Tamagotchi (Omar Apollo song)

Last updated

"Tamagotchi"
Tamagotchi (single cover).jpg
Single by Omar Apollo
from the album Ivory
Language
  • Spanish
  • English
ReleasedMarch 23, 2022
Recorded2021
Genre
Length2:48
Label Warner
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) The Neptunes
Omar Apollo singles chronology
"Killing Me"
(2022)		"Tamagotchi"
(2022)		"Highlight"
(2022)
Music video
"Tamagotchi" on YouTube

"Tamagotchi" is a song by American singer Omar Apollo from his debut studio album Ivory (2022). It was released as the album's fifth single on March 23, 2022. The song was written by Apollo, Maye, and Najai Washington and produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo of The Neptunes. It is named after the Japanese toy of the same name.

Contents

Background

In April 2021, Apollo tweeted that he finished creating songs with Pharrell Williams. [1] One of the tracks the two collaborated on was "Tamagotchi", which was announced on March 23, 2022. [2]

Composition

"Tamagotchi" was written by Omar Apollo, Maria Alejandra Osorio, and Najai Washington. The song is a "bass-heavy" Latin-infused trap and R&B song with Spanish guitars and a plucked Samba cadence. [3] [4] [5] It features Apollo rapping and singing in Spanish during the verses and in English during the hook and bridge. [6] Towards the end of the track, Apollo utilizes pitch shifted vocals to distort his voice. [5] [7] With production by The Neptunes, Williams' signature four-beat producer tag can be heard at the beginning of the track. [8]

Lyrically, Apollo sings about material wealth and "living the fast life, yet constantly craving physical connection from that special somebody." [9] [10] The song is noted for having "tongue in-cheek" and forward lyrics about sexuality and queerness, with Apollo bragging about boys and girls lusting over him. [3] [10] [11] [12]

The song features a sample of "I Wanna Rock" by Uncle Luke during its bridge section. [13]

Critical reception

"Tamagotchi" received generally positive reviews by music critics. Sophie Williams of NME praised the production of the song saying that its "bouncy melody is bolstered by pitch-shifted vocals and vivid Pharrell-assisted production." [7] Tomás Mier of Rolling Stone commented on the production and lyrics of the song saying, "With its bouncy Neptunes beat, flirty, bilingual lyrics, and effortlessly catchy chorus, “Tamagotchi” is a perfect example of the qualities that have made Apollo, one of the most exciting artists of his generation." [11] Writers at Billboard placed the song at number 41 on its list of Best Songs of 2022 and claimed that the song's stylistic leap helped earn Apollo his Grammy nomination. [10] Writers at GQ called the song a "catchy" single. [14] Cora Jordan of Clash commended the song's ability to show Apollo's versatility calling it "punchy and jam-packed" and stating that it "clearly shows his range in sound, stepping away from the slow and sultry tone that reflects much of the album and blending into an upbeat, hard-hitting flow." [8] Larisha Paul of The Fader also applauded Apollo's departure from his signature sound, stating he “abandons his signature sleek indie pop” and instead “paints an airy, harmony-filled wonderland as captivating as any dreamy pop performance that preceded it." [15] Jessica McKinney of Complex called the track a "smooth single" and an "upbeat banger". [9]

Year-end lists

Year-end list rankings for "Tamagotchi"
PublicationAccoladeRankRef.
Billboard The 100 Best Songs of 2022: Staff List31 [10]
Esquire 45 Best Songs of 20225 [16]
NPR The 100 Best Songs of 202221 [17]
The Fader The 100 best songs of 202213 [15]

Music video

The music video for "Tamagotchi" was directed by Jake Nava and released on April 8, 2022, the same day as the release of Ivory. [18]

Accolades

Award nominations for "Tamagotchi"
YearCeremonyAwardResultRef.
2022 MTV Video Music Awards Push Performance of the YearNominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Neptunes</span> American record production duo

The Neptunes are an American songwriting and production duo composed of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, formed in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1992. Williams often provides additional vocals on records and appears in the duo's music videos, while Hugo tends to stay behind the scenes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pharrell Williams</span> American musician (born 1973)

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams, often known mononymously as Pharrell, is an American record producer, singer, songwriter, rapper, and fashion designer. He first became known as one half of the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes, which he formed in 1992 with Chad Hugo. They produced 15 singles which peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, including four songs that peaked atop the chart. He also formed the alternative band N.E.R.D. with Hugo and drummer Shay Haley in 1999, for which Williams serves as lead vocalist. He has been considered one of the most influential music producers of the 21st century for his impact on popular music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chad Hugo</span> American record producer

Charles Edward Hugo is an American record producer. Alongside close colleague Pharrell Williams, he formed the hip hop and R&B production duo the Neptunes in 1992, with whom he's produced numerous hit records for various artists. He is also a member of the band N.E.R.D., alongside Williams and Shay Haley, and co-founded the record label Star Trak Entertainment with Williams in 2001. In contrast to Williams, Hugo typically does not perform on records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boys (Britney Spears song)</span> 2002 single by Britney Spears

"Boys" is a song by American singer Britney Spears from her self-titled third studio album (2001). It was written and produced by Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams. A version of the song titled "The Co-Ed Remix" and featuring guest vocals from Williams was released as the fifth single from Britney on June 24, 2002. The new version also served as the second single from the soundtrack of Austin Powers in Goldmember. "Boys" is a R&B and hip hop song, including funk influences. The remix carries a slower tempo than the album version, and both versions were noted by critics to be reminiscent of music by American artist Janet Jackson. Some critics praised Spears and Williams' chemistry, as well as the production on the track, while others did not think the song worked well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">U Don't Have to Call</span> 2002 single by Usher

"U Don't Have to Call" is a song by American singer Usher. It was written by Pharrell Williams and produced by Williams and Chad Hugo under their production moniker The Neptunes for Usher's third studio album, 8701 (2001). The song was released as the third US single from the album and the fifth international single. In the US, it was first serviced to radio on January 18, 2002, and it was issued as a commercial single in Europe and Australia later that year.

<i>Clones</i> (album) 2003 compilation album by The Neptunes

The Neptunes Present... Clones is a compilation album produced and released by American production and songwriting duo The Neptunes. It was released on August 19, 2003 and has been certified Gold by the RIAA. The album featured six singles; "Frontin'" by Pharrell Williams, "Popular Thug" by Kelis, "Light Your Ass on Fire" by Busta Rhymes, “Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Fam-Lay, "Hot Damn" by Clipse and "It Blows My Mind" by Snoop Dogg.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let's Get Blown</span> 2004 single by Snoop Dogg

"Let's Get Blown" is a song by American rapper Snoop Dogg featuring musician Pharrell Williams. It was released on December 13, 2004, as the second single released from the former's seventh studio album R&G : The Masterpiece (2004). It was produced by The Neptunes and features additional vocals from American singer Keyshia Cole.

<i>In Search of...</i> (N.E.R.D. album) 2001 American studio album

In Search of... is the debut studio album by American funk rock band N.E.R.D. The group originally released the album on August 6, 2001 in Europe, where Kelis' Wanderland—produced by The Neptunes, consisting of N.E.R.D members Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo—was better received. Similarly to Kelis' early work, the original version of In Search of... juxtaposes hip hop and rock influences and styles. The album is named after the TV series In Search of..., hosted by Leonard Nimoy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Frontin'</span> 2003 single by Pharrell Williams featuring Jay-Z

"Frontin'" is the debut single by American singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams featuring fellow American rapper Jay-Z. It was written by the artists alongside Chad Hugo, who produced it with Williams as the Neptunes. At the time of its release, Williams insisted the single was a one-off, and that he was purely a producer and not an artist in his own right. However, he released his own solo studio album, In My Mind, in 2006.

<i>Blackstreet</i> (album) 1994 studio album by Blackstreet

Blackstreet is the debut studio album from American R&B group Blackstreet, released in 1994 on Interscope Records. The group was formed by Riley with Chauncey Hannibal after the dissolution of Teddy Riley's former group Guy. The other members of Blackstreet - Joseph Stonestreet and Levi Little - were session singers alongside Hannibal on Bobby Brown's third album Bobby, an album that was mostly produced by Riley. They recorded one song for the soundtrack of the Chris Rock film CB4 called "Baby Be Mine". Before they could record an album, Stonestreet left the group and was replaced by former Force One Network singer Dave Hollister. When they re-recorded "Baby Be Mine" for their self-titled debut, Hollister's vocals were added on the album version of the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beautiful (Snoop Dogg song)</span> 2003 single by Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell Williams and Uncle Charlie Wilson

"Beautiful" is a hip hop song by American rapper Snoop Dogg featuring vocals from American singers Pharrell Williams and Uncle Charlie Wilson. It was released on January 27, 2003, as the second single from the former's sixth studio album. The song was written by Snoop Dogg alongside producers The Neptunes. The music video was filmed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nothin' (song)</span> 2002 single by N.O.R.E.

"Nothin'" is the lead single from American rapper N.O.R.E.'s third studio album, God's Favorite (2002). The song was produced by the Neptunes and features Neptunes member Pharrell Williams performing the song's hook. "Nothin'" reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing his 1998 hit "Superthug" as his biggest solo hit. At the end of 2002, "Nothin'" was ranked No. 37 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 2002.

Derrick Braxton is an American record producer and composer, best known for working with artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Cassidy, Amerie, Rich Harrison and Raekwon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">So Many Pros</span> 2015 single by Snoop Dogg

"So Many Pros" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg, featuring uncredited vocals by Charlie Wilson, The Neptunes and Rhea Dummett. It was released on April 14, 2015 as the second single from his thirteenth studio album Bush, through the record labels I Am Other and Columbia Records. The song was produced by The Neptunes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omar Apollo</span> American musician (born 1997)

Omar Apolonio Velasco, known professionally as Omar Apollo, is an American singer and songwriter. After signing a record deal with Warner Records, his debut album, Ivory, was released in 2022 to positive reviews and earned him a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Artist at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Apollo sings in both English and Spanish.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trenches (Monica and Lil Baby song)</span> 2020 single by Monica featuring Lil Baby

"Trenches" is a song by American singer Monica featuring rapper Lil Baby. It was written by both musicians along with Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams from The Neptunes for Monica's upcoming same-titled ninth studio album, while production was helmed by the latter two. The song was released as the album's first single on August 31, 2020, coinciding with Monica and Brandy's appearances on the webcast battle series Verzuz. "Trenches" peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Digital Song Sales and entered the top 20 on both the Adult R&B Songs and the Hot R&B Songs.

<i>I Know Nigo!</i> 2022 studio album by Nigo

I Know Nigo! is the second studio album by Japanese fashion designer and record producer Nigo. It was released through Republic Records and Victor Victor Worldwide on March 25, 2022. The album contains guest appearances from ASAP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator, Pusha T, Clipse, Pharrell Williams, Gunna, Kid Cudi, Teriyaki Boyz, ASAP Ferg, the late Pop Smoke, and Lil Uzi Vert. Production was handled by Nigo himself, ASAP Rocky, Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell Williams, Hector Delgado, Carter Lang, Westen Weiss, Kanye West, BoogzDaBeast, Luca, Starz, ThaMyind, Hozay Beats, Reddoe Beats, Cubeatz, Brandon Finessin, and Axl. A hip hop album, I Know Nigo! serves as Nigo's first studio release in more than twenty-one years.

<i>Ivory</i> (Omar Apollo album) 2022 studio album by Omar Apollo

Ivory is the debut studio album by American singer Omar Apollo, released on April 8, 2022, by Warner Records. The album was promoted by five singles: "Go Away", "Bad Life", "Invincible", "Killing Me" and "Tamagotchi". The album's deluxe edition, titled Ivory (Marfil), featuring five additional tracks including the singles "Archetype" and "Highlight", was released on August 12, 2022. On October 4, 2022, "Evergreen" was released as the overall album's eighth single and Apollo's first radio single.

"Killing Me" is a song by American singer Omar Apollo from his debut studio album Ivory (2022). It was released as the album's fourth single on March 11, 2022.

"Invincible" is a song by American singer Omar Apollo, featuring Daniel Caesar, from his debut studio album Ivory (2022). It was released through Warner Records as the album's third single on February 9, 2022.

References

  1. ↑ Apollo, Omar [@omarapollo] (April 13, 2021). "me and pharrell just made like 5 songs" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2023– via Twitter.
  2. ↑ Apollo, Omar [@omarapollo] (March 21, 2022). "TAMAGOTCHI Prod by. @Pharrell & @ChadHugo" (Tweet). Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. Retrieved January 26, 2023– via Twitter.
  3. 1 2 Cook, Cameron (April 18, 2022). "Omar Apollo : Ivory". Pitchfork . Retrieved January 29, 2023.
  4. ↑ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (March 23, 2022). "Listen to Omar Apollo's New Song "Tamagotchi" Produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo". Complex . Retrieved January 29, 2023.
  5. 1 2 Grace, Alisdair (April 6, 2022). "Omar Apollo - Ivory". DIY. Retrieved January 29, 2023. Tamagotchi' is an on-the-nose, steeze-soaked track that combines late 2010's R&B flow with a plucked samba cadence, with Omar distorting his own voice to create a Brockhampton-like effect.
  6. ↑ Strazzabosco, Domenic (April 4, 2022). "REVIEW: Omar Apollo is heartbroken but refined on debut album, 'Ivory'". Riff Magazine. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  7. 1 2 Williams, Sophie (April 8, 2022). "Omar Apollo – 'Ivory' review". NME . Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  8. 1 2 Jordan, Cora (April 7, 2022). "Omar Apollo - Ivory". Clash . Retrieved January 29, 2023.
  9. 1 2 McKinney, Jessica (March 25, 2022). "Best New Music This Week: NIGO, Latto, Kid Cudi, and More". Complex . Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "The 100 Best Songs of 2022: Staff List". Billboard . December 7, 2019. Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  11. 1 2 Mier, Tomás (April 1, 2022). "'I Can Say How I Feel, No Matter What': The Liberation of Omar Apollo". Rolling Stone . Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  12. ↑ Villa, Lucas (April 8, 2022). "This Week's New Music Releases: Arca, Omar Apollo, Karol G, and More". Latina . Retrieved January 29, 2023.
  13. ↑ Paul, Larisha (March 30, 2022). "10 songs you need in your life this week". The Fader . Retrieved January 29, 2023. He weaves in between lanes and vocal cadences with tantalizing confidence over skitting beats as the sample of Luke's "I Wanna Rock" gasses his swaggering delivery.
  14. ↑ Bennett, Willa (April 7, 2022). "Omar Apollo Is Your New Soundtrack to Heartache". GQ. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  15. 1 2 "The 100 best songs of 2022". The Fader . Retrieved January 27, 2023.
  16. ↑ "The 45 Best Songs of 2022". Esquire . December 2, 2022. Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  17. ↑ "The 100 Best Songs of 2022". NPR Music . NPR. December 15, 2022. Retrieved January 31, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Jake Nava – Cherry" . Retrieved January 26, 2023.
  19. ↑ "MTV VMAs 2022 Nominees Announced". Pitchfork. CN Entertainment. July 26, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
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.