Win (song)

Last updated
"Win"
Jay Rock - Win.jpeg
Single by Jay Rock
from the album Redemption
ReleasedMay 16, 2018
Genre
Length3:35
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Jay Rock singles chronology
"King's Dead"
(2018)
"Win"
(2018)
"The Bloodiest"
(2018)
Music video
"Win" on YouTube

"Win" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American rapper Jay Rock, released on May 16, 2018 as the second single from his third studio album Redemption (2018). It features backing vocals from American rapper Kendrick Lamar and was produced by Vinylz, with co-production handled by Boi-1da and CT.

Contents

Composition

"Win" contains a sample of "Rooster and Runaway (from True Grit )", composed by Elmer Bernstein, and uses a trap beat [1] that features celebratory-sounding trumpets and drums. [2] [3] Throughout the track, Kendrick Lamar provides ad-libs in the background. The song begins with a horn riff, and a chorus performed by Jay Rock, [2] [3] who raps about triumphing over adversity [4] while also delivering boastful lyrics and claiming his position as a winner in the rap game. [1] [5]

Music video

A music video for the song was released on May 30, 2018. Directed by Dave Meyers and Dave Free, it opens with Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar dressed in suits while surrounded by trumpeters and flames. [6] [7] The video sees Rock dodging missiles in the middle of a war zone, celebrating with a championship trophy, hunting ducks with Lamar, surrounded by masked men brandishing bayonets, [8] [9] playing pool, staging a 300-inspired execution off the roof of a building, [7] reclining with several women and hanging out a convertible. [10] Top Dawg Entertainment artists SZA, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, Sir, Zacari and Lance Skiiiwalker make cameos in the video. [6]

In other media

The instrumental for “Win” is featured in the Netflix film The After Party (2018) for the character KYLE plays in the film to rap over. The song is the theme song for the Netflix television show #BlackAF (2020)

Remixes

Jay Rock released a remix of the song endorsing Stacey Abrams' campaign for the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election, on October 24, 2018. [11] On October 30, 2018, the official remix featuring American rapper Snoop Dogg was released. [12]

Charts

Chart (2018)Peak
position
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [13] 20
US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles ( Billboard ) [14] 4

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) [15] Gold500,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drop It Like It's Hot</span> 2004 single by Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell

"Drop It Like It's Hot" is a song by American rapper Snoop Dogg, featuring American singer, rapper and musician Pharrell Williams. It was released on September 27, 2004, as the lead single from Snoop Dogg's seventh studio album, R&G : The Masterpiece (2004). The song was produced by Williams alongside Chad Hugo as the Neptunes. It is regarded as an iconic song, with Snoop performing the chorus and the second and third verses while Pharrell performs the first verse.

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

Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr., better known by his stage name Jay Rock, is an American rapper from Los Angeles, California. Rock signed with local independent label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2005. He secured a major label joint venture deal with Warner Bros. Records and Asylum Records to release his 2008 debut single, "All My Life ". Failing to chart, the mergers fell through and Rock departed from both of the latter labels shortly after. He then signed with Missouri rapper Tech N9ne's label Strange Music in a joint venture deal with TDE in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Wanna Rock (Snoop Dogg song)</span> Snoop Dogg single

"I Wanna Rock" is the third official single from American rapper, Snoop Dogg's tenth studio album, Malice n Wonderland. It was released digitally on iTunes on November 17, 2009, after the second single "That's Tha Homie". The song was produced by Scoop DeVille and mixed by Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg released it on a mixtape titled "I Wanna Rock" on November 23. The song was confirmed by BBC Radio 1 to be released in the UK on March 15, 2010 but is now listed as "Coming Soon".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Rock discography</span>

American rapper Jay Rock has released three studio albums, 10 mixtapes, 13 singles and 30 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kendrick Lamar</span> American rapper and songwriter (born 1987)

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American rapper and songwriter. Regarded as one of the most influential hip-hop artists of his generation, and one of the greatest rappers of all time, he is known for his technical artistry and complex songwriting. He was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music, becoming the first musician outside of the classical and jazz genres to receive the honor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scoop DeVille</span> American record producer (born 1987)

Elijah Blue Molina, better known by his stage name Scoop DeVille, is an American record producer, rapper and DJ. DeVille has produced singles and albums for hip hop artists including Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nipsey Hussle, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe. He produced Kendrick Lamar's 2013 single "Poetic Justice" and Snoop Dogg's 2009 single "I Wanna Rock", both of which peaked within the top 50 of the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Hippy</span> American hip hop supergroup from California

Black Hippy was an American hip hop supergroup from South Los Angeles, California, formed in 2008. The group consisted of West Coast rappers Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q. Black Hippy was constructed after all of its members had signed to Carson-based indie record label, Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Recipe (Kendrick Lamar song)</span> 2012 single by Kendrick Lamar featuring Dr. Dre

"The Recipe" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on April 3, 2012, as the first single from his major label debut Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, however, only made the deluxe edition of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swimming Pools (Drank)</span> 2012 single by Kendrick Lamar

"Swimming Pools (Drank)" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It was released on July 31, 2012, as the lead single (second overall) from his major-label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012), by Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), Aftermath and Interscope. The song was written by Lamar and Tyler "T-Minus" Williams, the latter of whom also produced the song. The song, mixed by Dr. Dre and Top Dawg's engineer Derek "MixedByAli" Ali, propelled Lamar to mainstream popularity. The song peaked at number 17 on the US Billboard Hot 100, in its thirteenth week of charting, after gradually climbing up the chart. It debuted on the Hot 100 at number 100 and progressed from number 55 and 32 to its peak. "Swimming Pools (Drank)" also serves as Lamar's first entry on the UK Singles Chart, where it debuted at number 63.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe</span> 2013 single by Kendrick Lamar

"Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" edited for radio as "Trick, Don't Kill My Vibe" or simply "Don't Kill My Vibe", is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his major-label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, produced by frequent collaborator Sounwave of Top Dawg Entertainment in-house production team Digi+Phonics, heavily samples "Tiden Flyver", by Danish electronic group Boom Clap Bachelors. It was originally intended to be a collaboration with American singer Lady Gaga, but her contributions were ultimately excluded from the final recording due to timing issues. A remix of "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" featuring American rapper Jay-Z was sent to radio as the album's fifth single on March 21, 2013, with the original version and another remix featuring British singer Emeli Sandé later being released.

"Money Trees" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, taken from his major label debut studio album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City (2012). The song, which appears as the fifth track on the album, features a guest appearance from his Black Hippy cohort, fellow American rapper Jay Rock, and was produced by DJ Dahi. It entered the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart at number 19 due to high downloads, following the album's release. The song, mixed by Top Dawg engineer Derek "MixedByAIi" Ali, features background vocals from American singer Anna Wise of Sonnymoon. Money Trees samples the Beach House song "Silver Soul", from their 2010 album Teen Dream, as well as vocals from Lamar's "Cartoon and Cereal" and interpolates lyrics from E-40's "Big Ballin' With My Homies".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hood Gone Love It</span> 2011 single by Jay Rock featuring Kendrick Lamar

"Hood Gone Love It" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Jay Rock. It was released as the second single from his debut studio album Follow Me Home (2011). The song features Rock's Black Hippy cohort Kendrick Lamar and was produced by American production team J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League. It was also used in promotion for and included in the game Grand Theft Auto V. The song peaked on the US Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles at number 18.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down for My N's</span> 1999 single by C-Murder featuring Snoop Dogg and Magic

"Down for My N's" is a song by C-Murder featuring Snoop Dogg and Magic from Dogg's fourth album, No Limit Top Dogg and C-Murder's Trapped in Crime.

The 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards was held on October 15, 2013 at Atlanta Civic Center in the ATL. Snoop Dogg was the event's host for the first time. Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with 14. Drake had the second most at 13, while J. Cole picked up 10 nods. Kendrick Lamar won the most awards with 5 wins.

"Alright" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar featured on the artist's third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly (2015). The song expresses ideas of hope amid personal struggles and features uncredited vocals in its chorus from co-producer Pharrell Williams. "Alright" was released to radio stations as the album's fourth single on June 30, 2015. Many music publications considered it among the best songs and videos of the year. "Alright" received four nominations at the 58th Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Best Music Video, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, winning the latter two. It was also nominated for a MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R.I.P. (Young Jeezy song)</span> 2013 single by Young Jeezy featuring 2 Chainz

"R.I.P." is a song by American rapper Young Jeezy, released as the second single from his twelfth mixtape It's Tha World (2012). It features vocals from fellow rapper 2 Chainz and was produced by record producer DJ Mustard.

"Loyalty" is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar featuring Barbadian singer Rihanna from the former's fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The song was later sent to urban and rhythmic radio June 20, 2017, as the second single from the album. The sixth track on the album, the song was written by the artists alongside producers DJ Dahi, Sounwave, Terrace Martin, and Anthony "Top Dawg" Tiffith. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance.

<i>Neva Left</i> 2017 studio album by Snoop Dogg

Neva Left is the fifteenth studio album by American rapper Snoop Dogg. It was released on May 19, 2017, for digital download and July 7, 2017, for purchase on CD, by Doggystyle Records and Empire Distribution. Snoop Dogg also enlisted a variety of guest vocalists including Redman, Method Man, B-Real, KRS-One, and frequent collaborators Charlie Wilson and Wiz Khalifa, among others. Meanwhile, production was handled by Dr. Evo, DJ Battlecat, Musik MajorX, League of Starz, and Rick Rock, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King's Dead</span> 2018 single by Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future and James Blake

"King's Dead" is a song by American rappers Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and Future with English singer James Blake, from the soundtrack album of the Marvel Studios superhero film Black Panther and Jay Rock's third studio album Redemption.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kendrick Lamar videography</span>

American rapper Kendrick Lamar has appeared in 74 music videos, 17 of which he directed with his creative partner Dave Free. He was featured in several documentaries, helmed three short films, and released one concert film.

References

  1. 1 2 Reed, Ryan (May 16, 2018). "Hear Jay Rock's Brass-Heavy New Song 'Win' Featuring Kendrick Lamar". Rolling Stone .
  2. 1 2 O'Neill, Lauren (May 16, 2018). "Jay Rock's "Win" Is Victorious As Hell". Vice .
  3. 1 2 Penrose, Nerisha (May 16, 2018). "Jay Rock Returns With Kendrick Lamar-Assisted Single 'Win': Listen". Billboard .
  4. Breihan, Tom (May 16, 2018). "Jay Rock – "Win" (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)". Stereogum .
  5. Mojica, Nick (May 16, 2018). "Jay Rock Is Out to "Win" on New Song". XXL .
  6. 1 2 "Watch Jay Rock's Triumphant 'Win' Video Featuring Kendrick Lamar". Rap-Up . May 30, 2018.
  7. 1 2 Burks, Tosten (May 30, 2018). "Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar Go Duck Hunting in "Win" Video". XXL.
  8. Daramola, Israel (May 30, 2018). "Video: Jay Rock – "Win"". Spin .
  9. Rettig, James (May 30, 2018). "Jay Rock – "Win" Video (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)". Stereogum.
  10. Reed, Ryan (May 30, 2018). "See Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar Go Duck Hunting in 'Win' Video". Rolling Stone.
  11. Gray, Julia (October 24, 2018). "Jay Rock's "Win" Remixed For Stacey Abrams' Gubernatorial Campaign". Stereogum.
  12. Findlay, Mitch (October 30, 2018). "Jay Rock Calls Up Snoop Dogg For "Win" Remix". HotNewHipHop .
  13. "Jay Rock Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard.
  14. "Jay Rock – Chart History: Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 4, 2019.
  15. "American single certifications – Jay Rock – Win". Recording Industry Association of America.