Runaway " is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West , released as the second single from his fifth studio album , '' My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy '' ( 2010 ) . It features Pusha T , who is signed to West 's label GOOD Music . The production was handled by West , alongside co-producers Emile , Jeff Bhasker , and Mike Dean . The composition features repetitive piano riffs , intricate samples and a production style with several similarities to West 's album '' 808s & Heartbreak '' ( 2008 ) . Described as a deeply personal song in nature , it expresses West 's thoughts on his failed relationships , and his acceptance of the media 's perception of him . Lyrically the song explores criticism aimed at West in the past and serves as a " toast to the douchebags . " Before the song 's premiere at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards , it generated substantial public interest due to what had happened the year prior at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards . West 's performance received positive reviews , with the full song being released online on October 4 , 2010 . The song received critical acclaim from music critics and was listed amongst the best songs of the year by several publications , including MTV , '' Pitchfork '' , '' Rolling Stone '' , '' Complex '' , '' New York Post '' , amongst others . Critics praised the song for its sincere subject matter , the openness of the song and the soulful , clean production . Upon release , the song became one of the best reviewed singles released by West , with several critics noted that the track solidified West 's commercial comeback with the public
2009 MTV Video Music Awards
2009 MTV Video Music Awards
Runaway (Kanye West song)