I'm in It

Last updated
"I'm In It"
Song by Kanye West
from the album Yeezus
ReleasedJune 18, 2013
Recorded2013
Genre
Length3:54
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)

"I'm In It" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, from his sixth studio album, Yeezus (2013). It was produced by West, Evian Christ, Dom Solo, Noah Goldstein, Arca and Mike Dean. The song features vocals from Justin Vernon and Assassin and a sample of "Lately" by Kenny Lattimore. In the song, West describes numerous sexual fantasies using very sexually explicit lyrics. The song has received mixed reviews from music critics, with its explicit lyrics receiving the most criticism. Despite charting in the United States in 2013, the song is one of the worst performing songs on Yeezus.

Contents

Background

Within the same week of the album's release, a remix of the song was released by DMNDZ. [1] The song was part of West's setlist during the first concert of The Yeezus Tour, performing at the Barclays Center in New York City. [2]

Composition

The song contains very sexually explicit lyrics, in which West describes a sexual night with his wife Kim Kardashian and reflects on living a life of constant sexual arousal. [3] He discusses wanting sweet and sour sauce when he's with an Asian woman, putting his fist in a black woman "like a civil rights sign," and referencing Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech "thank God almighty, we are free at last" speech while referring to unclothing a pair of breasts. [3]

The track includes a chopped and screwed sample of "Lately" by Kenny Lattimore. [4] Anthony Kilhoffer revealed that during the recording sessions for Yeezus, the song started out with a different sample and melody. [5] After West removed the sample, producer Rick Rubin edited the track down from a six-minute arrangement. [6] The song includes additional vocals from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Jamaican DJ Assassin. [7] The type of lyrical absurdity shown by West in "I'm In It" was later displayed by him in the 2018 singles "XTCY" and "I Love It" (with Lil Pump). [3]

Release and reception

"I'm In It" was released on June 18, 2013, as the sixth track on West's sixth studio album Yeezus . [8] Since release, the song has received generally mixed reviews from critics, with much criticism regarding its sexually explicit lyrics. [9] Billboard described "I'm In It" as where West "mangles his voice and flips to beast mode". [10] Jon Dolan of Rolling Stone wrote that the song "sounds something like the soundtrack to a snuff film for Cylons," and commented upon the "civil rights sign" lyrics, in which West is described as sounding at once "righteous and evil." [11] Ryan Dombal of Pitchfork described the song as a "XXX creeper" and sounds like "a dancehall orgasm mired in quicksand," effectively making his similar songs, such as "Slow Jamz", come off like a Disney theme song. [12] Ian Kan of Heavy.com found the track one of the weakest on the album, writing "There are some moments when the song feels like it'll pick up, but it doesn't really get there." [13] Sputnikmusic called the track "sexually charged and completely insane" and called its lyrics "completely ridiculous." [14] Of the criticism, West said in a 2013 interview with Jimmy Kimmel: "I'm totally inappropriate sometimes". [15] However, Lou Reed, formerly of the Velvet Underground, described it as West "just having fun" and criticized the negative reaction to its lyrics. [16]

Commercial performance

Upon the release of the album, the track made its debut at number 17 on the US Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100. [17] It also charted at number 43 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in the same week. [18] It also peaked at number 27 on the US Billboard On-Demand Songs chart the week of July 6, 2013. [19]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes. [20]

Charts

Chart (2013)Peak
position
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles ( Billboard ) [21] 17
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [22] 43
US On-Demand Songs ( Billboard ) [19] 27

Notes

  1. 1 2 Credited as co-producer
  2. 1 2 3 Credited as additional producer

Related Research Articles

"Gorgeous" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The track features a hook provided by Kid Cudi, a recording artist formerly signed to West's label GOOD Music, and a rap verse provided by the Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon. The song was written by West, Cudi, Raekwon, No I.D., Mike Dean and Rhymefest, and was produced by West, No I.D. and Dean. It contains elements of Enoch Light and the Glittering Guitars' cover version of The Turtles' song "You Showed Me". "Gorgeous" received mostly positive reviews from music critics, who generally praised the intricacy of the production, the quality of the guest features and the rock music inspired aesthetic of the song. Several critics cited West's verses as a highlight of the track, complimenting his lyricism and delivery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Why I Love You (Jay-Z and Kanye West song)</span> 2011 single by Kanye West and Jay-Z featuring Mr. Hudson

"Why I Love You" is a song by American hip hop artists Kanye West and Jay-Z, from their first collaborative album Watch the Throne (2011). The song features pop musician Mr. Hudson who is signed to West's GOOD Music label. "Why I Love You" heavily samples French house duo Cassius' 2010 single "I <3 U So", which itself is based upon a sample from the original 1971 version of "I Feel a Song " by Sandra Richardson. The song almost entirely features Jay-Z rapping and only contains a few lines provided by West. Lyrically, the song is about the people who have stood in the way of Jay-Z throughout the year and expresses themes of victory and anger. The song received generally positive reviews from music critics, who normally praised the production.

"No Church in the Wild" is a song by American rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West featuring American singers Frank Ocean and The-Dream, from the former two's first collaborative album Watch the Throne (2011). Opening the album, the song explores themes of religion and decadence. The track received highly positive reviews from music critics, who praised Ocean's vocal hooks, the depth of the verses, the cinematic production and the song's power as an opening track.

"Hell of a Life" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The song was produced by West, Mike Caren, Ernest Wilson and Mike Dean. The song features a number of samples and contains backing vocals by Teyana Taylor, signed to West's G.O.O.D. Music label. The song features a production style with influence from rock and heavy metal music, and is notably bombastic and aggressive in nature. The song expresses a narrative about West marrying a pornographic film actress and the traumatic events that follow. It employs highly sexual, nightmarish imagery, and was inspired by West's relationship with model Amber Rose among other real-life events.

<i>Yeezus</i> 2013 studio album by Kanye West

Yeezus is the sixth studio album by American rapper and producer Kanye West. It was released on June 18, 2013, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. West gathered a number of artists and close collaborators for the production, including Mike Dean, Daft Punk, Noah Goldstein, Arca, Hudson Mohawke, and Travis Scott. The album also features guest vocals from Justin Vernon, Chief Keef, Kid Cudi, Assassin, King L, Charlie Wilson, and Frank Ocean.

"Highlights" is a song by American hip-hop artist Kanye West, from his seventh studio album, The Life of Pablo (2016). The song features vocals from Young Thug and The-Dream. One day before the album was released, West performed the song on Saturday Night Live with Young Thug, El DeBarge, Kelly Price and The-Dream. Within the track, West takes a shot at Ray J. The song was met with mixed reviews from music critics. It was revealed in July 2016 that West had a shot a music video, but it was never released.

"New Slaves" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). It was produced primarily by West, with additional production by Ben Bronfman, Mike Dean, Travis Scott, Noah Goldstein, Sham Joseph, and Che Pope. The song's lyrics discuss slavery and segregation, as well as racism in general, materialism, and stereotypes of African Americans in the United States. It features vocals from American recording artist Frank Ocean, whom West previously collaborated with on Watch the Throne (2011). The song's coda features a sample of "Gyöngyhajú lány" by Hungarian composer Gábor Presser, who later sued West in 2016 over its use.

"Hold My Liquor" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). It was primarily produced by West and longtime collaborator Mike Dean, who also provides a guitar solo, with additional production from Arca and Noah Goldstein. It features vocals from rapper Chief Keef and singer-songwriter Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. It is a house ballad that is built upon a pulsating synth beat with metallic stabs. In the song, West stumbles into an ex-girlfriend's home for reckless sex, with lyrics that contain references to substance abuse and issues with relationships and self-image.

"On Sight" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his sixth studio album, Yeezus (2013). It was produced by West and Daft Punk, with additional production by Benji B and Mike Dean. The song includes an electronic sound that was mainly contributed by Daft Punk, who were the first people West became involved with for the album. The song itself was first heard when performed live by West at the Governors Ball Music Festival in 2013.

"Bound 2" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, featured as the final track from his sixth studio album, Yeezus (2013). It was produced by West and Che Pope, with additional production being handled by Eric Danchick, Noah Goldstein, No ID and Mike Dean. The song features vocals from American soul singer Charlie Wilson and serves as the album's second single. "Bound 2" incorporates samples from "Bound" by Ponderosa Twins Plus One and the lines "Uh-huh, honey" and "Alright" from Brenda Lee's "Sweet Nothin's". The song also interpolates Wee's "Aeroplane (Reprise)" for the bridge, sung by Charlie Wilson.

"Black Skinhead" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). It was produced by West and Daft Punk. The song's lyrics center on racial tensions and the crumbling mental state of the character West portrays on the album. The song premiered on Saturday Night Live in May 2013, with West performing it in front of a projected backdrop. He has since performed the song live on various occasions, including at the Glastonbury Festival and the Billboard Music Awards in 2015. It was universally praised by music critics and ranked by numerous sites, including Rolling Stone and NME, as one of the best tracks of 2013. The song's accompanying music video was directed by Nick Knight and features computer-generated imagery of West, with interactive options including "screen grabbing" and adjusting the speed of his vocals. The video was released in July 2013 and has received positive reviews from critics.

"Blood on the Leaves" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). In the song West presents his thoughts on how fame can cause the destruction of relationships, while making comparisons of contemporary times to the lynching of African Americans in the United States during the pre-civil rights era. West delivers his vocals through an Auto-Tune processor, like on his 2008 album 808s & Heartbreak. It contains samples of both singer Nina Simone's 1965 rendition of Billie Holiday's song "Strange Fruit", and "R U Ready" by the duo TNGHT, who co-produced the track.

"I Am a God" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). The song credits God as a featured performer. It was produced by West, Hudson Mohawke, Daft Punk. and Mike Dean, and includes vocals from Justin Vernon of Bon Iver. The song contains samples of "Forward Inna Dem Clothes", written by Capleton and H. Hart, and performed by the latter, and "Are Zindagi Hai Khel" by Manna Dey, R. D. Burman and Asha Bhosle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All Day (Kanye West song)</span> Kanye West song

"All Day" is a song by American rapper Kanye West. It features Trini-American rapper Theophilus London, Canadian rapper Allan Kingdom, and English musician Paul McCartney. The song was produced by West and ten others. Having initially leaked in August 2014 after being announced for release as a single by West, he premiered the song on March 2, 2015 via Power 106 and Hot 97. The following day, it was released for digital download and streaming as a standalone single, through GOOD Music and Def Jam. The song contains a re-recorded sample of "When the Wind is Blowing" by Paul McCartney and Wings and an interpolation from "Dance with Me" by Jamaican singer Noel Ellis. It includes elements of industrial and drill music, alongside synthesizers. The lyrics center around West boasting about being successful and winning in life, with West comparing certain lyrics to the work of Jay-Z.

"Wolves" is a song by American rapper Kanye West, featuring vocals from Sia and Vic Mensa, from his seventh studio album The Life of Pablo (2016). It was produced by West, Cashmere Cat, and Sinjin Hawke and was originally planned to be the opening track to The Life of Pablo. West debuted the song on February 12, 2015, at a fashion show where he also premiered his new Adidas shoe. The presentation was broadcast live to more than 40 locations around the world.

"Send It Up" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). It was produced by West, Daft Punk, Gesaffelstein, Brodinski, Arca and Mike Dean. Like other songs on the album, it features an industrial hip hop sound, with elements of electronic music. The song features vocals from American rapper King Louie, who improvised his contributions. It contains a sample of "Memories" by Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer Beenie Man. Eight days before its release on the album, West performed the song live at the Governors Ball Music Festival, along with four other tracks from Yeezus.

"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.

"FML" is a song by American rapper Kanye West from his seventh studio album The Life of Pablo (2016), which features vocals from Canadian singer The Weeknd. It contains a sample of "Hit" by Section 25, which two of the band members praised West for sampling. In the song, West references his issues with mental health. The song charted in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada in 2016.

"Guilt Trip" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, from his sixth studio album Yeezus (2013). It was produced by West, Mike Dean, S1, with an additional production credit for Travis Scott and Ackeejuice Rockers for the samples of "Chief Rocka" by Lords of the Underground and "Blocka" by Pusha T featuring Popcaan and Travis Scott. The song's lyrics deal with looking back at a failed relationship, similar to fellow Yeezus track "Blood on the Leaves". West provides his vocals through rapping and singing through an Auto-Tune processor, reminiscent of his 2008 album 808s & Heartbreak. The song includes vocals from rapper Kid Cudi, who later expressed negative opinions about his feature due to his vocals being recorded years prior.

Noah Goldstein is an American record producer, composer, engineer, and mixer, and also works in A&R. He won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album for his work on Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and has been nominated for six others.

References

  1. ↑ Khal (June 16, 2013). "The "Yeezus" Remixes Are Here". Complex . Archived from the original on April 15, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  2. ↑ Farber, Jim (November 20, 2013). "Concert review: Kanye West startles, appalls during 'Yeezus' show at Barclays". New York Daily News . Archived from the original on November 2, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 Gordon, Jeremy (September 10, 2018). "Kanye West is too horny for his own good". The Outline . Archived from the original on December 16, 2018. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  4. ↑ Green, Alexander (May 13, 2016). "How Kanye West Made the Most Polarizing Album of His Career". Medium . Archived from the original on March 29, 2019. Retrieved January 12, 2019.
  5. ↑ Dombal, Ryan (June 24, 2013). "The Yeezus Sessions". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  6. ↑ Dombal, Ryan (June 24, 2013). "The Yeezus Sessions". Pitchfork . Pitchfork Media Inc. Archived from the original on June 26, 2013. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  7. ↑ "Kanye West's "Yeezus" Reviewed: "I'm In It"". Popdust. June 17, 2013. Archived from the original on June 23, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  8. ↑ Jeffries, David. "Yeezus – Kanye West". AllMusic. Archived from the original on June 21, 2013. Retrieved June 19, 2013.
  9. ↑ Brounstein, Sam (June 18, 2013). "Kanye West 'Yeezus' Review: Song 'I'm In It' Unsurprisingly Vulgar (Video)". Mic . Archived from the original on May 15, 2016. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  10. ↑ "Kanye West, 'Yeezus': Track-by-Track review". Billboard . June 14, 2013. Archived from the original on June 24, 2018. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  11. ↑ Dolan, Jon (June 14, 2013). "Kanye West, 'Yeezus'". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  12. ↑ Ryan, Dombal (June 18, 2013). "Kanye West: Yeezus Album Review". Pitchfork . Archived from the original on September 20, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
  13. ↑ Kar, Ian (June 14, 2013). "Kanye West 'Yeezus' Track-by-Track Review: The Only Review You Need to Read". Heavy.com . Retrieved June 19, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Kanye West – Yeezus (album review)". Sputnikmusic. October 7, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2019.
  15. ↑ Duboff, Josh (October 10, 2013). "Kanye on Kimmel: "I'm totally weird and I'm totally honest". Vanity Fair . Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  16. ↑ Reed, Lou (July 3, 2013). "Lou Reed on Kanye West's Yeezus: 'It brings tears to my eyes'". The Guardian . Archived from the original on August 2, 2013. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Kanye West I'm In It Chart History". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 9, 2018. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  18. ↑ "Top Hip-Hop Songs / R&B Songs Chart – July 6, 2013". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 10, 2018. Retrieved December 8, 2018.
  19. 1 2 "Kanye West Chart History (On-Demand Songs)". Billboard . Archived from the original on February 14, 2019. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
  20. ↑ Yeezus (PDF) (Media notes). Kanye West. Def Jam Recordings. 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 3, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2013.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Kanye West Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 23, 2018.
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.