The Story of Adidon

Last updated

"The Story of Adidon"
The Story of Adidon - Pusha T.jpg
The cover features Drake in blackface in a picture taken in 2007. [1]
Song by Pusha T
ReleasedMay 29, 2018 (2018-05-29)
RecordedMay 2018
Genre Hip hop
Length3:09
Lyricist(s) Terrence Thornton
Producer(s) No I.D.

"The Story of Adidon" is a diss track by American rapper Pusha T aimed at Canadian rapper Drake, released on May 29, 2018. [2] It reuses the instrumental from Jay-Z's "The Story of O.J.", which was produced by No I.D. and sampled "Four Women" by Nina Simone. [3] [4] The diss track received significant media attention, and is notorious for revealing Drake's fatherhood. [5]

Contents

Background

On May 25, 2018, Pusha T released his third studio album, Daytona . The album's last track, "Infrared," contained alleged references to Drake and ghostwriting. Drake responded by releasing the diss track "Duppy Freestyle" a few hours later. [6] The song garnered significant media attention. Pusha T first responded that day on Twitter. [7] "The Story of Adidon" was released four days later.

Synopsis

In the diss track, Pusha T raps over the instrumental of Jay-Z's 2017 song "The Story of O.J." from his 13th studio album 4:44 , which itself features samples from Nina Simone's song "Four Women". Pusha T revealed Drake had a child named Adonis with French former pornstar Sophie Brussaux. Pusha T also attacks Drake's alleged insecurities regarding his race, and mocks OVO Sound producer 40 for looking frail due to his multiple sclerosis. The track was titled "The Story of Adidon" after Drake's rumored upcoming Adidas line, which would have publicly revealed Drake's son Adonis, who would have been used heavily in promotion and advertising. "Adidon" is a portmanteau of Adidas and Adonis. [8] [9]

After a month of speculation, Drake confirmed he had a son with Brussaux in lyrics from his fifth album Scorpion . [10] [4] He ultimately did not respond to the diss track.

Artwork

The cover features a 2007 photograph of Drake in blackface taken by David Leyes. Drake commented on the cover, saying "the photo represents how African Americans were once wrongfully portrayed in entertainment" and how these frustrations had not changed since. [11]

Critical reception

The track received critical acclaim despite its controversy: some praised it as a diss song for being vicious and harsh, noting it as victory for Pusha T in the feud, while others said it went too far. Pitchfork deemed "The Story of Adidon" as Best New Track that week and listed it as the 31st best song of 2018. [12] [13]

"The Story of Adidon" was named song of the year by Noisey . [14] Complex listed it fifth in its songs of the year list, [15] and praised the first verse as the best rap verse of 2018. [16] The Tampa Bay Times ranked "The Story of Adidon" at number 10 on their "50 Best Songs of 2018" list, [17] while Pitchfork described it as "at once a three-dimensional chess move and vicious sucker punch." [3] Doreen St. Felix of The New Yorker wrote that "is like a horror-movie psychiatrist, excavating a patient only to use deep-set pathologies against him." [4]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusha T</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Terrence LeVarr Thornton, better known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as one half of the Virginia-based hip hop duo Clipse, which he formed with his older brother No Malice. Mainly active from 1994 to 2010, the duo were discovered by Pharrell Williams and signed with his record label Star Trak Entertainment, an imprint of Arista Records to release three studio albums—Lord Willin' (2002), Hell Hath No Fury (2006) and Til the Casket Drops (2009)—to mild commercial success. The former spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "Grindin'" and "When the Last Time", for which they became best known.

A diss track, diss record or diss song is a song whose primary purpose is to verbally attack someone else, usually another artist. Diss tracks are often the result of an existing, escalating feud between the two people; for example, the artists involved may be former members of a group, or artists on rival labels.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drake (musician)</span> Canadian rapper and singer (born 1986)

Aubrey Drake Graham, known mononymously as Drake, is a Canadian rapper, singer and actor. An influential figure in contemporary popular music, he has been credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in hip hop artists. Gaining recognition by starring as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–2008), Drake then started pursuing a recording career in 2006, releasing his debut mixtape Room for Improvement. He followed up with the mixtapes Comeback Season (2007) and So Far Gone (2009) before signing with Young Money Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stay Schemin'</span> 2012 single by Rick Ross featuring Drake and French Montana

"Stay Schemin'" is a song by American rapper Rick Ross featuring Drake and French Montana, released as a single from his 2012 mixtape Rich Forever. The track was released as a digital download from iTunes on April 17, 2012. It is a hip hop song that interpolates its chorus, sung by French Montana, from an unreleased Nas song titled "Day Dreamin, Stay Schemin", which covers the Kurtis Blow song, "Daydreamin'", with new lyrics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New God Flow</span> 2012 single by Kanye West and Pusha T

"New God Flow" is a song by American rappers Kanye West and Pusha T. It was released as the third single from the compilation album Cruel Summer (2012), a collaboration between members of their record label GOOD Music. Produced by West, Anthony Kilhoffer and Boogz & Tapez, "New God Flow", which is a hip hop song, incorporates numerous samples into its arrangement. It features lines by Pusha T directed at American rapper and record producer Birdman. American rapper Ghostface Killah, whose song "Mighty Healthy" is prominently sampled in the song, is featured on an alternate version entitled "New God Flow.1" that appears on Cruel Summer. West and Pusha T performed "New God Flow" on several occasions, including the 2012 BET Awards and Jay-Z's Made in America Festival. The song was awarded Best Beat at the XXL Awards.

"Control" is a song by American rapper Big Sean, featuring American rappers Kendrick Lamar and Jay Electronica. It impacted US mainstream urban radio on August 14, 2013, via GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings, as a promotional single for the former's second studio album Hall of Fame (2013). It was ultimately cut from the album due to sample clearance issues.

"Two Birds, One Stone" is a hip hop song recorded by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released worldwide by OVO Sound on October 29, 2016. The song was originally meant for inclusion on Drake's fifth mixtape, More Life, however it did not make the final cut. Written in the wake of Drake's highly publicized feud with Meek Mill, it was co-written by Noah Shebib, Kanye West, and Joey Castellani, and composed by 40 and West.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No Frauds</span> Single by Nicki Minaj featuring Drake and Lil Wayne (2017)

"No Frauds" is a diss track by rappers Nicki Minaj, Drake and Lil Wayne. It is a response to Remy Ma's 2017 song "Shether", a nearly seven-minute-long diss track aimed at Minaj. Produced by Murda Beatz and Cubeatz, it was released as a single on March 10, 2017, by Young Money, Cash Money, and Republic alongside "Changed It" and "Regret in Your Tears". In the song, Minaj criticizes Ma for her prison sentence and her record sales, among other things.

"The Story of O.J." is a song by American rapper Jay-Z from his thirteenth studio album 4:44. It was produced by Jay-Z and No I.D. Following the release of the album, the song charted in a couple of regions, entering and peaking at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100, as well as charting at number 88 on the UK Singles Chart. It received three nominations at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards: Record of the Year, Best Rap Song, and Best Music Video. The song features samples from Nina Simone's song "Four Women". The song's instrumental was used by American rapper Pusha T in his 2018 diss track against Canadian rapper and singer Drake. American rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again also remixed the song in 2020.

<i>Scorpion</i> (Drake album) 2018 studio album by Drake

Scorpion is the fifth studio album by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on June 29, 2018, by Cash Money Records, Republic Records, and Young Money Entertainment. Scorpion is a double album consisting of 25 tracks. Its first disc is primarily hip hop, while its second disc has been described as R&B and pop. It was executively produced by Drake himself, alongside frequent collaborator 40 and manager Oliver El-Khatib. Scorpion features guest appearances from Jay-Z and Ty Dolla Sign, as well as posthumous appearances from Michael Jackson and Static Major.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lift Yourself</span> 2018 song by Kanye West

"Lift Yourself" is a song by American rapper Kanye West. West wrote the song alongside James Massie and Ben Winters, and produced it with additional production from Mike Dean. The song was debuted on April 27, 2018, through West's website and was released by GOOD Music and Def Jam three days later for digital download and streaming as a standalone single. As the first release of new music from West since his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016), it was perceived by numerous fans and publications to be him trolling them. The song samples Amnesty's "Liberty" and Dancer's "Boom Boom". Following a long build-up, West scats towards the end of the song, rapping nonsensical words.

<i>Daytona</i> (album) 2018 studio album (mini-album) by Pusha T

Daytona is the third studio album by American rapper Pusha T. It was released on May 25, 2018, by G.O.O.D. Music and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Rick Ross and Kanye West, and uncredited additional vocals by Tony Williams and 070 Shake. Kanye West also served as executive producer and produced all of its tracks, with additional production from Andrew Dawson and Mike Dean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duppy Freestyle</span> 2018 song by Drake

"Duppy Freestyle" is a song by Canadian rapper Drake. Released on May 25, 2018, the song is a diss track aimed at American rappers Pusha-T and Kanye West. The song was produced by Boi-1da and Jahaan Sweet.

"Tell the Vision" is a song by American rapper Pop Smoke featuring fellow American rappers Kanye West and Pusha T from the former's second posthumous studio album, Faith (2021). West produced the song with Boogz, FnZ, Rico Beats, and SethInTheKitchen, while Jalil Peraza and Jess Jackson served as additional producers. A drill track, it samples a choir and Angie Martinez's ode to Pop Smoke. In the lyrics of the song, the rapper discusses his upbringing in Brooklyn and the struggles he experienced during this period.

Alexander Eli Morand, known professionally as Smiley, is a Canadian rapper. He signed with hometown native Drake's record label OVO Sound, an imprint of Warner Records in 2021. In July of that year, he released the single "Over the Top", which peaked at number 13 on the Canadian Hot 100 and number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neck & Wrist</span> 2022 single by Pusha T featuring Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams

"Neck & Wrist" is a song by American rapper Pusha T featuring fellow American rapper Jay-Z and American musician Pharrell Williams. Produced by the latter, it was released on April 6, 2022 as the third single from the former's fourth studio album It's Almost Dry (2022).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drake–Kanye West feud</span> Hip hop feud

The Drake–Kanye West feud is an ongoing and highly publicized feud, or informally a "beef", between American rapper Kanye West and Canadian rapper Drake. The conflict has unfolded over several years and has involved public statements, social media exchanges, and musical releases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud</span> Ongoing hip hop feud

The Drake–Kendrick Lamar feud is an ongoing rap feud between Canadian rapper Drake and American rapper Kendrick Lamar. The conflict escalated in March 2024 after the release of "Like That".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Euphoria (Kendrick Lamar song)</span> 2024 single by Kendrick Lamar

"Euphoria" is a diss track written and recorded by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, in response to Canadian rapper Drake's single "Push Ups" and his independently released song "Taylor Made Freestyle". It was unexpectedly released on April 30, 2024, via Interscope Records, initially as a YouTube exclusive before being released to streaming platforms hours later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meet the Grahams</span> 2024 diss track by Kendrick Lamar

"Meet the Grahams" is a diss track by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on May 3, 2024, during his ongoing feud with Canadian rapper Drake. A response song, it premiered 20 minutes after the release of Drake's "Family Matters", a diss track mainly aimed at Lamar.

References

  1. ↑ France, Lisa Respers (May 31, 2018). "Drake explains blackface photo from Pusha-T single". CNN Entertainment. Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  2. ↑ "The Story of Adidon by Pusha T". SoundCloud. May 29, 2018. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  3. 1 2 Pearce, Sheldon (May 30, 2018). ""The Story of Adidon" by Pusha-T Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  4. 1 2 3 St. Félix, Doreen (June 1, 2018). "How Pusha T's "The Story of Adidon" Viciously Undercuts Drake's Celebrity". The New Yorker. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  5. ↑ Haysom, Sam. "Drake responds to blackface criticism in lengthy Instagram post". Mashable. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  6. ↑ "Drake Disses Pusha-T and Kanye on New Song "Duppy Freestyle": Listen". Pitchfork. May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  7. ↑ "Drake Hits Back at Pusha T's Diss Track With 'Duppy Freestyle': Listen". Billboard. May 25, 2018. Retrieved May 26, 2018.
  8. ↑ Sargent, Jordan (May 30, 2018). "Pusha T Explains the Meaning of 'Adidon'". Spin . Retrieved December 26, 2020.
  9. ↑ Caramanica, Jon (January 23, 2023). "Drake: Rap's Biggest Fan". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  10. ↑ Baxter-Wright, Dusty (June 29, 2018). "Drake confirms he has a son with adult movie star Sophie Brussaux on new album, Scorpion". Cosmopolitan .
  11. ↑ Lars Bandle (May 31, 2018). "Drake Opens up on The Blackface Photo Pusha T Used For 'The Story of Adidon' Artwork". Billboard . Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  12. ↑ "The 100 Best Songs of 2018". Pitchfork . December 10, 2018. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  13. ↑ Sheldon Pearce (May 30, 2018). ""The Story of Adidon" by Pusha-T Review" . Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  14. ↑ "The 100 Best Songs of 2018". Noisey. December 6, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
  15. ↑ "The Best Songs of 2018". Complex. December 18, 2018. Retrieved December 21, 2018.
  16. ↑ Kiana Fitzgerald; Khal; Shawn Setaro; Frazier Tharpe; Carolyn Bernucca; Angel Diaz (June 26, 2018). "Best Rap Verses of 2018 (So Far)". Complex . Retrieved August 28, 2018.
  17. ↑ Jay Cridlin (December 27, 2018). "The 50 best songs of 2018". Tampabay.
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.