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 last name, Lamar being his middle name. [3] [4] [5] The song tells the true story [5] of Lamar's father meeting Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith, years prior to Lamar getting signed to his record label. [6]

Lyrics

The song uses storytelling to tell the connection of Lamar with his father, Kenny "Ducky" Duckworth, and his TDE 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 KFC where Ducky worked; this is the same KFC that Top Dawg had stuck up a few years prior, where he killed a manager, and maybe even a few customers. Ducky found out about this and made sure he stood on Top Dawg's good side: giving him free chicken, extra biscuits, etc. When Top Dawg did eventually hold up the restaurant again, he and his cohorts made sure not to kill Ducky. If it weren't for these events and circumstances, Kendrick Lamar states he would have died in a gunfight without the positive influence of his father.

The song, like "Fear", [8] another track from Damn, incorporates "backwards vocals", also known as backmasking. [9]

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." [10] 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. [10]

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. [11]

Samples

The song contains samples of "Atari" by Hiatus Kaiyote, [12] "Ostavi trag" by September, "Let the Drums Speak" by Fatback Band, and "Be Ever Wonderful" by Ted Taylor. [13] [14] 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) [15] 52
Ireland (IRMA) [16] 52
Portugal (AFP) [17] 56
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100) [18] 76
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan) [19] 7
UK Singles (OCC) [20] 80
US Billboard Hot 100 [21] 63
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [22] 36

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [23] Gold35,000
Canada (Music Canada) [24] Gold40,000
United States (RIAA) [25] Gold500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<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.

<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.

<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.

<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, critical accolades followed including a Pulitzer Prize for Music and the Best Rap Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards. The album 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.

"DNA" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar from his fourth studio album Damn. Despite not being released as a single, the song received support at rhythmic radio after its official music video was released. The second track on the album , it was written by Lamar, while the production was handled by Mike Will Made It.

"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.

"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 Riera, Sounwave, DJ Dahi, Bëkon, 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All the Stars</span> 2018 single by Kendrick Lamar and SZA

"All the Stars" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar and American singer SZA. Written alongside Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith and producers Sounwave and Al Shux, the song was released on January 4, 2018, as the lead single to the soundtrack album of the film Black Panther. Its release coincided with Top Dawg Entertainment's announcement that Tiffith and Lamar would be producing the Black Panther soundtrack album. Marvel Studios confirmed the news and revealed that Lamar was hand-picked by Black Panther's director Ryan Coogler to produce the soundtrack album. The song appeared in the movie's end credits.

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".

"Auntie Diaries" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar from his fifth studio album Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022). The fifteenth track on Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers and the sixth track on the album's second half, "Auntie Diaries" was produced by an ensemble of producers, including Beach Noise, Bekon & The Donuts, Craig Balmoris, Daniel Tannenbaum, and Tyler Mehlenbacher.

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. 1 2 "Album review: Kendrick Lamar's "DAMN."". The Daily Campus. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  11. 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.
  12. "Kendrick Lamar's 'DUCKWORTH.' - Discover the Sample Source". WhoSampled. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  13. Kendrick Lamar – DUCKWORTH. , retrieved April 21, 2017
  14. Genius (April 17, 2017), Every Sample On Kendrick Lamar's 'DAMN.' , retrieved April 21, 2017
  15. "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  16. "IRMA – Irish Charts". Irish Recorded Music Association . Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  17. "Kendrick Lamar – Duckworth.". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved April 28, 2017.
  18. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201716 into search. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  19. "Swedish Heatseekers Chart - 14 April 2017" . Retrieved 17 March 2017.
  20. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 22, 2017.
  21. "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  22. "Kendrick Lamar Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  23. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved December 23, 2023.
  24. "Canadian single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Duckworth". Music Canada . Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  25. "American single certifications – Kendrick Lamar – Duckworth". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved June 7, 2018.