If You Know You Know

Last updated
"If You Know You Know"
Song by Pusha T
from the album Daytona
ReleasedMay 25, 2018
Genre Hip hop
Length3:22
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) West
Music video
"If You Know You Know" on YouTube

"If You Know You Know" is a song by American rapper Pusha T from his fifth studio album Daytona (2018). Produced by Kanye West, it contains a sample of "Twelve O' Clock Santanial" by the 1970s Michigan hard rock band Air.

Contents

Composition

In the beginning of the song, Pusha T raps over a light snare, [1] alluding to his criminal past [2] and criticizing rappers who pretend to be involved in illegal drug trade [1] [2] while referencing Pink Floyd, Trugoy the Dove, "Niggas in Paris", Hit-Boy, "Throw Some D's" and Rich Boy, [2] [3] before the beat drops. [1] [2] The main production contains ticking hi-hats, [4] as well as snippets of ragga chants and a digital dancehall rhythm which are sampled from "Twelve O' Clock Santanial". [5] Lyrically, Pusha T references his history of dealing drugs; [5] [6] he imagines being part of a "fraternity of drug dealers" who have reformed, [2] [6] takes credit for "showing rappers how to stand on the front lines when trappers started throwing bands", [7] and implies that only those who are or have participated in drug dealing will fully comprehend his lyrics ("If you know, you know"). [8]

Critical reception

The song was well-received by music critics. Ben Devlin of MusicOMH stated, "Pusha T's subject matter is well worn by now, his drug kingpin boasts familiar to anyone with an interest in American rap. His wordplay makes it, the hook of opening track If You Know You Know being a prime example". [9] William Ketchum III of HipHopDX was favorable of Kanye West's influence, commenting that the song "shows off Ye's expert vocal chops". [7] Gary Suarez of Consequence of Sound wrote "The flawless opening lines of 'If You Know You Know' capture everything America has come to love about capitalist rap, that by-any-means braggadocio of self-made men and their flashy trophies." [10] Reviewing Daytona for The New York Times , Jon Caramanica wrote "On songs like 'If You Know You Know,' he sometimes raps so crisply and sparsely — 'A rapper turned trapper can't morph into us / But a trapper turned rapper can morph into Puff' — that he almost feels disconnected from the song's rhythm." [11] Anthony Henderson of The Quietus called the song "sonically dense" and described it as "an energised, low-key banger which works with an appealingly teasing premise: no matter what, certain (read: most) of the population will never be able to totally unpack his coded language." [8] Matthew St. Cyr of RapReviews praised Pusha T "showing the rest of us mortals how to flip a drug metaphor like a professional". [1]

Live performances

Pusha T performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on June 1, 2018. [12]

Music video

The music video premiered on June 13, 2018 exclusively on Spotify in vertical format, before an expanded and official version in horizontal format was released on June 20, 2018. Directed by Shomi Patwary, it sees Pusha T driving in a white [13] [14] [15] Ferrari [13] [16] through a desert road [13] [17] [18] in Joshua Tree National Park [19] [20] at sunset [14] and rapping. [15] [16] [17] He is pulled over by a police officer, [15] [17] [18] [21] who calls for backup. Soon, there are three police cars at the scene along with a dog and drone. [14] [15] [17] A group of officers corner and hold Pusha T at gunpoint, [14] [15] [17] [22] preparing to interrogate him. [20] As he steps out of the car with his hands behind his head, lightning flashes across the sky and dogs snarl. [14] Nevertheless, Pusha remains calm and collected without fear, [14] [17] and raps amid red and blue siren lights. [13]

Charts

Chart (2018)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [23] 92
New Zealand Heatseeker Singles (RMNZ) [24] 7
UK Singles (OCC) [25] 93
US Billboard Hot 100 [26] 73
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [27] 35

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [28] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clipse</span> American hip hop duo

Clipse, also known as the Clipse, is an American hip hop duo, mainly active from 1994 to 2010. It consists of brothers Gene "No Malice" and Terrence "Pusha T" Thornton. Pusha T was known as Terrar during the group's early years, while No Malice was originally known as Malicious, but changed his stage name to Malice soon after the group's formation, before changing it to No Malice once more in 2012 following his conversion to Christianity. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the duo was discovered by producer and fellow Virginia Beach native, Pharrell Williams, who convinced the artists to work in tandem. Williams served as executive and lead producer for each of their albums, as part of the Neptunes and as a frequent guest performer. As key figures in establishing Virginia as one of the East Coast's strongholds in hip hop, the duo's frequent subject matter is based around illegal drug trade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusha T</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Terrence LeVarr Thornton, better known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as one half of the Virginia-based hip hop duo Clipse, which he formed with his older brother No Malice. Mainly active from 1994 to 2010, the duo were discovered by Pharrell Williams and signed with his record label Star Trak Entertainment, an imprint of Arista Records in 2001. They released three studio albums—Lord Willin' (2002), Hell Hath No Fury (2006) and Til the Casket Drops (2009)—to mild commercial success; the former spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "Grindin'" and "When the Last Time", for which they became best known.

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

The discography of Rick Ross, an American rapper, consists of 11 studio albums, one compilation album, 145 singles, one soundtrack, and 40 music videos. Ross's debut studio album, Port of Miami (2006), features two singles with "Hustlin'" and "Push It". Ross's second studio album, Trilla (2008), produced hit singles such as "The Boss" and "Here I Am". Ross's third studio album, Deeper Than Rap (2009), includes the singles such as "Magnificent" and "Maybach Music 2". Ross's fourth studio album, Teflon Don (2010), includes the hit single, "Aston Martin Music".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runaway (Kanye West song)</span> 2010 single by Kanye West featuring Pusha T

"Runaway" is a song by American rapper Kanye West featuring fellow American rapper Pusha T, released as the second single from the former's fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The song was written by the artists alongside Emile, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, and Malik Yusef with the first three co-producing it with Ye. The composition features repetitive piano riffs, intricate samples and a production style with several similarities to West's album 808s & Heartbreak (2008). Described as a deeply personal song, it expresses West's thoughts on his failed relationships and his acceptance of the media's perception of him. Lyrically, the song explores criticism aimed at West in the past.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Appalled</span> 2010 song by Kanye West featuring Jay-Z, Pusha T, Cyhi the Prynce, Swizz Beatz and RZA

"So Appalled" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The song was produced by West, along with No I.D. and Mike Dean, and features verses by Jay-Z, Cyhi the Prynce, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz, and RZA respectively, who all receive writing credits. Lyrically, the song explores topics such as the troubles produced from being famous, social concerns and features numerous pop culture references.

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

American rapper Big Sean has released six studio albums, four mixtapes, thirty-one singles, eight promotional singles, and thirty-nine music videos. In 2008, Big Sean was discovered by American rapper and record producer Kanye West, who signed Sean to his record label GOOD Music—distributed through Def Jam Recordings. Since 2008, after signing a record deal to West's label G.O.O.D. Music, Sean's career continued through his mixtapes such as Finally Famous Vol. 2: UKnowBigSean (2009) and Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG (2010). While he was releasing these mixtapes, he collaborated on various tracks and/or singles from West, Royce da 5'9" and Chris Brown.

<i>Fear of God II: Let Us Pray</i> 2011 EP by Pusha T

Fear of God II: Let Us Pray is the major label debut extended play by American rapper Pusha T, released on November 8, 2011, under Decon and G.O.O.D. Music. The EP was his first project with Kanye West's GOOD Music label, since the announcement of his signing in September 2010. Pusha T claims his inspiration for Fear of God is that a vast majority of the people who he came in the music business with are in prison: "I came in the game with super producers. We made hit records. I never thought that it gets deeper. But not for nothing, 2009 I lost eight of my friends to incarceration. Everybody that I came in to the rap game with, and when I realized that those components weren't there anymore, the 'Fear of God' really came over me. It's full of the dichotomy of 'right and wrong' and 'good and evil'. A lot of it deals with greed. A lot of it deals with instant gratification. Personally... life without instant gratification... I don't know what it is."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusha T discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

The discography of American rapper Pusha T consists of four studio albums, one extended play (EP), two mixtapes, 53 singles, two promotional singles and 33 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercy (Kanye West song)</span> 2012 single by Kanye West

"Mercy" is a song by American rapper Kanye West featuring fellow American rappers Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz. The song was released April 3, 2012 through GOOD Music and Def Jam as the lead single from the compilation album Cruel Summer (2012). The song's production was handled by Lifted, with additional production from West, Mike Dean, and Mike Will Made It, and additional instrumentation from Hudson Mohawke. The song heavily samples the dancehall song "Dust a Sound Boy" by Super Beagle. The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics who praised the bombastic production, the varying quality of the verses, and the wordplay of the individual rappers. The song was featured on the soundtrack for NBA 2K13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">French Montana discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

The discography of Moroccan-American rapper French Montana consists of five studio albums, twenty-six mixtapes, 51 singles including 57 as featured artist, 32 music videos and 18 promotional singles.

<i>My Name Is My Name</i> 2013 studio album by Pusha T

My Name Is My Name is the debut studio album by American rapper Pusha T. It was released on October 7, 2013, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. While leading up to the album's announcement, Pusha T released the mixtape Fear of God and the EP Fear of God II: Let Us Pray during 2011, along with collaborating on the GOOD Music's compilation album Cruel Summer. In 2013, he also released another mixtape Wrath of Caine. The album's production was handled primarily by Kanye West, along with several producers, including Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, Hudson Mohawke, Sebastian Sartor, Don Cannon, Swizz Beatz, Rico Beats, Mano and Nottz. It also features guest appearances from Rick Ross, Jeezy, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Future, Pharrell Williams, Chris Brown and Kendrick Lamar, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nosetalgia</span> 2014 single by Pusha T featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Nosetalgia" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Pusha T from his debut studio album My Name Is My Name (2013). "Nosetalgia" features vocals from American rapper Kendrick Lamar, with production handled by Nottz, Kanye West and additional production by The Twilite Tone. The hip hop song features both artists rapping about their experiences and effects of cocaine on their childhoods. On February 3, 2014, the song was officially released as a single in the United Kingdom by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings as the album's fifth official single.

"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.

"Two Birds, One Stone" is a hip hop song recorded by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released worldwide by OVO Sound on October 29, 2016. The song was originally meant for inclusion on Drake's fifth mixtape, More Life, however it did not make the final cut. Written in the wake of Drake's highly publicized feud with Meek Mill, it was co-written by Noah Shebib, Kanye West, and Joey Castellani, and composed by 40 and West.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kids See Ghosts</span> American hip hop duo

Kids See Ghosts was an American hip hop supergroup composed of rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Formed during West's 2018 Wyoming sessions, the duo's eponymous debut album was released in June of that year by Def Jam Recordings, along with their respective label imprints, GOOD Music and Wicked Awesome Records. Met with critical and commercial success, the album peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 and received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The duo disbanded in 2022 due to personal disagreements, although they reconciled the following year.

<i>Ye</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Kanye West

Ye is the eighth studio album by the American rapper Kanye West. It was released on June 1, 2018, through GOOD Music and distributed by Def Jam Recordings. Following controversy surrounding an interview with TMZ, West re-recorded all the work on the album, with him completing it over the course of just two weeks at West Lake Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Guest vocals from PartyNextDoor, Ty Dolla Sign, Kid Cudi, Charlie Wilson, Jeremih, and 070 Shake, among others, are included.

<i>Daytona</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Pusha T

Daytona is the third studio album by American rapper Pusha T. It was released on May 25, 2018, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Rick Ross and Kanye West, and uncredited additional vocals by Tony Williams and 070 Shake. West also served as executive producer and produced all of its tracks, with additional production from Andrew Dawson, Mike Dean, and Pi'erre Bourne.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">070 Shake</span> American rapper (born 1997)

Danielle Balbuena, known professionally as 070 Shake, is an American rapper and singer. She is best known for her guest appearance on English singer Raye's 2022 single "Escapism", which peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaked atop the UK Singles Chart, and won Song of the Year at the 2024 Brit Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diet Coke (song)</span> Single by Pusha T

"Diet Coke" is a song by American rapper Pusha T. It was released on February 8, 2022 as the lead single from his fourth studio album It's Almost Dry (2022). Produced by Kanye West and 88-Keys, the song references cocaine and drug dealing.

<i>Its Almost Dry</i> 2022 studio album by Pusha T

It's Almost Dry is the fourth studio album by American rapper Pusha T. It was released on April 22, 2022 by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings. It served as his final release with the former label.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 St. Cyr, Matthew (October 9, 2018). "Pusha T :: Daytona :: GOOD Music/Def Jam Records". RapReviews. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Brydon, Grant (May 25, 2018). "Pusha T – Daytona". Clash . Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  3. ↑ Chintaluri, Narsimha (June 1, 2018). "Pusha T "DAYTONA" Review". HotNewHipHop . Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  4. ↑ Purdom, Clayton (May 25, 2018). "The bracing, brilliant Daytona is uncut Pusha T". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 25, 2018.
  5. 1 2 Reeves, Mosi (May 29, 2018). "Review: Pusha-T and Producer Kanye West Thrillingly Sharp on 'Daytona'". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on May 29, 2018. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
  6. 1 2 Glaysher, Scott (June 13, 2018). "Pusha-T's Coke Raps Reach New Highs on 'Daytona' Album". XXL . Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  7. 1 2 Ketchum III, William (May 25, 2018). "Review: Pusha T's "DAYTONA" Is Predictable But Potent". HipHopDX . Archived from the original on May 27, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2018.
  8. 1 2 Henderson, Anthony (June 21, 2018). "Pusha T - Daytona". The Quietus . Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  9. ↑ Devlin, Ben (May 21, 2018). "Pusha T – Daytona". MusicOMH . Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  10. ↑ Suarez, Gary (May 30, 2018). "Pusha-T Adds to His Weighty Legacy on DAYTONA". Consequence of Sound . Archived from the original on June 22, 2018. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  11. ↑ Caramanica, Jon (May 30, 2018). "Pusha-T, a Lecturer Seeking a Target, Finds One". The New York Times . Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  12. ↑ "Pusha T - If You Know You Know (Live From Jimmy Kimmel Live!)". YouTube . June 1, 2018. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Slingerland, Calum (June 19, 2018). "Pusha-T Shares Official Video for "If You Know You Know"". Exclaim! . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Madden, Sidney (June 20, 2018). "Facing Police, Pusha T Remains Stoic In 'If You Know You Know' Video". NPR . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  15. 1 2 3 4 5 Jones, Jiggy (June 22, 2018). "Pusha T Drops the Music Video for 'If You Know You Know'". The Source . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  16. 1 2 Hahn, Bryan (June 20, 2018). "Pusha T Releases Official "If You Know You Know" Video". HipHopDX. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Griffin, Noemi (June 20, 2018). "Watch Pusha T Get Surrounded by Cops in "If You Know You Know" Video". Paste . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  18. 1 2 Cook-Wilson, Winston (June 20, 2018). "Watch a New Expanded Version of Pusha T's "If You Know You Know" Video". Spin . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  19. ↑ Giulione, Bianca (June 20, 2018). "Watch Pusha-T's "If You Know You Know" Video". Highsnobiety . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  20. 1 2 Maicki, Salvatore (June 20, 2018). "Watch Pusha-T's new video for "If You Know You Know"". The Fader . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  21. ↑ Penrose, Nerisha (June 13, 2018). "Pusha T Has a Run-In With a Cop in 'If You Know You Know' Video: Watch". Billboard . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  22. ↑ Ross, Alex Robert (June 13, 2018). "PUSHA-T Gets Harassed by Cops in the New "If You Know You Know" Video". Vice . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  23. ↑ "Pusha T Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  24. ↑ "NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 4, 2018. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Pusha T Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Pusha T Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  28. ↑ "American single certifications – Pusha T – If You Know You Know". Recording Industry Association of America.
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.