Testimony (Kodak Black song)

Last updated
"Testimony"
Promotional single by Kodak Black
from the album Dying to Live
ReleasedDecember 7, 2018
Length4:00
Label Atlantic
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Major Nine
Music video
"Testimony" on YouTube

"Testimony" is a song by American rapper Kodak Black, released on December 8, 2018 as the first promotional single from his debut studio album Dying to Live (2018). It was produced by Major Nine.

Contents

Composition and lyrics

Kodak Black raps over a "minimal, atmospheric beat". [1] Portraying himself as a messenger of God with lyrics centered on spirituality, he reflects on overcoming obstacles such as his inner demons, drug abuse ("I don't drink no lean, I'm sippin' on holy water like this my medicine / I'm a livin' testimony, every album like a testament / Everything I went through made me who I am 'cause he be testin' me / So I'm breakin' bread with all my fam 'cause I don't take no ecstasy") [1] [2] and his dark past ("Shot a nigga, took a shower with the bleach, Yahweh / Mama, I fell victim to the streets, I'm sorry / I'm in middle school sellin' weed in the hallway"). [3]

Critical reception

Ammar Kalia of The Guardian criticized the song, writing "Black himself is awaiting trial for alleged rape but takes a preachy tone on Testimony, rapping that he is 'God-sent … to relay these messages'. It's a misfire: Black doesn't have the novelty or innovation that has foisted this scene to prominence." [4]

Music video

The music video was released on December 10, 2018. It sees Kodak Black walking throughout a church, with shots of glass windows, crosses and gold jewelry. At the end of the clip, he is also baptized. [5]

Live performances

Kodak Black performed the song on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on December 17, 2018. [6]

Remix

American rapper Lil Durk released a remix to the song titled "Chiraqimony" on February 11, 2019. [7]

Charts

Chart (2018)Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100 [8] 74
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [9] 27

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [10] Gold500,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. 1 2 Spielberger, Daniel (December 31, 2018). "Review: Consider Kodak Black's "Dying To Live" A Compelling Cry For Help". HipHopDX . Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  2. ↑ Espinoza, Joshua (December 7, 2018). "Listen to Kodak Black's New Track "Testimony"". Complex . Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  3. ↑ Williams, Aaron (December 19, 2018). "Kodak Black Goes To War With Both His Demons And His Better Nature On The Uneven 'Dying To Live'". Uproxx . Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  4. ↑ Kalia, Ammar (January 4, 2019). "Kodak Black: Dying to Live review – preachy rapper hits a dead end". The Guardian . Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  5. ↑ Zidel, Alex (December 10, 2018). "Kodak Black Embraces Religious Imagery In "Testimony" Video". HotNewHipHop . Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  6. ↑ Mendez, Marisa (December 18, 2018). "Kodak Black Performs "Testimony" on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'". XXL . Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  7. ↑ A., Aron (February 11, 2019). "Lil Durk Takes On Kodak Black's "Testimony" For New Track". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  8. ↑ "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Kodak Black Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 7, 2025.
  10. ↑ "American single certifications – Kodak Black – Testimony". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved April 7, 2025.
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