Zoo York (song)

Last updated
"Zoo York"
Song by Lil Tjay featuring Fivio Foreign and Pop Smoke
from the EP State of Emergency
ReleasedMay 8, 2020
Genre Brooklyn drill
Length3:34
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Non Native
  • Bordeaux
Music video
"Zoo York" on YouTube

"Zoo York" is a song by American rapper Lil Tjay, released on May 8, 2020 from his third EP State of Emergency . It features American rappers Fivio Foreign and Pop Smoke, and was produced by Non Native and Bordeaux.

Contents

Composition

"Zoo York" is a drill song that finds the three rappers detailing the features of New York City, where they all come from. [1] Lil Tjay performs in his signature melodic sound, while the beat is influenced by the UK drill style. [2]

Critical reception

Reviewing State of Emergency for NME , Kyann-Sian Williams wrote "you might expect their collaboration 'Zoo York' to be the standout track here. True, Tjay's hook is as catchy as ever, but the song – like the EP as a whole – comes off as a transparent attempt to jump on the current hype around New York drill. The UK drill-inspired instrumental is impactful and menacing but seems at odds with Tjay's sweet auto-tune. Smoke's verse sounds worked in over an instrumental; it's tough to listen to because he'd clearly have slain the track if he'd been around to master it." [3] Aaron Williams of Uproxx praised Lil Tjay's performance, stating he "proves equally adept at the more rambunctious approach, demonstrating his versatility as a rapper and justifying his growing hype alongside some of the city's other burgeoning superstars like Foreign, Smoke, and Jay Critch." [2]

Music video

The music video was directed by JL Shot That and released alongside the song. It sees the rappers and their crews dancing and partying in crowds in different locations of New York City, [1] [2] [4] including the streets [4] and highway, with police appearing on the streets as well. [1] The celebrations feature moshing [2] and the use of flamethrowers. [2] [4] Some attendees wear face masks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [2] The clip contains footage of Pop Smoke performing in places such as onstage, in the studio and in clubs, [1] as well as appearing on the street alongside rapper Calboy, [2] and that of people wearing Meet the Woo merchandise. [4]

Charts

Chart performance for "Zoo York"
Chart (2020)Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Hot 100) [5] 38
Ireland (IRMA) [6] 91
UK Singles (OCC) [7] 65
US Billboard Hot 100 [8] 65
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [9] 28

Certifications

Certifications for "Zoo York"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada) [10] Platinum80,000‡
United States (RIAA) [11] Platinum1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Powell, Jon (May 13, 2020). "Lil Tjay delivers new visual for "Zoo York" featuring Fivio Foreign and Pop Smoke". Revolt . Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Williams, Aaron (May 11, 2020). "Lil Tjay's Moody 'Zoo York' Video With Fivio Foreign And Pop Smoke Sets The Street On Fire". Uproxx . Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  3. ↑ Williams, Kyann-Sian (May 7, 2020). "Lil Tjay – 'State Of Emergency' EP review: trap'n'b star makes cynical grab for New York drill hype". NME . Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 4 Caraan, Sophie (May 12, 2020). "Lil Tjay and Fivio Foreign Show Love to New York and Pop Smoke in "Zoo York" Music Video". Hypebeast . Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  5. ↑ "Lil Tjay Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  6. ↑ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Lil Tjay". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  7. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  8. ↑ "Lil Tjay Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  9. ↑ "Lil Tjay Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2024.
  10. ↑ "Canadian single certifications – Lil Tjay – Zoo York". Music Canada . Retrieved April 13, 2024.
  11. ↑ "American single certifications – Lil Tjay – Zoo York". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved April 13, 2024.
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