Freestyle 4

Last updated
"Freestyle 4"
Song by Kanye West
from the album The Life of Pablo
ReleasedFebruary 14, 2016
Recorded2015–16
Genre Experimental hip hop [1]
Length2:03
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"Freestyle 4" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West that features vocals from rapper Desiigner, which is from West's seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). [2] [3] It was remixed by Tyler, the Creator in March 2016.

Contents

Composition

The track samples the beginning of 2001 song "Human" by Goldfrapp and is heavily composed around the sample. [4]

By the time that all of the changes had been made to The Life of Pablo in June 2016, a different instrumental popped up at the 45-second mark and more synths were added. [5]

Remixes

On March 3, 2016, Odd Future rapper Tyler, the Creator released a remix of "Freestyle 4" titled "What the Fuck Right Now", which featured ASAP Rocky. [6] Shortly before releasing his remix, Tyler had shown that he was a fan of the song. [7] West tweeted out his approval of the remix three days after it was released. [8]

LSDXOXO remixed the original on May 25, 2016, flipping it to being more suitable for the clubs. [9] A remix of the song by Kanye West featuring ASAP Ferg and Big Sean was subject to an online leak on August 5, 2017. [10]

Critical reception

Tom Thorogood of The Line of Best Fit viewed "Freestyle 4" as "[picking] up where Daft Punk left off on Yeezus with Kanye rapping over electro beats and Hitchcock strings". [1] Its "dense claustrophobia" was pointed out in praise by Nosheen Iqbal of The Guardian . [11]

Commercial performance

Upon the release of The Life of Pablo in February 2016, the track debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100. [12] Within the same week, it reached number 43 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. [13]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from West's official website. [14]

Charts

Chart (2016)Peak
position
UK Singles (Official Charts Company) [15] 132
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [16] 38
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [17] 9
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [18] 43
US On-Demand Songs ( Billboard ) [19] 40

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [20] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 Credited as co-producer
  2. 1 2 3 Credited as additional producer

Related Research Articles

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

The discography of American rapper ASAP Rocky consists of three studio albums, one mixtape, 42 singles, eight promotional singles and 31 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ASAP Mob</span> American hip hop collective

ASAP Mob is an American hip hop collective formed in 2006 in Harlem, New York City, that consists of rappers, record producers, music video directors and fashion designers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">ASAP Ferg</span> American rapper

Darold Durard Brown Ferguson Jr., known professionally as FERG, is an American rapper from Harlem, New York City. He is a lead member of the hip hop collective ASAP Mob, from which he adopted his moniker and signed a recording contract with Polo Grounds and RCA Records—the same labels that helped launch ASAP Worldwide—in January 2013. Two years prior, the group's cohorts, ASAP Rocky and the late ASAP Yams, effectively negotiated their own contract with the label.

"Highlights" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West, from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). The song features vocals from Young Thug and The-Dream. One day before the album was released, West performed the song on Saturday Night Live with Young Thug, El DeBarge, Kelly Price and The-Dream. Within the track, West takes a shot at Ray J. The song was met with mixed reviews from music critics. It was revealed in July 2016 that West had a shot a music video, but it was never released.

"Wolves" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, featuring vocals from Sia and Vic Mensa, from his seventh studio album The Life of Pablo (2016). It was produced by West, Cashmere Cat, and Sinjin Hawke and was originally planned to be the opening track to The Life of Pablo. West debuted the song on February 12, 2015, at a fashion show where he also premiered his new Adidas shoe. The presentation was broadcast live to more than 40 locations around the world.

<i>The Life of Pablo</i> 2016 studio album by Kanye West

The Life of Pablo is the seventh studio album by the American rapper Kanye West. It was released on February 14, 2016, through GOOD Music and distributed by Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions took place from 2013 to 2016, in Italy, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. West and a variety of producers, including co-executive producers Rick Rubin and Noah Goldstein handled production. West enlisted guest vocals for the album from The-Dream, Kelly Price, Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, Kid Cudi, Desiigner, Rihanna, Young Thug, Chris Brown, The Weeknd, Ty Dolla Sign, Vic Mensa, Sia, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, and Sampha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No More Parties in LA</span> 2016 promotional single by Kanye West featuring Kendrick Lamar

"No More Parties in LA" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016), featuring vocals from fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was produced by West and Madlib, who began the recording in 2010. The beat was originally offered to Freddie Gibbs before being given to West and Lamar by Madlib. The song was released as the third promotional single from the album as part of West's GOOD Fridays series on January 18, 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Real Friends (Kanye West song)</span> 2016 promotional single by Kanye West

"Real Friends" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, featuring vocals from fellow singer Ty Dolla Sign. It was released as a promotional single from West's seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo, on January 8, 2016, The song includes West rapping about his trust issues around friends and family, with Whodini's song "Friends" being directly recalled.

"Father Stretch My Hands" are songs by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). They are split into two parts on the album: "Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1" and "Pt. 2". "Pt. 1" contains vocals by American rapper Kid Cudi and American R&B singer Kelly Price, while "Pt. 2" includes vocals from American rapper Desiigner and American musician Caroline Shaw. Prior to release, the latter was played by West for Desiigner when the two met.

"FML" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album The Life of Pablo (2016), which features vocals from Canadian singer The Weeknd. It contains a sample of "Hit" by Section 25, which two of the band members praised West for sampling. In the song, West references his issues with mental health. The song charted in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada in 2016.

"Feedback" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West from his seventh studio album The Life of Pablo (2016). It includes a sample of "Talagh" by Googoosh and West raps about his career experiences. The song charted on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart at number 99 and 92 respectively in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desiigner</span> American rapper and singer (born 1997)

Sidney Royel Selby III, known professionally as Desiigner, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his 2015 debut single "Panda", which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Shortly after the song gained viral status online, he signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings until departing both labels in 2019.

"I Love Kanye" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). The song was solely produced by West, who wrote it alongside Malik Yusef. A spoken word track, it has no instrumental. Lyrically, West shows self-awareness by making fun of his changing public image while referencing the internet meme that he loves himself. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who were often complimentary towards West's lyrics. They mostly praised his self-awareness, while a few critics highlighted West's arrogance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panda (song)</span> 2015 single by Desiigner

"Panda" is the debut single by American rapper Desiigner. The song premiered in December 2015 and was released for digital download on the iTunes Store as a single, before being re-released on February 26, 2016. The song was written by Desiigner and the track's producer was Menace. "Panda" was heavily sampled by GOOD Music labelmate and founder Kanye West for "Pt. 2", a song on West's seventh studio album The Life of Pablo, and inspired a number of remixes. The single received a nomination for Best Rap Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. A music video was released on May 10, 2016. It was nominated for Best Hip Hop Video at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Champions (GOOD Music song)</span> 2016 collaborative rap single

"Champions" is a song by American rappers Kanye West, Gucci Mane, Big Sean, 2 Chainz, Travis Scott, Yo Gotti, Quavo, and Desiigner. It was originally intended to be released as the lead single from the scrapped GOOD Music compilation album Cruel Winter. The song was produced by West alongside Low Pros and Mike Dean, with co-production from Derek Watkins and Charlie Heat, and additional production from Noah Goldstein. A freestyle video was released by Teyana Taylor in September 2016.

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

American rapper Desiigner has released one mixtape, three EPs, 21 singles, 8 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiimmy Turner</span> 2016 single by Desiigner

"Tiimmy Turner" is a song by American rapper Desiigner. It was released on July 22, 2016, for digital download by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The song was written and produced by Desiigner alongside Mike Dean. The official remix of the song, which features vocals and production from Kanye West as well as additional production from Nana Kwabena Tuffuor and Noah Goldstein, was also commercially released on October 14, 2016. The song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in December 2016, for earning a million equivalent units in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plain Jane (song)</span> 2017 single by ASAP Ferg

"Plain Jane" is a song by American rapper ASAP Ferg. The song was released on June 13, 2017, as the lead single from his third studio album, Still Striving (2017). It was produced by Kirk Knight, and it is a hip hop song. The official remix featuring fellow New York City-based rapper Nicki Minaj was released on December 15, 2017. This version peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming his second highest-charting single until "Move Ya Hips" in 2020—which also featured Minaj.

"Kids See Ghosts" is a song by American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed of Kanye West and Kid Cudi, from their debut studio album of the same name (2018). The song features a guest appearance from Mos Def, who received credit under his real name of Yasiin Bey. It was produced by West, Kid Cudi, and Plain Pat, while additional production was handled by Andrew Dawson, Justin Vernon and Noah Goldstein. Apart from Plain Pat and Goldstein, the producers wrote the song alongside Bey. Making heavy use of synthesizers, the song draws inspiration from ambient music. Lyrically, the song reflects on the difficulties of fame and success.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Perfect (Logic song)</span> Song by Logic

"Perfect" is a song by American rapper Logic from his sixth studio album No Pressure (2020). It was sent to rhythmic contemporary radio on August 11, 2020. The song features uncredited vocals from rapper Juicy J, and was produced by 6ix, FnZ and Keanu Beats. The official remix of the song was released on September 24, 2021, featuring American rappers Lil Wayne and ASAP Ferg.

References

  1. 1 2 Thorogood, Tom (February 16, 2016). "The Life of Pablo by Kanye West | Album Review". The Line of Best Fit . Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  2. ↑ "Freestyle 4 (feat. Desiigner) – Kanye West Song". BBC . BBC Music . Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  3. ↑ "2010s: In Kanye's Wake". Tiny Mix Tapes.
  4. ↑ Reiff, Corbin (February 15, 2016). "Here's Every Sample on Kanye West's New Album, 'The Life of Pablo'". Complex . Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  5. ↑ Emmanuel, C.M. (June 17, 2016). "Every Change Kanye West Made to 'The Life of Pablo'". XXL . Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  6. ↑ Young, Alex (March 3, 2016). "Tyler the Creator remixes Kanye West's "Freestyle 4" with ASAP Rocky — watch". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  7. ↑ Yoo, Noah (February 12, 2016). "Tyler, The Creator Really Likes Kanye West's "Freestyle 4"". The FADER . Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  8. ↑ Lauletta, Tyler (March 6, 2016). "Kanye West Approves of Tyler, the Creator's 'Freestyle 4' Bars". Fuse . Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  9. ↑ Saxelby, Ruth (May 25, 2016). "LSDXOXO Turned Kanye West's "Freestyle 4" Into A Baltimore Club Banger". The FADER . Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  10. ↑ Burgess, Omar (August 5, 2017). "A Version of Kanye's "Freestyle 4" With ASAP Ferg and Big Sean Leaked Online". Complex . Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  11. ↑ Iqbal, Nosheen (December 13, 2016). "Best albums of 2016: No 4 The Life of Pablo by Kanye West | Music". The Guardian . Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  12. ↑ "Kanye West Freestyle 4 Chart History". Billboard . Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  13. ↑ "Top Hip-Hop Songs / R&B Songs Chart – April 23, 2016". Billboard . Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  14. ↑ davidbaker.tv, builtbylane.com ×. "The Life of Pablo". The Life of Pablo – Kanye West. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  15. ↑ "CHART: CLUK Update 9.04.2016 (wk14)". Zobbel.de. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
  16. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved July 4, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (On-Demand Songs)". Billboard . Archived from the original on February 14, 2019. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  20. ↑ "American single certifications – Kanye West – Freestyle 4". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved February 27, 2020.
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.