Duckworth (song)

Last updated
"Duckworth"
Song by Kendrick Lamar
from the album DAMN.
RecordedMid 2016
Studio Windmark Studios, Jungle City Studios
Genre
Length4:09
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"Duckworth" (stylized as "DUCKWORTH.") is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from his fourth studio album DAMN. , released on April 14, 2017. The fourteenth and final track on the album (first on the Collector's Edition of DAMN.), [2] the lyrics were written by Lamar while the music was written by record producer Patrick Douthit, known professionally as 9th Wonder, with additional production by Bēkon.

Contents

The song's title is Lamar's actual surname, Lamar being his middle name. [3] [4] [5] The song tells the true story [5] of Lamar's father meeting Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, working at a Kentucky Fried Chicken in a rough area, years prior to Lamar getting signed to his record label. Anthony was renowned for robbing chicken shops, similar to the one Lamar's father had been working at, so Duckworth decided to give Anthony 2 extra biscuits every time he came in. This caused Anthony to like Duckworth and leave him alive when he robbed the shop. If it weren't for this decision, Kendrick would never have met Anthony and gotten signed to his label, and therefore his music career may have never taken off. [6]

Lyrics

The song uses storytelling to tell the connection of Lamar with his father, Kenny "Ducky" Duckworth, and his Top Dawg label-boss, Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. [4] Specifically, the song tells the story about Top Dawg's previous encounters with Ducky, many years prior to Top Dawg signing Lamar to his label. [7] [4]

More specifically, it tells the story of how Top Dawg and Ducky were gangbangers. When he was younger, Top Dawg frequented the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at which Ducky worked; this is the same location that had been robbed a few years prior, and a customer was shot. Ducky was aware of this and Top Dawg's intentions, deciding that he should get on Top Dawg's good side. He does this by giving him free chicken and extra biscuits every time he pulled into the drive-thru. This act of good will was so successful that Top Dawg decided not to hold up the restaurant after all. The song ends with Lamar stating that if it weren't for these events and circumstances, he would have died in a gunfight without the positive influence of his father, and Top Dawg would be serving life in prison for the murder instead of founding his record label.

The song, like "Fear", [8] another track from Damn, incorporates "backwards vocals", also known as backmasking. [9] Fans and critics noticed this as an inspiration taken from filmmaker David Lynch's work, most notably from the TV series Twin Peaks (1990–1991), and also as Lamar previously filmed the short-film God Is Gangsta from his album To Pimp a Butterfly (2015), in the Paris club "Le Silencio", which was designed by Lynch, Raphael Navot, architectural agency Enia and light designer Thierry Dreyfus. [10]

Critical reception

Teddy Craven of The Daily Campus described "Duckworth" as Damn's "strongest song" and "ends the album with a fantastic philosophical mic-drop." [11] Craven compared the track to "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst" from Lamar's second studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City , a song that also tells personal stories about the unexpected consequences of Lamar's music. [11] Writing for Pitchfork, Matthew Trammel described the song as "a precious origin story, the stuff of rock docs and hood DVDs, and it’s delivered with such precision, vivid detail, and masterful pacing that it can’t possibly be true. But it’s a tale too strange to be fiction, and too powerful not to believe in—just like its author." [12]

The song attracted attention of media in the former Yugoslavia due to its sample of "Ostavi trag" ("Leave a Mark") by Yugoslav jazz-rock band September. [13]

Samples

The song contains samples of "Atari" by Hiatus Kaiyote, [14] "Ostavi trag" by September, "Let the Drums Speak" by Fatback Band, and "Be Ever Wonderful" by Ted Taylor. [15] [16] 9th Wonder sampled "Mole on the Dole" by Climax Blues Band for the track's drums.

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the official Damn digital booklet. [1]

Charts

Chart (2017)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [17] 52
Ireland (IRMA) [18] 52
Portugal (AFP) [19] 56
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100) [20] 76
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan) [21] 7
UK Singles (OCC) [22] 80
US Billboard Hot 100 [23] 63
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [24] 36

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [25] Gold35,000‡
Canada (Music Canada) [26] Gold40,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [27] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [28] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

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

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper and songwriter. Regarded as one of the most influential hip hop artists of his generation, and one of the greatest rappers of all time, he is known for his technical artistry and complex songwriting. He was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to be honored.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Top Dawg Entertainment</span> American record label

Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) is an American independent record label. Specializing in hip hop and R&B artists, TDE is based in Carson, California. The label was founded in 2004 by record producer Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, who is the chief executive officer. His son, Anthony "Moosa" Tiffith Jr., and Terrence "Punch" Henderson are the presidents of the label.

"M.A.A.D City" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his second studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, which appears as the eighth track on the album, features a guest appearance from fellow Compton native and West Coast rapper MC Eiht. The song was produced by Top Dawg in-house producers THC and Sounwave for the first part of the instrumental, and Terrace Martin for the second part. The song peaked at number 75 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Digi+Phonics is an American hip hop production team, composed of California-based record producers Tae Beast, Sounwave, Dave Free and Willie B. They currently serve as the main in-house producers for Carson-based record label, Top Dawg Entertainment. Digi+Phonics work significantly on projects from all the members of hip hop supergroup Black Hippy, who are also signed to Top Dawg and is composed of rappers Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Schoolboy Q, and Ab-Soul. Their best known productions include "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" by Kendrick Lamar, "There He Go" by Schoolboy Q, and "Terrorist Threats" by Ab-Soul. They frequently co-produce songs together and put the finishing touches on the projects released by Top Dawg Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Heart Part 4</span> 2017 promotional single by Kendrick Lamar

"The Heart Part 4" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kendrick Lamar. It was released on March 23, 2017, by Top Dawg Entertainment. The track features uncredited vocals from American singer Khalid. The song contains samples from "Don't Tell a Lie about Me and I Won't Tell the Truth on You" by James Brown and "I Love You" by Faith Evans.

<i>Damn</i> (Kendrick Lamar album) 2017 studio album by Kendrick Lamar

Damn is the fourth studio album by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, released on April 14, 2017, through Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. Lamar assembled numerous artists and producers to produce the album, including executive producer and Top Dawg Entertainment label-head Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, Sounwave, DJ Dahi, Mike Will Made It, and Ricci Riera, as well as further production contributions from James Blake, Steve Lacy, BadBadNotGood, Greg Kurstin, the Alchemist, and 9th Wonder, among others. It features guest appearances from Rihanna, Zacari, and U2.

"Blood" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. As the opening track on the album, the song was written by Lamar, Daniel Tannenbaum, and Anthony Tiffith, and produced by Bēkon and Tiffith.

"Yah" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album DAMN, released on April 14, 2017. The third track on the album, the song was written by Lamar, Mark Spears, a.k.a. Sounwave, DJ Dahi, and Anthony Tiffith, and produced by, Sounwave, DJ Dahi, and Tiffith, with additional production by Bēkon.

"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.

"Feel" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The fifth track on the album, the song was written by Lamar and Mark Spears, a.k.a. Sounwave, and produced by Sounwave. The song features bass from bass guitarist Thundercat and vocals from Chelsea Blythe. The song originally had a music video which was never released and randomly leaked on YouTube.

"Pride" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The seventh track on the album, the song was written by Lamar, Steve Lacy, Anna Wise, and Anthony Tiffith, and produced by Lacy and Tiffith, with additional production by Bēkon. "Pride" charted in multiple countries in 2017.

"Lust" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The ninth track on the album, the song was written by Lamar, DJ Dahi, Mark Spears a.k.a. Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood, and was produced by DJ Dahi, Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood. The song features uncredited guest vocals from record producer Kaytranada. Although not released as a single, the song charted in multiple countries in 2017.

"Love" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar featuring American singer Zacari, taken from the former's fourth studio album Damn (2017). It was released to US rhythmic contemporary radio by Top Dawg Entertainment, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records on October 2, 2017, as the third and final single from the album. Lamar and Zacari wrote the song with its producers Teddy Walton, Sounwave, Greg Kurstin, and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith.

"XXX" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The eleventh track on the album, the song was written by Lamar, Mike Will Made It, DJ Dahi, Mark Spears a.k.a. Sounwave, Anthony Tiffith, Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr., and produced by Mike Will Made It, DJ Dahi, and Sounwave, with additional production by Top Dawg and Bēkon. The song features samples of the songs "America" by Bēkon and "American Soul" by Irish rock band U2. Although not released as a single, the song charted in multiple countries in 2017. These countries include Ireland, New Zealand, United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, and Sweden. Though it only appeared for 1 week for the New Zealand, Sweden, and United Kingdom charts, it stayed for 3 weeks on Ireland and United States charts, and remained on the Canada music charts for 4 weeks. The highest the song ever reached on any country's primary music chart was at number 22 in Ireland.

"Fear" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album DAMN., released on April 14, 2017. The twelfth track on the album, the song was written by Kendrick and produced by The Alchemist, with additional production by Bēkon. At seven minutes and forty-one seconds, it is the longest song on the album. Although not released as a single, the song charted in multiple countries in 2017.

"God" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The thirteenth and penultimate track on the album, the song was produced by Ricci Riera, Sounwave, DJ Dahi, Bēkon, Cardo, Tiffith, with additional production by Yung Exclusive, Mike Hector and Teddy Walton.

"Loyalty" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna from the former's fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The song was later sent to urban and rhythmic radio June 20, 2017, as the second single from the album. The sixth track on the album, the song was written by the artists alongside producers DJ Dahi, Sounwave, Terrace Martin, and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance.

<i>Redemption</i> (Jay Rock album) 2018 album by Jay Rock

Redemption is the third studio album by American rapper Jay Rock. It was released by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Interscope Records on June 15, 2018. The album, which serves as Rock's major-label debut, succeeds his second album 90059 (2015), released three years prior.

Daniel "Danny" Tannenbaum, known professionally as Bekon, previously known as Danny Keyz, is an American record producer, songwriter and musician.

"We Cry Together" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar and American actress Taylour Paige, taken from the former's fifth studio album, Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers, released on May 13, 2022. The eighth track on the album, Lamar wrote the song alongside the Alchemist, Bekon, and J.Lbs. Florence Welch and Gary Peacock received additional songwriting credits for the sampling of their respective songs "June" and "Valentine".

References

  1. 1 2 "Digital Booklet - DAMN. copy.pdf". DocDroid. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  2. ↑ India, Lindsey (December 8, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Surprises Fans With 'DAMN.' Collector's Edition". XXL . Retrieved December 9, 2017.
  3. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar: 10 Facts You Didn't Know About The 'Good Kid' Rapper". Capital XTRA. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 Norwin, Alyssa (April 14, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar Tells The Most Incredible Story On 'Duckworth' & Fans Love It". Hollywood Life. Retrieved April 20, 2017.
  5. 1 2 "9th Wonder Confirms Kendrick Lamar's "Duckworth" Is A True Story". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  6. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar Tells Wild Story About His Father Meeting Top Dawg on "Duckworth"". Complex. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  7. ↑ ClassicOne (April 18, 2017). "9th Wonder Confirms Whether Or Not Kendrick Lamar's "Duckworth" Was True". Exclusive Hip Hop News, Interviews, Rumors, Rap & Music Videos | Allhiphop. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  8. ↑ "What's Kendrick Lamar saying in reverse on "Fear" and "Duckworth"? Listen to the original" . Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar "Duckworth." Lyrics: Every verse in the standout track from 'Damn.'" . Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  10. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar Shares 7-Minute Short Film God is Gangsta". Pitchfork . 31 December 2015.
  11. 1 2 "Album review: Kendrick Lamar's "DAMN."". The Daily Campus. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  12. ↑ Trammell, Matthew (April 18, 2017). "Kendrick Lamar: DAMN". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 29, 2024.
  13. ↑ Raknić, Damjan (April 28, 2017). "VIDEO: REPERSKA MEGAZVIJEZDA KENDRICK LAMAR SEMPLIRALA EX-YU JAZZ ROCKERE 'Recite Tihomiru hvala za bezvremensku glazbu'". Jutarnji list (in Croatian). Archived from the original on 2021-03-01. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar's 'DUCKWORTH.' - Discover the Sample Source". WhoSampled. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  15. ↑ Kendrick Lamar – DUCKWORTH. , retrieved April 21, 2017
  16. ↑ Genius (April 17, 2017), Every Sample On Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' , retrieved April 21, 2017
  17. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  18. ↑ "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association . Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  19. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar – Duckworth.". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  20. ↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 16. týden 2017 in the date selector. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Swedish Heatseekers Chart - 14 April 2017" . Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  22. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  23. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  25. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Duckworth". Music Canada . Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  27. ↑ "British single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Duckworth". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved October 9, 2024.
  28. ↑ "American single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Duckworth". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved June 7, 2018.
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.