J'ouvert (song)

Last updated
"J'ouvert"
Single by Brockhampton
from the album Iridescence
ReleasedSeptember 20, 2018
RecordedJune–September 2018
Length3:54
Label
  • Question Everything
  • RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Jabari Manwa
  • Hemnani
  • Joba
Brockhampton singles chronology
"1997 Diana"
(2018)
"J'ouvert"
(2018)
"San Marcos"
(2018)
Music video
"J'ouvert" on YouTube

"J'ouvert" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on September 20, 2018 as the lead single from their fourth studio album Iridescence , which was released a day later. It contains a sample of "Doh Blame Me" by Lavaman.

Contents

Composition

The song's production uses "distorted bass pounds, robotic squeaks, and horn wails", [1] as well as "buzzing kicks and distorted, 8-bit synths". [2] It features verses from Matt Champion, Joba and Merlyn Wood and has been described as "angsty", especially regarding Joba's verse, [3] which music critics have also described as his most "ferocious" verse, [2] "apoplectic Danny Brown-style psychopath", [4] and "emotively deranged". [5] In his verse, Joba raps about his mental health issues and drug use. [6] Following this, the instrumental breaks into the "Doh Blame Me" sample. [7]

Critical reception

The song received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Joba's performance. In a review of Iridescence, Sputnikmusic's Rowan5215 wrote favorably of Joba's diversity in music, mentioning the performance of his verse. [4] Will Rosebury of Clash regarded the verse to be a particular highlight of the album, "calling to mind Eminem at peak disturbing on 'Kim'". [5] Daniel Spielberger of HipHopDX criticized the song, calling it a "muddled mess that has an off-putting verse from Joba." [8]

Variety placed "J'ouvert" at number 15 in their ranking of Brockhampton's 15 best songs. [6]

Music video

The music video was directed by Spencer Ford and shot in London. It features thermal imaging, [3] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] and was filmed both in color and black-and-white. [13]

Charts

Chart (2018)Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA) [14] 92
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [15] 10

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References

  1. Jackson, Reed (September 26, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON: iridescence". Pitchfork . Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  2. 1 2 Steinberger, Jeremy (October 5, 2018). "Brockhampton: Iridescence (RCA)". The Austin Chronicle . Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  3. 1 2 Zidel, Alex (September 20, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON Prepares "Iridescence" With "J'Ouvert" Song & Video". HotNewHipHop . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  4. 1 2 Rowan5215 (September 23, 2018). "Review: Brockhampton – Iridescence". Sputnikmusic . Retrieved December 27, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. 1 2 Rosebury, Will (September 28, 2018). "Brockhampton – Iridescence". Clash . Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  6. 1 2 Moreau, Jordan; Shafer, Ellise; Shanfeld, Ethan (November 18, 2022). "Goodbye, Brockhampton: The Hip-Hop Boy Band's 15 Best Songs, Ranked". Variety . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  7. Higgins, Sam (September 21, 2018). "Brockhampton return with the outstanding Iridescence". The Line of Best Fit . Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  8. Spielberger, Daniel (September 24, 2018). "Review: Brockhampton's "Iridescence" Is Simply Thrilling". HipHopDX . Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  9. Schatz, Lake (September 20, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON reveal video for new song "J'Ouvert": Watch". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  10. Darville, Jordan (September 20, 2018). "Brockhampton share "J'Ouvert" video". The Fader . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  11. Chin, Mallory (September 20, 2018). "Brockhampton Shares Trippy Visuals for "J'Ouvert" Ahead of Album Release". Hypebeast . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  12. Yoo, Noah (September 20, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON Share Video for New Song "J'Ouvert": Watch". Pitchfork . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  13. 1 2 Slingerland, Calum (September 20, 2018). "Brockhampton Share Video for "J'OUVERT"". Exclaim! . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  14. "Irish-charts.com – Discography Brockhampton". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  15. "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 1, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2023.