J'ouvert (song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"J'ouvert"
Single by Brockhampton
from the album Iridescence
ReleasedSeptember 20, 2018
RecordedJune–September 2018
Length3:54
Label
  • Question Everything
  • RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Jabari Manwa
  • Hemnani
  • Joba
Brockhampton singles chronology
"1997 Diana"
(2018)
"J'ouvert"
(2018)
"San Marcos"
(2018)
Music video
"J'ouvert" on YouTube

"J'ouvert" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American hip hop boy band Brockhampton, released on September 20, 2018 as the lead single from their fourth studio album Iridescence, which was released a day later. It contains a sample of "Doh Blame Me" by Lavaman.

Composition[edit]

The song's production uses "distorted bass pounds, robotic squeaks, and horn wails",[1] as well as "buzzing kicks and distorted, 8-bit synths".[2] It features verses from Matt Champion, Joba and Merlyn Wood and has been described as "angsty", especially regarding Joba's verse,[3] which music critics have also described as his most "ferocious" verse,[2] "apoplectic Danny Brown-style psychopath",[4] and "emotively deranged".[5] In his verse, Joba raps about his mental health issues and drug use.[6] Following this, the instrumental breaks into the "Doh Blame Me" sample.[7]

Critical reception[edit]

The song received generally positive reviews, with particular praise for Joba's performance. In a review of Iridescence, Sputnikmusic's Rowan5215 wrote favorably of Joba's diversity in music, mentioning the performance of his verse.[4] Will Rosebury of Clash regarded the verse to be a particular highlight of the album, "calling to mind Eminem at peak disturbing on 'Kim'".[5] Daniel Spielberger of HipHopDX criticized the song, calling it a "muddled mess that has an off-putting verse from Joba."[8]

Variety placed "J'ouvert" at number 15 in their ranking of Brockhampton's 15 best songs.[6]

Music video[edit]

The music video was directed by Spencer Ford and shot in London. It features thermal imaging,[3][9][10][11][12][13] and was filmed both in color and black-and-white.[13]

Charts[edit]

Chart (2018) Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA)[14] 92
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[15] 10

References[edit]

  1. ^ Jackson, Reed (September 26, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON: iridescence". Pitchfork. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Steinberger, Jeremy (October 5, 2018). "Brockhampton: Iridescence (RCA)". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  3. ^ a b Zidel, Alex (September 20, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON Prepares "Iridescence" With "J'Ouvert" Song & Video". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  4. ^ a b Rowan5215 (September 23, 2018). "Review: Brockhampton – Iridescence". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved December 27, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ a b Rosebury, Will (September 28, 2018). "Brockhampton – Iridescence". Clash. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Moreau, Jordan; Shafer, Ellise; Shanfeld, Ethan (November 18, 2022). "Goodbye, Brockhampton: The Hip-Hop Boy Band's 15 Best Songs, Ranked". Variety. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  7. ^ Higgins, Sam (September 21, 2018). "Brockhampton return with the outstanding Iridescence". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  8. ^ Spielberger, Daniel (September 24, 2018). "Review: Brockhampton's "Iridescence" Is Simply Thrilling". HipHopDX. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  9. ^ Schatz, Lake (September 20, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON reveal video for new song "J'Ouvert": Watch". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  10. ^ Darville, Jordan (September 20, 2018). "Brockhampton share "J'Ouvert" video". The Fader. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  11. ^ Chin, Mallory (September 20, 2018). "Brockhampton Shares Trippy Visuals for "J'Ouvert" Ahead of Album Release". Hypebeast. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  12. ^ Yoo, Noah (September 20, 2018). "BROCKHAMPTON Share Video for New Song "J'Ouvert": Watch". Pitchfork. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  13. ^ a b Slingerland, Calum (September 20, 2018). "Brockhampton Share Video for "J'OUVERT"". Exclaim!. Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  14. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Brockhampton". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  15. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. October 1, 2018. Retrieved December 27, 2023.