"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.

"J'ouvert"
Single by Brockhampton
from the album Iridescence
ReleasedSeptember 20, 2018
RecordedJune–September 2018
Genre
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

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.