was no better feeling than being a part of something so powerful and so vibrant. To know that I contributed to touching so many lives across the nation made me forever grateful.
How does it feel to know you partially inspired a Kanye song?
To know that I was an inspiration to the song is phenomenal and gracious. The impact that this song has is unexplainable and undeniable. I give my gratitude.
Are you in any talks to do more stuff with Kanye?
I'm not sure what other opportunities will present themselves but I'm open to the possibilities.
