Power Trip (song)

Last updated
"Power Trip"
J. Cole Power Trip.JPG
Single by J. Cole featuring Miguel
from the album Born Sinner
ReleasedFebruary 14, 2013 (2013-02-14)
Recorded2012
Genre
Length4:00
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) J. Cole
J. Cole singles chronology
"This Time"
(2012)		"Power Trip"
(2013)		"Crooked Smile"
(2013)
Miguel singles chronology
"Do You..."
(2012)		"Power Trip"
(2013)		"How Many Drinks?"
(2013)

"Power Trip" is a song by American rapper and record producer J. Cole featuring American singer Miguel. It was released on February 14, 2013 as the lead single from J. Cole's second studio album, Born Sinner (2013). The song was written and produced by J. Cole himself, with Hubert Laws receiving songwriting credits for the sampling of his song "No More".

Contents

Background

The single marked the second collaboration between Cole and Miguel, following their moderate hit single, "All I Want Is You". Soon after releasing a five track extended play, titled Truly Yours, Cole released "Power Trip" on Valentine's Day. [1] When asked about the single, Cole explained:

"The most exciting part about that song ['Power Trip'] and the reason why we went with it is that it sounds like nothing that's out. It was between that, and this other record that's like, maybe a bigger record, but 'Power Trip' had that newer sound. Like with 'Power Trip,' absolutely you couldn't point to any song on the radio and be like, 'Oh, this sounds like that'…everything from the beat to the way that I'm flowing, you've never really heard me so "sleepy". I really did them verses in my crib and just loved the way they felt." [2]

Cole originally sang the song's chorus himself, until a meeting with Jay-Z, who suggested that Cole reach out to Miguel. When J. Cole played it for Jay-Z, his first words were, 'Yo, you should get Miguel on this,'" Cole recalls. [3]

Music and lyrics

The hip hop / R&B song is a continuation of his song "Dreams" from his mixtape The Warm Up , in which he obsesses over the girl and devises his plan to kill her boyfriend. [4] J. Cole speaks about his "longest crush ever". He later stated his hopes for the song: "I've always wanted to use my voice to shift culture, even if just a millimeter." [5]

Critical reception

"Power Trip" was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. NMB of XXL praised the song, as one of the album's strongest tracks along with "Crooked Smile" and "Let Nas Down". [6] Phillip Mlynar of Spin said, "there's a more appealing, mild-mannered side to Cole that shines when he writes songs about relationships: The Miguel-abetted "Power Trip," especially, teeters on the edge of blooming into a melancholic OutKast single. [7] Joven Haye of DJBooth.net praised the song's production, also saying "The captivating production brings out some savvy-storytelling from Cole, which when paired alongside one of the catchiest hooks of the year, solidifies the pair’s flawless chemistry." [8]

Jay Soul of RapReviews.com also praised the song calling it, "a single that fits excellently within the structure of Born Sinner – the last verse of the previous song leads cleverly into it, and it's not by any means dumbed down." [9] Francesca D'Arcy-Orga of PopMatters said, "It's one of the catchiest songs on the album. Interestingly, it’s a song that wouldn’t go amiss at all on Cole’s first album and is very similar in style to "Work Out", showing that Cole is still sticking to what he knows best regardless of whether Nas likes it or not." [10] Corban Golbe of Pitchfork Media stated that, "once in a while he can create something catchy – the Miguel-featuring "Power Trip" almost seems like it was designed in a lab for radio rotation." [11] Complex ranked "Power Trip" number eight, on their list of the 50 best songs of 2013. [12] HipHopDX said, ""Power Trip" may actually be one of the best radio-friendly rap songs of the last five years." [13] XXL would end up naming it one of the top five hip hop songs of 2013. [14] The song was also nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards. [15]

Awards and nominations

YearCeremonyAwardResult
2013 BET Hip Hop Awards "Track of the Year" [16] Nominated
Best Collabo, Duo or Group
2014 Grammy Awards (56th) Best Rap/Sung Collaboration [17]

Chart performance

The song debuted at number three on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, selling 210,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It took off online as well, skyrocketing to more than 300,000 plays on Cole's SoundCloud page in less than a day. [3] The song was sent to urban contemporary radio on February 19, 2013. [18] The song has since peaked at number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking his second top 20 single in the US, and number 46 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming his highest-charting single there at the time. The song also became a top five hit on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and the US Rap Songs chart, peaking at number five and number three, respectively. On July 15, 2013, the single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of over a million digital copies in the United States. [19]

Music video

In an interview on March 3, 2013 with radio personality Big Tigger, J. Cole said the visual to his new single "Power Trip" will be shot next week in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. The video treatment will be J. Cole's very own idea, which he mentioned in a previous interview that the idea came to mind as he was creating the song. [20] On April 8, 2013, along with announcing the release date for Born Sinner, he announced that the video for "Power Trip" would be released the following day, which it was on April 9. [21] [22] J. Cole served as creative director on the video, and it was shot and directed by Nabil Elderkin and Mike Piscitelli. [23]

The video begins with a strip-club scene, and then it follows J. Cole and one of his friends as they wait outside of a girl's house (Dinah Sade) – clearly the one who he has been up all night pining about with "constant drinking and love songs." Soon, we learn that this tank-top-clad girl has a boyfriend: Cole's collaborator, Miguel. As that sequence fades away, we are left to wonder where Cole and his friend are driving to and why there are pieces of wood and plastic bags tied to the top of their car. A suspicious cop pulls them over, but finding nothing besides a shovel in the trunk, he lets them on their way. It is not until the duo finally park in the woods and remove the items from the top of the car that we understand the rapper's obsession has actually led to murder. [24]

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [37] Gold35,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [38] Platinum600,000‡
United States (RIAA) [39] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Radio and release history

RegionDateFormatLabel
United StatesFebruary 14, 2013 [40] Digital download
February 19, 2013 [41] Urban contemporary radio
February 26, 2013 [42] Rhythmic contemporary radio
May 21, 2013 [42] Mainstream radio

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petey Pablo</span> American rapper (born 1973)

Moses Barrett III, better known by his stage name Petey Pablo, is an American rapper and record producer from Greenville, North Carolina. He is best known for his 2003 crunk single "Freek-a-Leek," which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Prior, he signed with Jive Records to release his 2001 single "Raise Up", which served as a tribute to his native Greenville and peaked at number 25 on the chart. The label released his first two albums: Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry (2001) and Still Writing in My Diary: 2nd Entry (2004); the former was nominated for Best Rap Album at 45th Annual Grammy Awards, while the latter peaked at number four on the Billboard 200. His following releases have failed to yield any further commercial response.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R.A. the Rugged Man</span> American rapper

Richard Andrew Thorburn, better known by his stage name R.A. the Rugged Man, is an American rapper and producer. He began his music career at age 12, building a reputation locally for his lyrical skills. Thorburn signed with major label Jive Records at age 18, but his debut album, Night of the Bloody Apes, was never released.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">J. Cole</span> American rapper (born 1985)

Jermaine Lamarr Cole is an American rapper and record producer. Born on a military base in Germany and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Cole initially gained attention as a rapper following the release of his debut mixtape, The Come Up, in early 2007. Intent on further pursuing a musical career, he signed with Jay-Z's Roc Nation in 2009 and released two additional mixtapes: The Warm Up (2009) and Friday Night Lights (2010) to further critical acclaim as he garnered a wider following.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">J. Cole discography</span>

American rapper and record producer J. Cole has released six studio albums, one live album, four compilation albums, three extended plays, four mixtapes, 58 singles, two promotional singles and twenty one music videos.

<i>Excuse My French</i> (album) 2013 studio album by French Montana

Excuse My French is the debut studio album by Moroccan-American rapper French Montana. It was released on May 21, 2013, by Coke Boys Records, Bad Boy Records, Maybach Music Group and Interscope Records. The album features guest appearances from Diddy, Nicki Minaj, Drake, Ace Hood, Lil Wayne, Birdman, The Weeknd, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Max B, Ne-Yo, Machine Gun Kelly, Raekwon, Scarface and Snoop Dogg, while the production was handled by Mike Will Made It, Jahlil Beats, Reefa, Rico Love, Lex Luger and Young Chop. The album was supported by three singles: "Pop That", "Freaks" and "Ain't Worried About Nothin'".

<i>Hotel California</i> (Tyga album) 2013 studio album by Tyga

Hotel California is the third studio album by American rapper Tyga. It was released on April 9, 2013, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records; distributed by Republic Records. The album features guest appearances from Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, The Game, Jadakiss, while the production on the album was handled by DJ Mustard, Detail, Cool & Dre, David D.A. Doman, Mars of 1500 or Nothin', The Olympicks, SAP and Ryan Hunt, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miss America (J. Cole song)</span> 2012 song by J. Cole

"Miss America" is a song by American hip hop recording artist and record producer J. Cole, released November 13, 2012 as the first promotional single from his second studio album Born Sinner (2013). The song, which was produced by Cole himself, samples Rue Royale's "Flightline". The song debuted at #34 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The song was used in Ubisoft's Launch trailer for the 2013 video game Splinter Cell: Blacklist.

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

La'Reonte Wright, known professionally as Dizzy Wright, is an American rapper and record producer.

<i>Born Sinner</i> 2013 studio album by J. Cole

Born Sinner is the second studio album by American rapper and record producer J. Cole. It was released on June 18, 2013, by ByStorm Entertainment, Columbia Records, Dreamville Records and Roc Nation. The album serves as the follow-up to his debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story (2011). The album features guest appearances from Miguel, Amber Coffman, Jhené Aiko, James Fauntleroy, Bas, TLC, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent. The album was also primarily produced by Cole himself, along with others such as Jake One, Syience, and Elite.

<i>Suffering from Success</i> 2013 studio album by DJ Khaled

Suffering from Success is the seventh studio album by American disc jockey and record producer DJ Khaled. It was released on October 22, 2013, by We the Best Music Group, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. The album has guest appearances from Future, Diddy, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, T.I., 2 Chainz, French Montana, Timbaland, Lil Wayne, Drake, Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj and Jeremih. Producers include DJ Khaled, Boi-1da, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Arthur McArthur, Timbaland, Streetrunner, Young Chop and Lee on the Beats.

<i>Self Made Vol. 3</i> 2013 compilation album by Maybach Music Group

Self Made Vol. 3 is the third compilation album by MMG. The album was released on September 17, 2013, by Maybach Music Group and Atlantic Records. Like the two previous albums in the Self Made series, the album features contributions from members signed to the MMG label including Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley, French Montana, Omarion and Rockie Fresh along with Gunplay, Young Breed and Torch of Triple C's. The album features additional guest appearances from Yo Gotti, Lil Boosie, Birdman, J. Cole, Fabolous, Pusha T, Hit-Boy, and Lupe Fiasco among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crooked Smile</span> 2013 single by J. Cole featuring TLC

"Crooked Smile" is a song by American rapper and record producer J. Cole from his second studio album, Born Sinner (2013). Featuring a guest appearance from girl group TLC, the song includes additional vocals from Meleni Smith. It was produced by Cole, with co-production from Elite. Cole recruited TLC after coming up with the hook, going through a lengthy and strenuous recording process. After Cole previewed the song in October 2012, it was released for digital download in the United States by Roc Nation as the album's second single on June 4, 2013. A hip hop and R&B ballad with dance elements, it features a jazz groove and a sample of Jennifer Hudson's "No One Gonna Love You".

<i>I Am</i> (Yo Gotti album) 2013 studio album by Yo Gotti

I Am is the seventh studio album by American hip hop recording artist Yo Gotti. The album was released on November 19, 2013, by Epic and CMG. The album features guest appearances from T.I., Ne-Yo, Wale, Rich Homie Quan, J. Cole, Jeezy, Meek Mill, and YG, among others. The album was supported by the singles "Act Right" featuring YG and Jeezy, "King Shit" featuring T.I., "Cold Blood" featuring J. Cole and Canei Finch and "I Know" featuring Rich Homie Quan. The first and fourth singles were later certified gold by the RIAA.

"Let Nas Down" is a song by American hip hop recording artist and record producer J. Cole, taken from his second studio album Born Sinner (2013). The song was produced by Cole himself as a dedication to one of his idols, fellow American rapper Nas, with whom Cole was often compared to early in his career. He sampled the song "Gentleman" by Fela Kuti. The song peaked at #55 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She Knows (J. Cole song)</span> 2013 single by J. Cole featuring Amber Coffman and Cults

"She Knows" is a song by American rapper and record producer J. Cole, released on October 29, 2013, as the fourth single from his second studio album, Born Sinner. The song samples "Bad Things" by Cults and was produced by J. Cole.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bas (rapper)</span> Sudanese-American rapper from New York

Abbas Hamad, known professionally as Bas, is a French-born Sudanese-American rapper. He signed with J. Cole's Dreamville Records, an imprint of Interscope Records to release his debut studio album, Last Winter (2014). It was met with positive critical reception and entered the Billboard 200, along with his second and third albums, Too High to Riot (2016) and Milky Way (2018). His fourth album, We Only Talk About Real Shit When We're Fucked Up (2023) was met with continued praise despite failing to chart.

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

EarthGang is an American hip hop duo from Atlanta, Georgia, composed of Olu and WowGr8. They are co-founders of the musical collective Spillage Village, with JID, Hollywood JB, JordxnBryant, 6lack, Mereba, and Benji.

<i>The Off-Season</i> 2021 studio album by J. Cole

The Off-Season is the sixth studio album by American rapper J. Cole. It was released on May 14, 2021, by Dreamville Records, Roc Nation and Interscope Records. The album was executive produced by Cole, Ibrahim Hamad, and T-Minus. It also features guest vocals from Morray, 21 Savage, Lil Baby, Bas, and 6lack. It became Cole's first album since 2013's Born Sinner to contain guest features. Production was handled by multiple producers, including Cole himself, T-Minus, Timbaland, Boi-1da, Frank Dukes, DJ Dahi, Tae Beast, and Jake One, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Morray</span> American rapper and singer

Morae Ebony Ruffin, known professionally as Morray, is an American rapper and singer-songwriter from Fayetteville, North Carolina. He first saw recognition for his 2020 single "Quicksand", which led him to sign with Interscope Records and release his debut mixtape, Street Sermons (2021) the following year. The song peaked at number 65 on the Billboard Hot 100, while his 2021 single "My Life" peaked at number two on the chart and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Interlude (J. Cole song)</span> 2021 single by J. Cole

"Interlude" is a song by American rapper J. Cole, released on May 7, 2021, as a promotional single from his sixth studio album, The Off-Season. A brief track, it consists of a single verse as J. Cole reflects on his come-up and status in the rap game. "Interlude" marked the first time Cole released a single prior to a studio album since 2013's "Power Trip" off Born Sinner.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/1549808/j-cole-reps-talk-power-trip-single-born-sinner-album%7Cdate=December 2013
  2. ↑ Ryon, Sean (2013-02-21). "J. Cole Breaks Down "Born Sinner" Single "Power Trip" | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  3. 1 2 "J. Cole, Reps Talk 'Power Trip' Single & 'Born Sinner' Album". Billboard. 2013-02-23. Retrieved 2013-02-23.
  4. ↑ "4. J. Cole f/ Miguel "Power Trip" — The Best Songs of 2013 (So Far)". Complex. 2013-06-24. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  5. ↑ "J. Cole And Miguel Have A 'Power Trip' (Born Sinner)". RapFix. 2013-02-14. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved 2013-02-14.
  6. ↑ "J. Cole - 'Born Sinner' Album Review - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2013-06-19. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  7. ↑ Mlynar, Phillip (19 June 2013). "J. Cole, 'Born Sinner' Review". Spin.com. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  8. ↑ J. Cole. "J. Cole - Born Sinner - Stream & Read Album Review". Djbooth.net. Archived from the original on 2014-01-31. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  9. ↑ "J. Cole :: Born Sinner :: Roc Nation". Rapreviews.com. 2013-06-11. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  10. ↑ Francesca D'Arcy-Orga 14 July 2013. "J. Cole: Born Sinner". PopMatters. Retrieved 2013-10-22.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  11. ↑ "J. Cole: Born Sinner | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. 2013-06-21. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  12. ↑ "8. J. Cole f/ Miguel "Power Trip" — The 50 Best Songs of 2013". Complex. 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2014-01-15.
  13. ↑ "HipHopDX's Top 25 Albums Of 2013 | Discussing Lil' Wayne, Drake & Many More Hip Hop Artists". HipHop DX. 2013-12-30. Retrieved 2014-01-15.
  14. ↑ "XXL Lists The Best Hip-Hop Songs And Albums Of The Last 40 Years - XXL Issue 152 - Page 4 of 4 - XXL". Xxlmag.com. 2014-01-09. Retrieved 2014-01-15.
  15. ↑ "Grammy Nominations". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2013-12-09.
  16. ↑ "Track of the Year | Hip Hop Awards". BET. 2013-09-23. Archived from the original on October 2, 2013. Retrieved 2014-01-15.
  17. ↑ Walker, Jodi (2013-12-06). "Grammy nominations 2014: See the list of nominees | The Music Mix | EW.com". Music-mix.ew.com. Retrieved 2014-01-15.
  18. ↑ Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates |
  19. ↑ "Gold & Platinum". Recording Industry Association of America .
  20. ↑ "J. Cole 'Power Trip' Video To Be Shot Next Week In Fayetteville". J. Cole Nation. 2013-03-15. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-03-15.
  21. ↑ "J. Cole's "Born Sinner" Gets a Release Date". Complex. 2013-04-08. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  22. ↑ "J. Cole f. Miguel - "Power Trip" | Watch Hip Hop Music Videos & New Rap Videos". HipHop DX. 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  23. ↑ "Blogs - Fayobserver.com - Watch: J. Cole - Power Trip (Video)". Blogs.fayobserver.com. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  24. ↑ Alexis, Nadeska (2013-04-09). "J. Cole's Obsession Leads To 'Cole'-Blooded Murder In 'Power Trip' Video - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Archived from the original on April 11, 2013. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  25. ↑ "J. Cole feat. Miguel – Power Trip" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  26. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  27. ↑ "J Cole Featuring Miguel | Artist". Official Charts. 2013-05-25. Retrieved 2014-01-15.
  28. ↑ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 22, 2013.
  29. ↑ "J. Cole Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  30. ↑ "J. Cole Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  31. ↑ "J. Cole Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
  32. ↑ "J. Cole Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard.
  33. ↑ "Best of 2013 - Hot 100 Songs". Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  34. ↑ "2013 Year End Charts — R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  35. ↑ "2013 Year End Charts — Rap Songs". Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  36. ↑ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2013". Billboard. Retrieved October 5, 2019.
  37. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  38. ↑ "British single certifications – J Cole Ft Miguel – Power Trip". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  39. ↑ "American single certifications – J. Cole – Power Trip". Recording Industry Association of America.
  40. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Power Trip (feat. Miguel) - Single by J Cole". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-02-14. Retrieved 2013-05-26.
  41. ↑ "Urban/UAC Future Releases | R&B, Hip Hop, Release Schedule and Street Dates". Allaccess.com. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  42. 1 2 "Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Arbitron Ratings, Music News and more!". FMQB. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
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.