"Win" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American rapper Jay Rock, released on May 16, 2018 as the second single from his third studio album Redemption (2018). It features backing vocals from American rapper Kendrick Lamar and was produced by Vinylz, with co-production handled by Boi-1da and CT.
| "Win" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Jay Rock | ||||
| from the album Redemption | ||||
| Released | May 16, 2018 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:35 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Jay Rock singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Win" on YouTube | ||||
Composition
edit"Win" contains a sample of "Rooster and Runaway (from True Grit)", composed by Elmer Bernstein, and uses a trap beat[1] that features celebratory-sounding trumpets and drums.[2][3] Throughout the track, Kendrick Lamar provides ad-libs in the background. The song begins with a horn riff, and a chorus performed by Jay Rock,[2][3] who raps about triumphing over adversity[4] while also delivering boastful lyrics and claiming his position as a winner in the rap game.[1][5]
Music video
editA music video for the song was released on May 30, 2018. Directed by Dave Meyers and Dave Free, it opens with Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar dressed in suits while surrounded by trumpeters and flames.[6][7] The video sees Rock dodging missiles in the middle of a war zone, celebrating with a championship trophy, hunting ducks with Lamar, surrounded by masked men brandishing bayonets,[8][9] playing pool, staging a 300-inspired execution off the roof of a building,[7] reclining with several women and hanging out a convertible.[10] Top Dawg Entertainment artists SZA, Ab-Soul, Isaiah Rashad, Sir, Zacari and Lance Skiiiwalker make cameos in the video.[6]
In other media
editThe instrumental for “Win” is featured in the Netflix film The After Party (2018) for the character KYLE plays in the film to rap over.
Remixes
editJay Rock released a remix of the song endorsing Stacey Abrams' campaign for the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election, on October 24, 2018.[11] On October 30, 2018, the official remix featuring American rapper Snoop Dogg was released.[12]
Charts
edit| Chart (2018) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)[13] | 20 |
| US Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles (Billboard)[14] | 4 |
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United States (RIAA)[15] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ a b Reed, Ryan (May 16, 2018). "Hear Jay Rock's Brass-Heavy New Song 'Win' Featuring Kendrick Lamar". Rolling Stone.
- ^ a b O'Neill, Lauren (May 16, 2018). "Jay Rock's "Win" Is Victorious As Hell". Vice.
- ^ a b Penrose, Nerisha (May 16, 2018). "Jay Rock Returns With Kendrick Lamar-Assisted Single 'Win': Listen". Billboard.
- ^ Breihan, Tom (May 16, 2018). "Jay Rock – "Win" (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)". Stereogum.
- ^ Mojica, Nick (May 16, 2018). "Jay Rock Is Out to "Win" on New Song". XXL.
- ^ a b "Watch Jay Rock's Triumphant 'Win' Video Featuring Kendrick Lamar". Rap-Up. May 30, 2018.
- ^ a b Burks, Tosten (May 30, 2018). "Jay Rock and Kendrick Lamar Go Duck Hunting in "Win" Video". XXL.
- ^ Daramola, Israel (May 30, 2018). "Video: Jay Rock – "Win"". Spin.
- ^ Rettig, James (May 30, 2018). "Jay Rock – "Win" Video (Feat. Kendrick Lamar)". Stereogum.
- ^ Reed, Ryan (May 30, 2018). "See Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar Go Duck Hunting in 'Win' Video". Rolling Stone.
- ^ Gray, Julia (October 24, 2018). "Jay Rock's "Win" Remixed For Stacey Abrams' Gubernatorial Campaign". Stereogum.
- ^ Findlay, Mitch (October 30, 2018). "Jay Rock Calls Up Snoop Dogg For "Win" Remix". HotNewHipHop.
- ^ "Jay Rock Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard.
- ^ "Jay Rock – Chart History: Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles". Billboard. Archived from the original on September 4, 2019.
- ^ "American single certifications – Jay Rock – Win". Recording Industry Association of America.