Kamikaze (Twista album)

Last updated
Kamikaze
Twista kamikaze.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 27, 2004
Recorded2003
Genre
Length65:55
Label Atlantic
Producer
Twista chronology
Adrenaline Rush
(1997)
Kamikaze
(2004)
The Day After
(2005)
Singles from Kamikaze
  1. "Slow Jamz"
    Released: December 2, 2003
  2. "Overnight Celebrity"
    Released: March 9, 2004
  3. "So Sexy"
    Released: June 22, 2004
  4. "Sunshine"
    Released: August 26, 2004
  5. "So Sexy: Chapter II (Like This)"
    Released: September 21, 2004

Kamikaze is the fourth studio album by American rapper Twista. It was released on January 27, 2004, by Atlantic Records. The album reached the top of the US Billboard 200 chart in early 2004, after the success of its lead single, "Slow Jamz". It sold 312,000 units in its first week of sales, and received generally positive reviews from critics. [1] It is Twista's most successful album, being certified double platinum by the RIAA.

Contents

Background

On his website, Twista stated that he made Kamikaze to show that he was still true to the ideals that he had when he started out. "I represent for the MCs that have skills, not just make music for the hell of it. I take the time to concentrate. Otherwise, I could have 10 albums out there, easy. I could sit down all day and write something. But I write when I get in a zone more than writing because I’ve got to do this. I represent the artists that keep it true to what really is, to be able to make rappers want to write."

"I want to show the streets that I'm back and that I'm true to the game. Musically, I want to show that I'm still out here doing my thing. After all the people that were out when I was out years ago fell off, I’m still out here competing with the shorties. I also want to gain platinum success. It's something that I haven't done."

The song "Sunshine" contains the backing track from Lovely Day by Bill Withers.

The song "Overnight Celebrity" contains a sample of the Lenny Williams' 1978 song "Cause I Love You".

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 66/100 [1]
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [2]
Blender Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [1]
Robert Christgau Scissors icon black.svg [3]
HipHopDX Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [4]
Pitchfork Media (6.4/10) [5]
PopMatters Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1] [6]
RapReviews(8.5/10) [7]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [8]
USA Today Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Vibe Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [1]

The album has a score of 66 out of 100 based on "generally positive reviews". [1] The A.V. Club gave it a favorable review and stated that the album "feels eclectic without stooping to demographics-pandering, though its contradictory elements create a few jarring moments." [10] E! Online gave it a B and said, "Twista still manages to steal the limelight on hot booty-busters like 'Slow Jamz' and 'Pimp On.'" [1] Yahoo! Music UK gave it seven stars out of ten and called it "overlong, like almost every rap album today, and it's not the sort of place to come expecting erudition or insight. But for one singular rapper unwilling and unafraid to stick to his guns, it's a deeply satisfying record." [11] Other reviews are pretty average or mixed: Q gave it three stars out of five and said, "Twista's overshadowed by [Kanye] West, but with jacked-up soul tunes such as 'Overnight Celebrity', the result, who cares?" [1] The Village Voice , however, gave it a mixed review and said that the album "Suggests nothing so much as Adrenaline Rush part two." [12]

Commercial performance

The first single "Slow Jamz" featured Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and world R&B charts in early 2004. Kamikaze built on the success of "Slow Jamz" to reach the top of the Billboard 200 album charts on release in January 2004 and to go Platinum by March 2004. The second single "Overnight Celebrity" had also reached top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and world R&B chart in March 2004. The single "So Sexy" with R. Kelly reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a success.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Get Me"Toxic3:10
2."Kill Us All"
  • C. Mitchell
  • F. Taylor
Toxic4:13
3."Pimp On" (featuring 8Ball and Too Short)
Toxic4:02
4."Slow Jamz" (featuring Kanye West and Jamie Foxx)West3:32
5."Overnight Celebrity"
West3:54
6."Still Feels So Good" (featuring Jazze Pha)
Toxic4:09
7."Drinks"
  • C. Mitchell
  • F. Taylor
Toxic4:14
8."Badunkadunk" (featuring Jazze Pha)
  • C. Mitchell
  • P. Alexander
Jazze Pha4:14
9."One Last Time"
  • C. Mitchell
  • K. West
West4:56
10."So Sexy" (featuring R. Kelly)
R. Kelly3:51
11."Higher" (featuring Ludacris) Wildstyle 3:31
12."Snoopin’" (featuring Danny Boy)C. MitchellToxic5:22
13."Like a 24" (featuring T.I. and Liffy Stokes)
The Legendary Traxster 4:28
14."Hope" (featuring Cee-Lo)
Toxic4:33
15."Sunshine" (featuring Anthony Hamilton) Red Spyda 3:44
16."Art & Life (Chi-Roc)" (featuring Memphis Bleek, Young Chris, and Freeway)
  • D-Roy and Mr. B
  • Mike Caren
4:09
Total length:66:02

Bonus tracks

These songs were included on the re-released version of Kamikaze.

  1. "So Sexy: Chapter II (Like This)" (featuring R. Kelly)
  2. "Freek-a-Leek (Remix)" (featuring Petey Pablo & Jermaine Dupri)

"Y'all Know Who", produced by Toxic, was an international bonus track, while "Get Dat Doe", produced by Don Vito, was a bonus track in the UK

Notes

Sample credits

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [27] Gold100,000^
United States (RIAA) [28] 2× Platinum2,000,000

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

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

Carl Terrell Mitchell, better known by his stage name Twista, is an American rapper. He is best known for his chopper style of rapping and for once holding the title of fastest English-speaking rapper in the world according to Guinness World Records in 1992, being able to pronounce 598 syllables in 55 seconds, but his fastest peak burst was on DJ Kay Slay's "Rolling 50 Deep", coming in at 14.07 syllables per second.

<i>The College Dropout</i> 2004 studio album by Kanye West

The College Dropout is the debut studio album by the American rapper Kanye West. It was released on February 10, 2004, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. In the years leading up to release, West had received praise for his production work for rappers such as Jay-Z and Talib Kweli, but faced difficulty being accepted as an artist in his own right by figures in the music industry. Intent on pursuing a solo career, he signed a record deal with Roc-A-Fella and recorded the album over a period of four years, beginning in 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hope (Twista song)</span> 2004 single by Twista

"Hope" is a song by American rapper Twista from the soundtrack of the 2005 movie Coach Carter. Featuring singer Faith Evans who performs the chorus, the song mainly focuses on Twista's view on the War on Terrorism. The version featuring Faith Evans can also be found on her album The First Lady. The song was released to US rhythmic and urban radio on November 22, 2004. The original version of the song appears on Twista's Kamikaze album and features CeeLo Green instead of Faith Evans.

<i>The Day After</i> (album) 2005 studio album by Twista

The Day After is the fifth studio album by American rapper Twista. It was released on October 4, 2005 via Atlantic Records. The follow-up to his 2004 breakthrough album Kamikaze, the album marked Twista's first project without contribution from longtime collaborator The Legendary Traxster. Instead, he worked with a variety of new collaborators on the album, including Bigg D, Mr. Collipark, Cuxo, Bryan-Michael Cox, Rodney Jerkins, Jim Jonsin, R. Kelly, The Neptunes, Scott Storch, and Toxic.

<i>Amerikaz Nightmare</i> 2004 studio album by Mobb Deep

Amerikaz Nightmare is the sixth studio album by American hip hop duo Mobb Deep. It was released on August 10, 2004, via Infamous/Jive Records. The recording sessions took place at Battery Studios, Chung King Studios, Dunn Deal Studios and The Lab, in New York City, and at Ocean Way Studios in California, The Hit Factory Criteria in Miami, Powerhouse Studios in Yonkers, Record Plant in Hollywood, and DSL Studios in Louisville. The album was produced by member Havoc, as well as the Alchemist, Kanye West, Lil' Jon, and Red Spyda. It features guest appearances from Big Noyd, Jadakiss, Lil' Jon, Littles, Nate Dogg and Twista.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Overnight Celebrity</span> 2004 single by Twista

"Overnight Celebrity" is the second single from Twista's 2004 album Kamikaze. The song was produced and features uncredited vocals by Kanye West and uncredited violin by Miri Ben-Ari. It contains a sample of the 1978 song "Cause I Love You" By Lenny Williams. The song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 on May 11, 2004. The song received a nomination for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards.

<i>I Gotta Make It</i> 2005 studio album by Trey Songz

I Gotta Make It is the debut studio album by American R&B recording artist Trey Songz. It was released on July 26, 2005, by Atlantic Records. Recording sessions for the album took place from 2004 to 2005, with Songz' then mentor Troy Taylor overseeing most of the production. Additional producers include Warryn Campbell, Scott Storch, J.R. Rotem, Bei Maejor, and Organized Noize. Guest vocalists include American rappers Twista, Juvenile and T.I. as well as R&B singer Aretha Franklin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slow Jamz</span> 2003 single by Twista

"Slow Jamz" is a song by American rapper Twista together with the American rapper and producer Kanye West and American singer Jamie Foxx. Produced by West, it was released in November 2003 through Atlantic and Roc-A-Fella Records, as the lead single from Twista's fourth studio album Kamikaze (2004), and the second single from West's debut studio album The College Dropout (2004). The song was written by Twista and West, with additional writing credits going to Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the sampling of Luther Vandross' cover of Dionne Warwick's 1964 song "A House Is Not a Home". Containing genres of hip hop, pop rap, R&B, and soul, the song's lyrics reference slow jam artists and describes the role of lovermen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Play a Love Song</span> 2006 single by Jamie Foxx featuring Twista

"DJ Play a Love Song" is a song by American entertainer Jamie Foxx. It was written by Sean Garrett, Jamal Jones, and Jason Perry for his second album, Unpredictable (2005), while production was helmed by Garrett and Jones under his production moniker Polow da Don. The song features additional vocals by rapper Twista. It was released as the album's second single in early 2006. A video for the song co-stars America's Next Top Model winner Eva Pigford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Freek-a-Leek</span> 2003 single by Petey Pablo

"Freek-a-Leek" is an American hip hop song co-written and recorded by American rapper Petey Pablo. It was released on December 1, 2003, as the second single from his second album, Still Writing in My Diary: 2nd Entry (2004). It was produced by Lil Jon and is an example of a crunk song. The single peaked at number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 in July 2004.

<i>Category F5</i> 2009 studio album by Twista

Category F5 is the seventh studio album by American rapper Twista. Its title is taken from the Fujita scale. The album marks the first collaboration with Chicago producer the Legendary Traxster since 2004's Kamikaze. The album was released on July 14, 2009. Originally scheduled to feature Kanye West, Akon, Busta Rhymes, Mr. Criminal, Tech N9ne, and Static Major, guest appearances were pared down as many of the recorded songs were leaked, including the song "Problems" featuring Tech N9ne, which was cut because of sample-clearance problems. The track "She Got It" was cut because the track was not 100% ready. "All Right" was included on iTunes as a bonus track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Low</span> 2009 single by Ludacris

"How Low" is a hip hop song by American rapper Ludacris. It is the lead single from his seventh studio album, Battle of the Sexes. The song premiered at the BET Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta, which took place on October 10, 2009. However, the ceremony was aired on October 27, 2009. It was performed by Ludacris as the second half of a medley that began with Lil Scrappy's "Addicted to Money", a song in which he is featured. The track was produced by Canadian producer T-Minus. The song was released via iTunes on December 8, 2009. The song debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 at 13. The music video was filmed on December 23, 2009 in Los Angeles, California and was directed by Dave Meyers. The music video leaked on the internet on January 20, 2010. The single is Ludacris’ best-selling single as a lead artist with sales of 2,216,000 units as of August, 2012, and it has been certified double platinum by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Sexy</span> 2004 single by Twista featuring R. Kelly

"So Sexy" is a song by American rapper Twista featuring vocals and sole production from American singer R. Kelly. Released as the third single from the former's fourth studio album, Kamikaze (2004), it was Twista's third straight top 40 hit from the album, having peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. "So Sexy" was followed by "So Sexy: Chapter II " which also made it to the Billboard charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunshine (Twista song)</span> 2004 single by Twista

"Sunshine" is the fourth single released from American rapper Twista's fourth album, Kamikaze. The song did not find success in the United States, but in the United Kingdom, "Sunshine" peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart. "Sunshine" features R&B singer Anthony Hamilton and was produced by Red Spyda.

<i>The Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits, Vol. 9</i> 2004 compilation album by Various artists

The Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits, Volume 9 is the ninth annual music compilation album to be contributed by The Source magazine. Released December 7, 2004, and distributed by Image Entertainment, Hip Hop Hits Volume 9 features sixteen hip hop and rap hits. It went to number 36 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and number 75 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It is also one of only two Hip Hop Hits albums to be released in the same year; Volume 8 was released six months earlier.

<i>Death of a Pop Star</i> 2010 studio album by David Banner and 9th Wonder

Death of a Pop Star is a 2010 album by hip hop artists David Banner and 9th Wonder, released on Banner's independent record label, Big Face Entertainment, in conjunction with eOne Music. It is the only collaborative work done together by the two artists and the 9th Wonder's fifteenth collaborative album. The album's title derives from the artists' belief that contemporary black music was declining due to a perceived prioritization of style over substance, and the increasing popularity of music downloads, which they felt was reducing a new artist's chance of reaching the iconic status of previous artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Make a Movie</span> 2010 single by Twista featuring Chris Brown

"Make a Movie" is a song by American rapper Twista featuring American singer Chris Brown, released by Get Money Gang and EMI on August 24, 2010 as the second single from the former's eighth studio album, The Perfect Storm (2010). Written by Twista alongside its producer the Legendary Traxster and American singer T-Pain, it is the only song from the album to enter the Billboard Hot 100—on which it peaked at number 71.

<i>Dark Horse</i> (Twista album) 2014 studio album by Twista

Dark Horse is the ninth studio album by American rapper Twista. The album was released on August 12, 2014, by Get Money Gang Entertainment and Caroline Records. The album features guest appearances from Tyme, Dra Day, Tia London, Tech N9ne, Wiz Khalifa, Berner, DJ Victoriouz, Gritz, R. Kelly, Chief Keef and Stunt Taylor.

<i>Next to Nothing</i> (Rittz album) 2014 studio album by Rittz

Next to Nothing is the second studio album by American rapper Rittz. The album was released on September 9, 2014, by Strange Music. The album features guest appearances from Twista, Yelawolf, Trae tha Truth, Mike Posner, B.o.B, Shawty Fatt, and Scar.

"Impossible" is a song by American hip-hop recording artist Kanye West, featuring Twista, Keyshia Cole and BJ. The song was made for the film Mission: Impossible III and used as its official theme song, but was not featured on its soundtrack album. It appeared on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Bubbling Under Hot 100 charts in 2006.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Critic Reviews for Kamikaze". Metacritic . 2004-01-27. Archived from the original on 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2011-06-15.
  2. Jeffries, David. "Kamikzae - Twista". Allmusic . All Media Guide . Retrieved 2011-06-15.
  3. "CG: twista". Robert Christgau. Archived from the original on 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2011-06-15.
  4. Koslow, Jessica (2004-02-28). "Twista - Kamikaze | Read Hip Hop Reviews, Rap Reviews & Hip Hop Album Reviews". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2011-01-29. Retrieved 2011-06-15.
  5. Fennessey, Sean (2004-02-09). "Twista: Kamikaze". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on 2011-08-20. Retrieved 2011-06-15.
  6. Cibula, Matt (2004-02-13). "Twista: Kamikaze". PopMatters . Archived from the original on 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2013-05-30.
  7. Juon, Steve "Flash" (2004-02-03). "Feature for February 3, 2004 - Twista's "Kamikaze"". RapReviews. Archived from the original on 2010-12-19. Retrieved 2011-06-15.
  8. Hoard, Christian (2004-01-30). "Kamikaze : Twista : Review". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on 2008-02-06. Retrieved 2013-05-30.
  9. Jones, Steve (2004-02-05). "Twista resonates, Connick impersonates (Twista, Kamikaze)". USA Today . Retrieved 2013-05-30.
  10. Rabin, Nathan (2004-02-03). "Twista: Kamikaze". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on June 28, 2013. Retrieved 2013-05-30.
  11. Batey, Angus (2004-04-05). "Twista - 'Kamikaze'". Yahoo! Music UK. Archived from the original on 2004-08-14. Retrieved 2013-05-30.
  12. Caramanica, Jon (2004-03-16). "Fast and Folliclous". The Village Voice . Retrieved 2013-05-30.
  13. Lenny Williams - Midnight Girl / 'Cause I Love You at Discogs
  14. Ryan, Gavin (2011). Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010 (PDF ed.). Mt Martha, Victoria, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 287.
  15. "ARIA Urban Chart – Week Commencing 2nd August 2004" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association (753): 16. August 2, 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2008. Retrieved April 16, 2023 via Pandora Archive.
  16. "Albums : Top 100". Jam! . February 19, 2004. Archived from the original on December 10, 2004. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  17. "R&B : Top 50". Jam! . April 1, 2004. Archived from the original on April 7, 2004. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
  18. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  19. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  20. "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  21. "Twista Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  22. "Twista Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  23. "The Official UK Albums Chart 2004" (PDF). Official Charts Company . Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  24. "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2004". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  25. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2004". Billboard. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  26. "Top 50 Global Best Selling Albums for 2004" (PDF). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 17, 2008. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  27. "British album certifications – Twista – Kamikaze". British Phonographic Industry.
  28. "American album certifications – Twista – Kamikaze". Recording Industry Association of America.