The album also expresses other topics, such as Jay-Z's thoughts on fatherhood, West's reflection on being deemed a social villain, and their success as performers.

The braggadocious lyrics exhibit themes of excellence, opulence, decadence, fame, materialism, power, and the burdens of success, as well as political and socioeconomic critique. Expanding on the dense production style of West's fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010), Watch the Throne incorporates orchestral and progressive rock influences, unconventional samples, and dramatic melodies in its sound. Recording sessions took place at various locations and began in November 2010, with production led by West and a variety of high-profile producers, including Mike Dean, Swizz Beatz, Pete Rock, RZA, Jeff Bhasker, The Neptunes, and Q-Tip. It also features vocal contributions from Kid Cudi, Seal, Justin Vernon, Elly Jackson, Connie Mitchell, Charlie Wilson and Pete Rock, among others, and samples of vocals by soul musicians Otis Redding and Curtis Mayfield. The album features guest appearances from Frank Ocean, The-Dream, Beyoncé and Mr Hudson. They originally sought to record a five-song EP together, but the project eventually evolved into a full-length album.

Prior to the release, Jay-Z and West had collaborated on various singles, and with the latter as a producer on the former's work. It was released on August 8, 2011, through Roc-A-Fella Records, Roc Nation, and Def Jam Recordings.

Watch the Throne is a collaborative studio album by American rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West, collectively known as The Throne.

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