“Real Friends” is an introspective look at Kanye’s relationship struggles with his friends and family. As a father, husband and artist, his hectic lifestyle has caught up to him and he blames himself for his not keeping up with his friends and family. Ty Dolla $igns' lyrics come from the perspective of Kanye’s “former friends.”

“Real Friends” marked the relaunch of West’s 2010 G.O.O.D. Fridays series. Kim Kardashian West tweeted the highly anticipated series was starting up again and would kick off with this track.

The song was accompanied with a snippet of “No More Parties in L.A.” which features Kendrick Lamar. The full version was released the following week.

The cover art shows a young Kanye producing, playing keys of a midi keyboard. The style is reminiscent to the cover art of “Only One”.