"Escapism." redirects here. For the attempt to divert attention from an unpleasant reality, see Escapism. For other uses, see Escapism (disambiguation).
"Escapism" is a song by the British singer-songwriter Raye featuring the American rapper 070 Shake. It was released independently through Human Re Sources on 12 October 2022,as the third single from Raye's debut studio album,My 21st Century Blues (2023),and as a dual single with "The Thrill Is Gone".[4][5] Both artists wrote the song with its producer,Mike Sabath. "Escapism" is an uptempo R&B,electropop,and hip-hop song with lyrics about escaping from reality and dealing with heartbreak.
"Escapism" is considered Raye's breakout single as a solo artist. It gained attention on TikTok in 2022,became her first number-one single in the UK,and has been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). It also topped the charts in Ireland and Denmark and entered the top-10 of the charts in over twenty countries. It has been certified gold,platinum,or higher in over twelve regions. It became both Raye's and 070 Shake's first song to chart on the US Billboard Hot 100,peaking at number 22.
Raye and Otis Dominique directed the song's accompanying music video. It depicts the singer turning to "partying,drinking,and drugs to escape her emotions and numb her feelings" after breaking up with her boyfriend. "Escapism" won various accolades,including Song of the Year at the Brit Awards 2024,[6] Best Social Trended Song at the Global Awards,and Best Contemporary Song at the Ivor Novello Awards. Additionally,it was nominated for Best Independent Track and Best Independent Video at the AIM Independent Music Awards,as well as Best British Pop Single at the Popjustice £20 Music Prize.
Composition and lyrics
"Escapism" incorporates trip-hop in its production.[7] Raye stated that she "love[s] how rebellious" "Escapism" is for disregarding "the standard" of "pop music structure",particularly being "longer than three minutes and twenty seconds".[5]
The song depicts Raye on a post-breakup spree of unhealthy coping mechanisms,engaging in hookups,drugs,and alcohol.[8] Raye explained that the song is about escaping from reality and dealing with heartbreak.[7][9] In an interview with Clash,Raye revealed that she wrote the song in a log cabin in Utah:"Me and a friend hired a car,and drove up there,in the middle of winter,through the snow and everything! 'Escapism' is a story about running away from everything as fast as you can. The lyrics are about just leaving everyone on read,and going out on your own. It came from a messy time,but as humans,we just have to keep surviving!"[10]
Critical reception
Amit Vaidya of Rolling Stone India named "Escapism" one of the Best International Songs of 2022. They added how "Escapism" showcases Raye's "journey to achieving her musical freedom" and how "Escapism" "perfectly captures the angst and the aura of the singer—a vocal shape-shifter who now is the boss and we just love it!"[6]
After going viral on TikTok,"Escapism" charted on the UK Singles Chart at number 31 on 25 November 2022,which marked 070 Shake's first entry on the chart.[18] The feat marked the singer's first charting solo single since Raye became an independent artist in 2021. The following week,the song ascended to number six,becoming Raye's first single as a solo artist to reach the top ten in the UK.[5] On 9 December,"Escapism" climbed to number two,becoming Raye's highest-charting single to date,passing her collaborations "You Don't Know Me" with Jax Jones (2016) and "Bed" with Joel Corry and David Guetta (2021).[18] Following the Christmas period,"Escapism" ascended to number one on the UK Singles Chart in January 2023,marking both Raye and 070 Shake's first chart-topping single of their careers.[19]
In the United States,"Escapism" became both artists' first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100,peaking at number 22.[20] In Canada,"Escapism" became Raye's first charting single as a lead artist of her career on the Canadian Hot 100,peaking at number nine on the chart dated 21 January 2023.[21]
Music video
A music video for the song was released on 9 November 2022,[8] directed by Raye and Otis Dominique. It reflects the song's lyrics,with Raye turning to "partying,drinking,and drugs to escape her emotions and numb her feelings" after breaking up with her boyfriend. The video makes use of point-of-view cameras.[8] In an interview with Shots,Raye mentioned,"We worked really hard to create an honest depiction of where I was at that time in my life. It was fun and wild. We shot it over a couple of days and wore point-of-view cameras during a wild night out at many different clubs. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and I ran 150 meters in 5-inch heels. We really took it there!"[22]
↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 4. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved 30 January 2023.
↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 14. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved 11 April 2023.
↑ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 2. týden 2023 in the date selector. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
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