Autumn Leaves (Chris Brown song)

Last updated
"Autumn Leaves"
Song by Chris Brown featuring Kendrick Lamar
from the album X
ReleasedSeptember 16, 2014
Recorded2013
Genre
Length4:28
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Music video
"Autumn Leaves" on YouTube

"Autumn Leaves" is a song by American singer Chris Brown, featuring American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from his sixth studio album X (2014). It was written by Brown and Lamar, while its production was handled by B.A.M. and RoccStar. Musically, "Autumn Leaves" is a soul track that features alternative hip hop parts. The song contains lyrics about a lover’s departure and internal conflict, while Lamar's verse coaches Brown through his emotional challenges. "Autumn Leaves" received critical praise from music critics, which praised the artists' performances and its lyrical content. "Autumn Leaves" earned Gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Contents

Background

The track was revealed by Brown on March 26, 2013, during an interview for Rolling Stone . The singer told Rolling Stone that the evocative guitar spirals and passionate vocals driving “Autumn Leaves” turned it into “a real emo record”. Brown also spoke about Lamar's appearance on the track: “I picked Kendrick because his subject matter as a lyricist is beyond everybody else’s.” [1] Brown told Billboard in 2013 that the song was "a potential second single" from X, following its lead single "Fine China"; however the track ended up not being released as a single. [2]

Composition and lyrics

"Autumn Leaves" is a "quiet" soul ballad, that features an "aggressive, emotional" rap verse by Kendrick Lamar. [3] [4] Its production was described as "guitar-driven" and "Asian-inspired". [5] [6] The "reflective" lyrical content of the track features Brown comparing a lover’s departure with summer’s, in time for fall: “It seems that all the autumn leaves are falling/ I feel like you’re the only reason for it”, while Lamar raps on Brown’s behalf, mood-swinging from thoughtful to vicious: “And they won’t let me live/ Even when it’s remorse that I give/ When are they gon’ rejoice and forgive/ Tell me how [do] I stay positive?”. [5] [7]

Reception

"Autumn Leaves" received critical acclaim from music critics. Complex called the track "solemn", writing that "Brown examines a fleeting love with splendid gloominess". [8] The A.V. Club wrote that the song is an example of X "[giving] itself over to deeper emotions in its second half". [9] Miranda J. of XXL gave a positive review saying that "the chemistry between the two on the track is undeniable", calling Lamar's part "the best rap verse on the album". [4] Brad Wete of Billboard found "Autumn Leaves" to be part of Brown's vulnerable side of his discography. [5] Slant Magazine's Alexa Camp described its lyrical content as "soul-baring". [3]

Music video

The music video for the song was released on January 22, 2015, and was directed by Colin Tilley. [10] The video is "samurai-themed", and was filmed in a lush rainforest in Hawaii, showcasing cherry blossoms and Buddha statues. [11] In the video Brown appears dressed as a samurai, crossing paths with his beloved, played by the singer's ex-girlfriend, Karrueche Tran. [12] Kendrick Lamar doesn't appear in the video. [13]

Charts

Chart (2014)Peak
position
UK R&B (Official Charts Company) [14] 24
UK Singles (Official Charts Company) [14] 143
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [15] 10
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [16] 36

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [17] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Rock</span> American rapper from California

Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr., better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper, singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, he signed to the local independent label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005. Through the label, he secured a major label record deal with Warner Bros. Records and Asylum Records to release his 2008 debut single, "All My Life ". Failing to chart, the mergers fell through and Rock departed from both of the latter labels shortly after. He then signed with Missouri rapper Tech N9ne's record label Strange Music, in a joint venture deal with TDE in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kendrick Lamar</span> American rapper (born 1987)

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper and singer-songwriter. Often regarded as one of the greatest rappers of all time, he is the only musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Lamar's works has been recognized for its continual versatility, characterized by his melodic cadences, cinematic songwriting, and striking visual presentations. His regular infusion of political criticism and social commentary influenced a rise of social consciousness within his generation.

<i>Section.80</i> 2011 studio album by Kendrick Lamar

Section.80 is the debut studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on July 2, 2011, by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE). In the years leading up to its release, Lamar previously produced various mixtapes under the moniker K.Dot. In 2010, Lamar released Overly Dedicated, his fourth solo mixtape. Shortly after its release, he began working on Section.80.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swimming Pools (Drank)</span> 2012 single by Kendrick Lamar

"Swimming Pools (Drank)" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on July 31, 2012 as the lead single (second overall) from his major-label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), by Top Dawg, Aftermath and Interscope. The song was written by Lamar and Tyler "T-Minus" Williams, the latter of whom also produced the song. The song, mixed by Dr. Dre and Top Dawg's engineer Derek "MixedByAli" Ali, propelled Lamar to mainstream popularity. The song peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100, in its thirteenth week of charting, after gradually climbing up the chart. It debuted on the Hot 100 at number 100 and progressed from number 55 and 32 to its peak. "Swimming Pools (Drank)" also serves as Lamar's first entry on the UK Singles Chart, where it debuted at number 63.

<i>X</i> (Chris Brown album) 2014 studio album by Chris Brown

X is the sixth studio album by American singer Chris Brown. It was released on September 16, 2014, by CBE Entertainment and RCA Records. The album serves as the follow-up to his fifth album Fortune (2012). Brown for the album worked with several producers, including RoccStar, Danja, Nic Nac, Diplo and others. The album also features guest appearances by various urban artists, including Kendrick Lamar, R. Kelly, Akon, Nicki Minaj, Usher, Trey Songz, Tyga, Rick Ross, Brandy, Lil Wayne, Jhené Aiko and Aaliyah.

"Backseat Freestyle" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It debuted on October 15, 2012 in the United Kingdom as the third single from Lamar's second studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). It was released in the United States with the album's release on October 22, 2012. "Backseat Freestyle" was written by Lamar and Chauncey Hollis and produced by Hollis under his stage name Hit-Boy.

<i>Rich Gang</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Rich Gang

Rich Gang is the debut studio album by American record labels Young Money and Cash Money as the supergroup Rich Gang. The album was released July 23, 2013, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Universal Motown Records. The album contains contributions from several YMCMB members, including Birdman, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, Mack Maine, Limp Bizkit, Bow Wow, Ace Hood, Jae Millz, Cory Gunz, Gudda Gudda, Caskey, Detail, Busta Rhymes and Mystikal. The compilation also features guest appearances from artists outside the labels, including Future, Meek Mill, French Montana, T.I., Yo Gotti, Flo Rida, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, The Game, Kendrick Lamar, and R. Kelly. The album was supported by the three singles "Tapout" which peaked at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100, along with the R. Kelly featured "We Been On" and "50 Plates" by Rick Ross. The album received generally mixed reviews from music critics and sold 40,000 copies in the US after three weeks of sale.

"Money Trees" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from his major label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, which appears as the fifth track on the album, features a guest appearance from his Black Hippy cohort, fellow American rapper Jay Rock, and was produced by DJ Dahi. It entered the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at number 19 due to high downloads, following the album's release. The song, mixed by Top Dawg engineer Derek "MixedByAIi" Ali, features background vocals from American singer Anna Wise of Sonnymoon. Money Trees samples the Beach House song "Silver Soul", from their 2010 album Teen Dream, as well as vocals from Lamar's "Cartoon and Cereal" and interpolates lyrics from E-40's "Big Ballin' With My Homies".

"Control" is a song by American rapper Big Sean, featuring American rappers Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica. It impacted US mainstream urban radio on August 14, 2013, via GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings, as a promotional single for the former's second studio album Hall of Fame (2013). It was ultimately cut from the album due to sample clearance issues.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collard Greens (song)</span> 2013 single by Schoolboy Q featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Collard Greens" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Schoolboy Q, released on June 11, 2013 as the lead single from his third studio album Oxymoron (2014). The song, produced by production team THC and co-produced by Gwen Bunn, features a guest appearance from his Black Hippy cohort, Top Dawg Entertainment labelmate, and fellow American rapper Kendrick Lamar. The song has since peaked at number 92 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 36 on the UK R&B Chart. It was met with generally positive reviews from music critics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fragile (Tech N9ne song)</span> 2013 single by Tech N9ne featuring Kendrick Lamar, ¡Mayday! and Kendall Morgan

"Fragile" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Tech N9ne, taken from his thirteenth studio album Something Else (2013). "Fragile" was released on July 17, 2013 as the album's second single. It was produced by ¡Mayday!, Daniel "Keys" Perez, Ralfy "FAFA" Valencia and Michele Goodfriend. The song features vocals from Kendrick Lamar, ¡Mayday! and Kendall Morgan.

"The Language" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake from his third studio album Nothing Was the Same (2013). "The Language" was produced by frequent collaborator Boi-1da, along with additional production by Allen Ritter and Vinylz. It also features an outro from Cash Money Records founder Birdman. The song was serviced to mainstream urban radio on October 29, 2013, as the fourth single from the album in the US and has peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">X (Chris Brown song)</span> 2014 promotional single by Chris Brown

"X" is a song by American recording artist Chris Brown, taken from his sixth homonym studio album X (2014), and was released as an instant-gratification track alongside the album pre-order on iTunes on August 25, 2014. It was written by Brown, Diplo, Djemba Djemba, RoccStar, Dewain Whitmore and Sevyn Streeter. Musically, "X" is a song that unites R&B and soul vocals with a dance beat. The song contains lyrics about Brown forgetting a failed relationship with a woman. "X" received critical praise from music critics, which praised the maturity of the lyrics and his production. Following the release of X, as a result of the strong digital downloads, the song charted on multiple charts worldwide; it peaked at number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100, number 26 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, number 63 on the French Singles Chart, number 12 on the UK Singles R&B Chart, number 81 on the UK Singles Chart and number 75 on the Australian Singles Chart.

"Alright" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar featured on the artist's third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). The song expresses ideas of hope amid personal struggles and features uncredited vocals in its chorus from co-producer Pharrell Williams. "Alright" was released to radio stations as the album's fourth single on June 30, 2015. Many music publications considered it among the best songs and videos of the year. "Alright" received four nominations at the 58th Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, winning the latter two. It was also nominated for a MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back to Sleep (song)</span> 2015 single by Chris Brown

"Back to Sleep", also known by the censored version title "Sex You Back to Sleep", is a song by American recording artist Chris Brown from his seventh studio album Royalty. The song was released as the album's third single and its first urban single on November 5, 2015. Three official remixes of the song were released during the first months of 2016: The first featuring Usher and Zayn, the second featuring Miguel, August Alsina, and Trey Songz, and the final featuring Tank, R. Kelly and Anthony Hamilton.

<i>Royalty</i> (Chris Brown album) 2015 studio album by Chris Brown

Royalty is the seventh studio album by American singer Chris Brown. It was released on December 18, 2015, by CBE and RCA Records. The album was anticipated by the mixtape Before the Party, released as its prelude, and serves as the follow-up to his sixth album X (2014). The album is named after the singer's daughter, Royalty Brown, whom the album is dedicated to.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grass Ain't Greener</span> 2016 single by Chris Brown

"Grass Ain't Greener" is a song by American singer Chris Brown released on May 5, 2016 as the lead single from Brown's eight studio album, Heartbreak on a Full Moon. The song was written by Brown and Prince Chrishan, and produced by Nikhil. "Grass Ain't Greener" is a mid-tempo alternative R&B and trap song, that explores themes of breakup and untrusting love relationships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Humble (song)</span> 2017 single by Kendrick Lamar

"Humble" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 30, 2017, along with its music video, by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. The song was written by Lamar and producers Mike Will Made It and Pluss. It was provided to rhythmic contemporary radio as the lead single from Lamar's fourth studio album, Damn. "Humble" is Lamar's second number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100 after "Bad Blood" and his first as a lead artist. The song received four nominations at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video, winning in the last three categories.

"Element" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The fourth track on the album, the song was written by Lamar, Sounwave, James Blake, and Ricci Riera and produced by Sounwave, Blake, and Riera, with additional production by Tae Beast and Bēkon. The song charted in multiple countries in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Family Ties (song)</span> 2021 single by Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar

"Family Ties" is a song by American rappers Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar. The song was released on August 27, 2021, by Columbia Records and pgLang. The song serves as the fourth single from Keem's debut album, The Melodic Blue. The song also serves as Lamar’s first musical release under pgLang, a production company he co-founded in March 2020.

References

  1. ↑ Diehl, Matt (March 26, 2013). "Chris Brown Previews New Album 'X': 'The Negativity Is in the Past'". Rolling Stone .
  2. ↑ Mitchell, Gail (March 26, 2013). "Chris Brown Shares Sneak Peek Of New Album: First Single 'Fine China' Bows April 1". Billboard .
  3. 1 2 Camp, Alexa (September 13, 2014). "Review: Chris Brown, X". Slant Magazine.
  4. 1 2 "Chris Brown Delivers Standout Hits On 'X' - XXL". September 20, 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-09-20.
  5. 1 2 3 Wete, Brad (September 15, 2014). "Chris Brown, 'X': Track-by-Track Review". Billboard .
  6. ↑ "Chris Brown - X". 15 September 2014. Archived from the original on 2016-04-21.
  7. ↑ Mitchell, Gail (March 27, 2013). "Chris Brown Q&A: On Inspiring The Youth & His Most Personal Album Yet". Billboard .
  8. ↑ Arceneaux, Michael. "Chris Brown's "X" Is Bitter Progress". Complex.
  9. ↑ "With X, Chris Brown gets over himself". The A.V. Club. September 23, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Chris Brown Feat. Kendrick Lamar: Autumn Leaves (Music Video 2015) - IMDb" – via www.imdb.com.
  11. ↑ Marcus, Ezra (2015-01-23). "Chris Brown Dons a Samurai Outfit in Kendrick-Less 'Autumn Leaves' Video: Watch". radio.com. Archived from the original on 2018-03-04.
  12. ↑ Takeda, Allison (January 23, 2015). "Chris Brown's "Autumn Leaves" Music Video Stars Karrueche Tran: Watch".
  13. ↑ "Chris Brown's Girlfriend Karrueche Tran Stars in His Autumn Leaves Music Video—See the Real-Life Lovers in Action!". E! Online. January 24, 2015.
  14. 1 2 https://www.zobbel.de/cluk/140927cluk.txt
  15. ↑ "Chris Brown Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Chris Brown Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  17. ↑ "American single certifications – CHRIS BROWN". Recording Industry Association of America.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.