XTCY

Last updated
"XTCY"
XTCY cover (painting).jpg
Single by Kanye West
ReleasedAugust 30, 2018 (2018-08-30) [a]
Recorded2018
Genre
Length2:56
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Kanye West
  • Andrew Dawson
Kanye West singles chronology
"All Mine"
(2018)
"XTCY"
(2018)
"I Love It"
(2018)
Original cover
XTCY Cover.jpg
Original WeTransfer cover

"XTCY" is a song by Kanye West. It was originally released by DJ Clark Kent on August 11, 2018 for free download before being released as a single on August 30. [3] [4] [5] [6] The song heavily samples "My Bleeding Wound" by The New Year.

Contents

Background

On May 15, 2018, West posted an image of an unfinished track listing for his then-upcoming album Ye . The second song was slated to be "Extacy" and the third track was "Wouldn't Leave". Prior, "Extacy" featured vocals from singer Ty Dolla Sign. [7] After Ye was released without "Extacy", West posted a new track list on June 1, 2018, of his collaborative project with Kid Cudi titled Kids See Ghosts . "Extacy" was placed as the last, unnumbered track on the list. [8] Kids See Ghosts was also released without the track.

Composition

"XTCY" is a hip hop song built around vocals sampled from the 1974 electronic-soul song "My Bleeding Wound" by The New Year. [1] The lyrics, which are as erotic as they are explicit, that West shows in the track have also been shown by him in the songs "I'm In It" and "I Love It". [2] West reuses his "poop, scoop, whoop" ad-libs from "Lift Yourself". [1]

Promotion

On August 11, 2018, DJ Clark Kent tweeted a link to download the song from the file sharing website, WeTransfer. [9] West later retweeted Kent's tweet. [5]

Critical reception

Matt Miller of Esquire viewed the track as unpleasant and described the conclusion as being West explaining "that all this nasty shit he's describing are thoughts he's had while on Ecstasy." [10]

Artwork

The original artwork for "XTCY" is a photo from Kylie Jenner's 21st birthday party, taken at Craig's Restaurant in West Hollywood, California. The artwork features West's then wife, Kim Kardashian, and sisters-in-law Khloé Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner and Kourtney Kardashian. The artwork is in reference to the lyrics: "You got sick thoughts? I got more of 'em / You got a sister-in-law you'd smash? I got four of 'em". [5] Upset reactions were shown from fans of The Kardashians via Twitter to these lyrics. [11]

The official cover art for the song's release as a single, revealed on August 30, 2018, is a painting of the same photo by London-based artist Shadi Al-Atallah, who would also produce the cover art for West's preceding single "I Love It". [12]

Commercial performance

Following on from its release as a single, "XTCY" managed to reach number 32 on the New Zealand Hot Singles chart. [13]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal. [14]

Charts

Chart (2018)Peak
position
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ) [13] 32

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousAugust 30, 2018 Digital download [6] [15]

Notes

  1. "XTCY" was initially shared as a free song on August 11, 2018. It was released as an official single on August 30, 2018.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paranoid (Kanye West song)</span> 2009 single by Kanye West featuring Mr Hudson

"Paranoid" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his fourth studio album, 808s & Heartbreak (2008). The song features vocals from English musician Mr Hudson and background vocals from fellow American rapper Kid Cudi. West handled the production, with co-production from Jeff Bhasker and Plain Pat. The song was written by the producers alongside Kid Cudi and American rapper Consequence. It was serviced to top 40 radio stations in the United States on March 23, 2009, as the fourth and final single from the album. An upbeat new wave track, the song features electronic drum effects and pop synths. Its lyrical content is centered around West being pushed away by the mistrustful thinking of a woman that he is in love with.

"No Mistakes" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his eighth studio album, Ye (2018). The song features vocals from Kid Cudi, Charlie Wilson and Caroline Shaw. It was produced by West, while co-produced by Che Pope and Shaw, with additional production from Mike Dean and Eric Danchick. The producers of the song, with the exception of Danchick, wrote it alongside Cyhi the Prynce, Malik Yusef, Kenneth Pershon and Bump J. Songwriting credit was added for Slick Rick due to the song sampling his work and as it samples music by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, Edwin Hawkins was credited as a songwriter. The song contains samples of "Children Get Together", performed by the Edwin Hawkins Singers, as well as "Hey Young World", performed by Slick Rick.

"Father Stretch My Hands" are songs by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). They are split into two parts on the album: "Father Stretch My Hands, Pt. 1" and "Pt. 2". "Pt. 1" contains vocals by American rapper Kid Cudi and American R&B singer Kelly Price, while "Pt. 2" includes vocals from American rapper Desiigner and American musician Caroline Shaw. Prior to release, the latter was played by West for Desiigner when the two met.

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

Kids See Ghosts was an American hip hop superduo composed of rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Formed during West's 2018 Wyoming sessions, the duo's eponymous debut album was released in June of that year by Def Jam Recordings, along with their respective label imprints, GOOD Music and Wicked Awesome Records. Met with critical and commercial success, the album peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 and received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The duo disbanded in 2022 due to personal disagreements, although they reconciled the following year.

<i>Kids See Ghosts</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Kids See Ghosts

Kids See Ghosts is the only studio album by the American hip hop supergroup Kids See Ghosts, composed of the rappers and producers Kanye West and Kid Cudi. It was released on June 8, 2018, through GOOD Music and Wicked Awesome Records, and distributed by Def Jam Recordings. Prior to the release, West and Cudi had collaborated on each other's work since 2008, although they experienced personal quarrels due to creative differences. The first studio sessions for the album began after the two reunited in late 2016.

<i>Ye</i> (album) 2018 studio album by Kanye West

Ye is the eighth studio album by the American rapper Kanye West. It was released on June 1, 2018, through GOOD Music and distributed by Def Jam Recordings. Following controversy surrounding an interview with TMZ, West re-recorded all the work on the album, with him completing it over the course of just two weeks at West Lake Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Guest vocals from PartyNextDoor, Ty Dolla Sign, Kid Cudi, Charlie Wilson, Jeremih, and 070 Shake, among others, are included.

"Wouldn't Leave" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his eighth studio album, Ye (2018). The song includes vocals from PartyNextDoor, Ty Dolla Sign and Jeremih. It was produced by West and co-produced by Ty Dolla Sign, while additional production was handled by Mike Dean and Noah Goldstein. A minimalist track that includes gospel elements, the song contains a sample of "Baptizing Scene", performed by Reverend W.A. Donaldson. The former is a tribute to Kim Kardashian, including West addressing her reaction to his "slavery was a choice" statement. In May 2018, the song was revealed by West to be set for release on the album.

"Yikes" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his eighth studio album, Ye (2018). The song includes echoing voices and a chilling bass in its composition, and was produced by West, while co-produced by Mike Dean, with additional production from Pi'erre Bourne and Apex Martin. The song was written by its producers along with eight additional songwriters, which included Aubrey Graham, known professionally as Drake, and as it samples work by Black Savage, songwriting credits were added for James Mbarack Achieng and Ayub Ogada.

"All Mine" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his eighth studio album, Ye (2018). The song features vocals from American singers Ty Dolla Sign and Ant Clemons. The song's production relies on a simplistic drum-led style and was primarily handled by West, while it was co-produced by Mike Dean and additional production was handled by Francis and the Lights, and Scott Carter. West co-wrote the song alongside 13 others, with the information being revealed what lyrics co-writer Consequence was responsible for.

"4th Dimension" is a song by American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed of the rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi, from their eponymous debut studio album (2018). The song features a guest appearance from Louis Prima, who was credited as a featured artist due to his work being sampled. It was produced by West, with additional production from Mike Dean and Noah Goldstein. The producers co-wrote the song with Kid Cudi and Prima, with the latter of the two receiving credit as a result of it sampling music by him. A hip hop song, it samples Prima's "What Will Santa Claus Say " and Shirley Ann Lee's "Someday". Lyrically, the song features Kids See Ghosts presenting their thoughts to stop themselves from becoming worried.

"Kids See Ghosts" is a song by American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed of Kanye West and Kid Cudi, from their debut studio album of the same name (2018). The song features a guest appearance from Mos Def, who received credit under his real name of Yasiin Bey. It was produced by West, Kid Cudi, and Plain Pat, while additional production was handled by Andrew Dawson, Justin Vernon and Noah Goldstein. Apart from Plain Pat and Goldstein, the producers wrote the song alongside Bey. Making heavy use of synthesizers, the song draws inspiration from ambient music. Lyrically, the song reflects on the difficulties of fame and success.

"Cudi Montage" is a song by American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed of Kanye West and Kid Cudi, released as the final track on their eponymous debut studio album (2018). The song was produced by Kid Cudi and Dot da Genius, with co-production from Mike Dean. The song also features vocals from Mr Hudson. Dot da Genius recorded with Kids See Ghosts in 2018, and he recalled West as unifying him and Kid Cudi's musical interests. An electro-gospel track with rock influences, the song samples Kurt Cobain's unreleased track "Burn the Rain". In the lyrics of the song, Kids See Ghosts pledge to not repeat past mistakes.

"Freeee " is a song by American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed of the rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi, from their eponymous debut album (2018). The song features a guest appearance from American musician Ty Dolla Sign. It is the sequel to West's song "Ghost Town" from his eighth studio album, Ye (2018). The former was produced by West and Kid Cudi, with co-production from Mike Dean, Jeff Bhasker, and BoogzDaBeast, while additional production was handled by Andrew Dawson, Andy C, and Russell "Love" Crews. Apart from BoogzDaBeast, the lead and co-producers wrote the song alongside Ty Dolla Sign and Corin Littler, who has the stage name of Mr. Chop and received songwriting credit due to his work being sampled.

"Feel the Love" is a song by the American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed by the rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi, and released as the opening track on their first studio album Kids See Ghosts (2018). The song includes a feature from GOOD Music president Pusha T. It was produced by West and co-produced by Mike Dean and Benny Blanco, with additional production by Plain Pat, Evan Mast, Justin Vernon, Francis and the Lights, Cashmere Cat and Noah Goldstein. Recording of the song was finished less than 10 hours before the album's release, with Pusha T's vocals being recorded during this time period. An industrial song, it features drums and synthesizers. It includes West scat singing in a manner that was compared to his performance on "Lift Yourself", while Pusha T raps the only verse and Kid Cudi sings a chorus about love.

"Fire" is a song by American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed of the rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi, from their only studio album (2018). West, Kid Cudi, BoogzDaBeast, and André 3000 produced the song, while additional production was handled by Evan Mast. Written by the producers with the exception of BoogzDaBeast, it is a rock-influenced track that includes a sample of Napoleon XIV's "They're Coming to Take Me Away, Ha-Haaa!". In the lyrics, Kids See Ghosts refuse to let haunting demons define them.

"Reborn" is a song by American hip hop duo Kids See Ghosts, composed of the rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi, from their eponymous debut studio album (2018). The song was produced by the latter of the two members and Dot da Genius, while co-produced by Plain Pat and Evan Mast, with additional production from Benny Blanco. The lead producers wrote it alongside West and Mast. Prior to release, Kid Cudi had posted about being reborn. Dot da Genius recorded with the duo in 2018; he recalled West as unifying him and Cudi's musical interests.

<i>K.T.S.E.</i> 2018 studio album by Teyana Taylor

K.T.S.E. is the second studio album by American recording artist Teyana Taylor, released on June 22, 2018, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings.

"Ghost Town" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his eighth studio album, Ye (2018). The song features vocals from PartyNextDoor, Kid Cudi, and 070 Shake. It was produced by West, co-produced by Mike Dean, and features additional production from Francis and the Lights, Benny Blanco, and Noah Goldstein. The song is a hip-hop track that features psychedelic elements. It is composed around a sample of "Take Me for a Little While", performed by the Royal Jesters, and also includes a sample of "Someday", performed by Shirley Ann Lee.

"New Body" is an unreleased song by American hip hop superduo ¥$, composed of Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign. Originally recorded in 2018, it first contained a guest appearance by rapper and singer Nicki Minaj. Lyrically, the song debunks body shaming and the stigma surrounding plastic surgery; portions of West's lyrics are unintelligible. It was originally slated for inclusion on West's album Yandhi in late 2018, which was never released. It was then reworked with Christian-themed lyrics for West's ninth studio album Jesus Is King (2019); this version omitted Minaj in favor of Ty Dolla Sign, and was later previewed at listening parties and subsequently leaked. The song was also excluded from Jesus Is King due to creative differences with West and Minaj. In June 2020, the latter expressed interest in releasing the song after it became viral on TikTok.

"Moon" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his tenth studio album, Donda (2021). The song includes vocals from fellow rappers Don Toliver and Kid Cudi. The production was handled by West and E.Vax, with co-production from BoogzDaBeast and DJ Khalil. Alongside the vocalists, all the producers wrote the song. It initially only had an appearance from Toliver, however Kid Cudi was included after the album's first listening event in July 2021. Lil Yachty sought the rapper's appearance by reaching out to Vory, who arranged it through contact with West. The song had been crafted by West before Toliver worked on it in 2021, differing largely from the initial recording on the final version. A tender ballad, it features riffs of electric guitar and lyrics from Kid Cudi about reflecting to better himself.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Kanye West – "XTCY"". Spin . August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  2. 1 2 "Kanye West is too horny for his own good". The Outline . September 10, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  3. "Hear Kanye West's latest song "XTCY"". The Fader. August 30, 2018. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  4. "Kanye West References Kim Kardashian's Siblings in New Song: 'Got a Sister-in-law You Would Smash? I Got 4 of Them'". People.com.
  5. 1 2 3 "Kanye West Says He Would Smash Kim Kardashian's 4 Sisters in New Song XTCY". E! News . August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  6. 1 2 "XTCY - Single by Kanye West". iTunes Store.
  7. Alex Young (15 May 2018). "Kanye West reveals tracklist for Kids See Ghosts collaborative album with Kid Cudi". Consequence of Sound . Retrieved 31 August 2018.
  8. Salvatore Maicki (1 June 2018). "Kanye West shares tracklist for joint album with Kid Cudi, Kids See Ghosts". The Fader . Retrieved 31 August 2018.
  9. "DJ CLARK KENT on Twitter". Twitter . August 11, 2018. Retrieved August 12, 2018.
  10. "Kanye West's New Song 'XTCY' Is Objectively Unpleasant". Esquire . August 30, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  11. "Kanye West's song XTCY has upset Kardashian fans". Yahoo Lifestyle . August 11, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  12. "Hear Kanye West's latest song "XTCY"". The FADER . August 30, 2018. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  13. 1 2 "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. September 10, 2018. Retrieved September 7, 2018.
  14. "Kanye West – XTCY - Tidal". listen.tidal.com. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  15. "XTCY - Single by Kanye West". iTunes Store.