Pretend (Tinashe song)

Last updated

In an interview with Rap-Up , Tinashe talked about the concept behind the song. She said "The song with Rocky is definitely kind of a contemporary-sounding song, it doesn’t really sound like a lot of other songs on the radio, but it’s a midtempo feel and it’s kinda minimalistic in the track." [5] And when speaking about the song's meaning, she said, ""Pretend" is basically about when you're in a relationship and instead of dealing with the stuff that you deal with in a relationship, you don't want to do that. You're just going to pretend that everything is fine. I think a lot of people can relate." [6]

"Pretend" is a r&b-pop song written by Tinashe, Lyrica Anderson and ASAP Rocky and was produced by Detail. [2] [3]

Release and critical reception

"Pretend" premiered on August 22, 2014 online. [7]

Exclaim! editor Gregory Adams complimented the singers vocals saying "Her voice builds up to an emotional cry in the chorus, which finds her praising the concept of "a love that never ends." [8] Chris DeVille from Stereogum was less vocal about ASAP Rocky's appearance on the song but praised Tinashe by saying "her performance is the showstopper here." [7]

Music video

The song's official music video, directed by Jodeb, was shot on August 19, 2014 [9] and released on September 29, 2014. [10]

Credits and personnel

Recording locations
Personnel
  • Tinashe – songwriter, lead vocals
  • ASAP Rocky – songwriter, guest vocals
  • Detail – songwriter, producer
  • The Order – songwriter, producer
  • Lyrica Anderson – songwriter
  • Héctor el Fatherrecording, mixing
  • Geebizzy – recording assistant, mixing assistant
  • Jaycen Joshua – mixing
  • Ryan Kaul – mixing assistant
  • Maddox Chimm – mixing assistant
  • Contains a sample from "Action", as performed by Orange Krush
  • Dave Kutch – mastering

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Aquarius . [11]

Track listing

  1. "Pretend" (featuring ASAP Rocky) – 3:52
  1. "Pretend Remix" (featuring Jeezy) – 4:16
  1. "Pretend" (Dave Audé Remix) – 3:40

Charts

"Pretend"
TinashePretend.jpg
Single by Tinashe featuring ASAP Rocky
from the album Aquarius
ReleasedAugust 22, 2014
RecordedClockwork Studios (Los Angeles)
Genre R&B [1] Pop [2] [3] Cloud rap
Length3:55
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Tinashe singles chronology
"2 On"
(2014)
"Pretend"
(2014)
"Body Language"
(2014)
ASAP Rocky singles chronology
"Fashion Killa"
(2013)
"Pretend"
(2014)
"Multiply"
(2014)
Chart (2014–2015)Peak
position
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100) [14] 83
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100) [15] 96
UK Hip Hop/R&B (OCC) [16] 36
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [17] 17
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [18] 34
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay ( Billboard ) [19] 45
US Rhythmic ( Billboard ) [20] 29

Release history

DateFormatLabel
August 22, 2014 [21] Digital download RCA

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