BMF (song)

Last updated

"BMF"
Song by SZA
from the album Lana
ReleasedDecember 20, 2024
Genre Bossa nova
Length3:01
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Blake Slatkin
  • Carter Lang
  • Omer Fedi
Audio
"BMF" on YouTube

"BMF" (formerly "Boy from South Detroit") is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It references Journey's "Don't Stop Believin' ", both of which feature a "south Detroit" line, and interpolates the 1960s bossa nova single "The Girl from Ipanema". "BMF" was originally going to feature American singer and rapper Lizzo.

Contents

Background

SZA's second studio album, SOS , was released on December 9, 2022. [1] Soon afterward, she made a post on Instagram in which she teased about a possible deluxe edition for the album. [2] Speaking to Variety in August 2023, she revealed that the deluxe edition became a "whole 'nother" project, a reissue she named Lana . It would consist of post-SOS songs alongside some anticipated outtakes that did not appear on the album. [3]

Around SOS's release, The Line of Best Fit reported that American rapper and singer Lizzo was to feature on a track from Lana. [4] Known under the names "BMF" and "Boy from South Detroit", it was a fan-favorite outtake scrapped by SZA's manager, Punch. He, along with an album co-producer, had told her that the song was not impressive enough to include on the standard tracklist. [5] [6]

Music and lyrics

"BMF" is a bossa nova song that interpolates "The Girl from Ipanema" (1962), composed by Brazilian musician Antônio Carlos Jobim. Its Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto rendition is used for the song's hook: "The boy from South Detroit keep bossin' / And I can't keep my panties from dropping." [7] The "south Detroit" lyric references the Journey song "Don't Stop Believin' ", which contains the same line. [8] Apart from South Detroit, SZA mentions the Slauson Avenue, a road in Los Angeles. Rob Sheffield of Rolling Stone writes that it may be a tribute to Nipsey Hussle, a rapper raised in the nearby Crenshaw neighborhood and shot dead at the same road. [7]

Release

After the Variety interview, SZA performed "BMF" alongside two other SOS outtakes at a September 2023 concert in Brooklyn, New York. [9] The song was released on December 20, 2024, as the fifth track on Lana. [10] In an article for Billboard , Mackenzie Cummings-Grady ranked "BMF" as the reissue's 11th-best track, explaining that it provides enough levity to balance the tracks with heavier themes. [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SZA</span> American singer-songwriter (born 1989)

Solána Imani Rowe, known professionally as SZA, is an American singer-songwriter. She first gained recognition through her self-released EPs See.SZA.Run (2012) and S (2013), which helped her become the first female artist to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment. Her third EP, Z (2014), was her first project to be released to digital retailers and reached the top-ten on the U.S. Independent Albums chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Galore</span> 2017 single by SZA featuring Travis Scott

"Love Galore" is a song by American singer SZA featuring American rapper and singer Travis Scott. It was released through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records as the second single from the former's debut studio album, Ctrl, on April 28, 2017. The two artists wrote the song with producers ThankGod4Cody, Carter Lang, and Scum, alongside Punch. "Love Galore" received widespread acclaim from music critics and a Grammy nomination at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. An alternate version of the song was included on the deluxe edition of Ctrl, released on the fifth anniversary of the album's release on June 9, 2022, which features an additional verse from SZA that replaces Scott's verse. "Love Galore" became SZA's breakout hit and a commercial success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SZA discography</span>

The discography of American singer-songwriter SZA consists of two studio albums, one reissue album, three extended plays (EPs), one live album, and 45 singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shirt (song)</span> 2022 single by SZA

"Shirt" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the third single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). Produced by Darkchild and Freaky Rob, it is an R&B song, with elements of trap music, backed by synthesizers and 808 beats. The lyrics are about a toxic relationship that consumes SZA and entices her to return, despite leaving her directionless and mentally exhausted. They include themes present throughout SOS: deep introspection, the pursuit of perfection, and the conflict between love and hatred. A snippet of "Shirt", prior to its official release, spawned a viral dance challenge on TikTok, where over a million videos used the sound. After being first previewed online two years beforehand, the song was released on October 28, 2022.

"Blind" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a beatless R&B and folk-pop song, featuring an orchestral production that consists of acoustic guitars, violas, and trumpets. SZA's vocal performance combines a rap cadence and slow falsetto vocals, with added vocal runs. In the song, SZA explores the duality of love and muses on a former relationship, as she expresses her disappointment to a toxic past partner while also expressing her continued attraction to him. For the chorus, SZA admits her insecurities in spite of seeking validation through sex, feeling empty and unable to find self-love within herself as a result of a failed romance. "Blind" also incorporates several pop culture references to figures such as Bob Saget and Jesus.

"PSA" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album SOS (2022). It is an orchestral song with a simple, stringed production, consisting of pianos and harps alongside vocal harmonies. The lyrics are delivered in a rap cadence and with braggadocio; SZA demands that people call her nothing but number-one and serve her, says she takes pleasure in angering people, and mocks those she views as "bottom feeders". "PSA" was used for the official teaser for SOS, yet despite this, the song did not appear on the final track list for the standard edition.

<i>SOS</i> (SZA album) 2022 studio album by SZA

SOS is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released on December 9, 2022, by Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from Don Toliver, Phoebe Bridgers, Travis Scott, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. SZA worked with a variety of record producers and songwriters such as Babyface, Jeff Bhasker, Rob Bisel, Benny Blanco, Darkchild, DJ Dahi, Ant Clemons, and Lizzo. It serves as the follow-up to SZA's debut album Ctrl (2017).

Cody Jordan "ThankGod4Cody" Fayne is an American producer, songwriter, and musician, most known for his production work on SZA's acclaimed albums Ctrl and SOS, as well as his 2019 debut album Cody of Nazareth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kill Bill (SZA song)</span> 2023 single by SZA

"Kill Bill" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the fifth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is a pop and R&B murder ballad, built around a midtempo, groovy rhythm and a detuned melody. Guitars, a bassline, and a flute that was sampled from a Prophet-6 synthesizer constitute the song's production, which is influenced by the boom bap subgenre of hip hop. Mirroring the plot of the Kill Bill film duology (2003–2004) after which the song is named, the lyrics discuss a fantasy to kill an ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend out of jealousy, and they employ humorous irony alongside violent imagery that contrasts with SZA's soft vocals. "Kill Bill" was sent to US radio on January 10, 2023, after achieving success on streaming services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snooze (SZA song)</span> 2023 single by SZA

"Snooze" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and the sixth single from her second studio album, SOS (2022). It is an R&B and pop song with a midtempo rhythm, featuring an instrumental that consists of bass, guitars, drums, and synthesizers. The main vocals are complemented by several layers of harmonies beneath, and a riff appears at the song's beginning. The lyrics are about SZA's obsessive devotion to a love interest who does not reciprocate her intense feelings of yearning, despite her willingness to prove her love with violence. "Snooze" was sent to radio on April 25, 2023, and a four-track single was released on digital streaming platforms on August 25. An acoustic version featuring Justin Bieber followed on September 15.

"F2F" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022). "F2F" is a rock song that draws influence from genres such as country, pop rock, and grunge. SZA wrote the song with Lizzo, who provides background vocals, and producers Rob Bisel and Carter Lang. The song was one of around five rock-inspired songs SZA created for SOS, out of a desire to experiment with various genres outside of her usual R&B music. The song begins with acoustic guitar strums before transitioning into a chorus backed by drums and power chords from electric guitars. The lyrics talk about having sex with someone to cope with breaking up with a former partner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SOS Tour</span> 2023–2024 concert tour by SZA

The SOS Tour was the second concert tour and first arena tour by American singer-songwriter SZA, in support of her second studio album, SOS (2022). It was announced on December 13 alongside merchandise for the album, four days after the album's release. The international tour took place in North America for the first and third legs, Europe for the second, and Oceania for the fourth, totalling to 63 shows.

"Open Arms" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from her second studio album, SOS (2022), featuring American rapper Travis Scott. It is a ballad backed by an acoustic guitar, conceived as part of an effort to explore soundscapes outside of SZA's usual R&B-leaning music. The lyrics are addressed to a former lover, whom the narrator leaves for the sake of her self-esteem despite her persistent feelings of attachment to him. A tribute to SZA's deceased grandmother, Norma Rowe, begins the song, done in the form of a skit; Rowe's vocals featured prominently on SZA's debut album, Ctrl (2017)

"Joni" is an unreleased song by American singer-songwriter SZA featuring a yet-to-be-announced artist. It was intended for Lana (2024), the reissue of SZA's second studio album SOS (2022), but ultimately did not make the final tracklist. A trap song inspired by the music of singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, "Joni" combines realist and idealist writing styles, discussing SZA's love for her family and desire to overcome challenges in pursuit of perfection. The song was originally uploaded to SoundCloud on August 22, 2021, and is a leaked outtake from SOS's standard edition.

"Diamond Boy (DTM)" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022).

<i>Lana</i> (album) 2024 studio album (reissue) by SZA

Lana is the reissue of SOS (2022), the second studio album by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was released on December 20, 2024, through Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records. It features a single guest appearance from Kendrick Lamar. The album was supported by the singles "Saturn", released on February 22, and "Drive", released concurrently with the album itself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saturn (SZA song)</span> 2024 single by SZA

"Saturn" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA, released as the lead single from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It is a song about nihilism and escapism, discussing one's lamentations about why bad things happen to good people and wishes to leave Earth for another planet, Saturn, where they could possibly live a better life. "Saturn" features a twinkly instrumental, a result of a combination of arpeggios and beaming synthesizers. The song was surprise-released on February 22, 2024, after its official debut at the year's Grammy Awards ceremony over two weeks prior. "Saturn" is nominated at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance. The cover is a reference to the cover of her song "Love Galore" (2017).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drive (SZA song)</span> 2024 single by SZA

"Drive" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA from Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022). It was released on December 20, 2024, by Top Dawg Entertainment and RCA Records as the second single from Lana. A music video for the song, starring Ben Stiller, premiered on the same day.

"Take You Down" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA. It was intended to be a track on Lana (2024), the reissue of her second studio album SOS (2022).

"30 for 30" is a song by American singer-songwriter SZA and American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released as the third track from Lana (2024), the reissue of SZA's second studio album SOS (2022) on December 20, 2024.

References

  1. ↑ "On SOS, SZA Blows Expectations Out of the Water: Review". Consequence. December 9, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  2. ↑ Monroe, Jazz (December 17, 2024). "SZA Releasing New SOS Deluxe Album This Week, Enlists Ben Stiller for Teaser". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  3. ↑ Aswad, Jem (December 21, 2024). "The Long Road to 'Lana': Why SZA Took Two Years to Drop the 'SOS' Deluxe Album". Variety. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  4. ↑ "Lizzo will reportedly feature on deluxe version of SZA's SOS album". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  5. ↑ Hiatt, Brian (January 29, 2023). "The Making of SZA's SOS" . Rolling Stone Music Now (Podcast). Event occurs at 56:57. Archived from the original on January 29, 2023. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  6. ↑ Inman, DeMicia (December 22, 2022). "SZA Explains Why Certain Fan-Favorite Songs Were Excluded From New Album, 'SOS'". VIBE.com. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  7. 1 2 Sheffield, Rob (December 21, 2024). "SZA Is at Her Most Streamlined and Direct on 'Lana'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  8. ↑ DeVito, Lee. "SZA announces 'SOS' arena tour with Detroit stop". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  9. ↑ "SZA Says 'SOS' Deluxe Is Actually "A Whole Nother Album" Called 'Lana'". Stereogum. September 9, 2023. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  10. ↑ Aswad, Jem (December 20, 2024). "SZA Finally Releases Long-Delayed 'Lana' Album, Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Lil Yachty and Benny Blanco". Variety. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
  11. ↑ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (December 20, 2024). "SZA's 'SOS' Deluxe 'Lana': All 15 Tracks Ranked". Billboard. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
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.