Lust (Kendrick Lamar song)
2017 song by Kendrick Lamar
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"Lust" (stylized as "LUST.") is a song by American rapper Kendrick Lamar, from his fourth studio album Damn, released on April 14, 2017. The ninth track on the album (sixth on the Collector's Edition of Damn[2]), the song was written by Lamar, DJ Dahi, Mark Spears a.k.a. Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood, and was produced by DJ Dahi, Sounwave, and BadBadNotGood.[1] The song features uncredited guest vocals from record producer Kaytranada.[3] Although not released as a single, the song charted in multiple countries in 2017.
| "Lust" | |
|---|---|
| Song by Kendrick Lamar | |
| from the album Damn | |
| Released | April 14, 2017 |
| Recorded | 2017 |
| Studio | Windmark Studios, Henson Recording Studios |
| Genre | Hip-hop |
| Length | 5:08 |
| Label | |
| Songwriters | |
| Producers | |
Production
The song is about routine; the things we allow to interrupt them,[4] along with romantic lust and material desire.[5] The song's lyrics also reflect Lamar's reaction to the 2016 presidential election, specifically the anger and confusion some of the nation felt in the wake of it.[6][7] Specifically, Lamar speaks about the protests against Donald Trump, including the struggle to keep the energy up and sustain the protests long-term, without getting fatigued.[6] By the end of the song, the theme of acceptance comes into play.[6]
The song is built off an original composition by BadBadNotGood which features guest vocals from electronic musician Kaytranada.[3][8] Lamar first met the band at Coachella in 2016, immediately asking the band to collaborate.[9] With Lamar, producers DJ Dahi and Sounwave flipped the track, with additional string arrangements made by jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington, who played on Lamar's third studio album, To Pimp a Butterfly.[10][4][11] The song contains a sample of Rat Boy's 2015 song "Knock Knock Knock", sampled by former collaborator Dahi.[12][13][11] When he found out about the sample, Rat Boy tweeted his appreciation.[13][14]
Critical reception and tributes
Kathleen Johnston of GQ described "Lust" as the best song on Damn.[7]
Months after the release of "Lust" and Damn, creative collective Combined Culture released a short film inspired by the track on June 17, 2017, in celebration of Lamar's 30th birthday earlier in June.[15][16]
Live performances
Lamar performed "Lust" live at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 23, 2017.[17] He performed the song seated in a cage accentuated by strings of LED lights.[18] Lamar has performed "Lust" on The Damn Tour.[19]
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from the official Damn digital booklet.[1]
Production and songwriting
- Kendrick Duckworth – songwriter
- Dacoury Natche – songwriter, producer
- Mark Spears – songwriter, producer, strings
- Chester Hansen – songwriter, producer (as part of BADBADNOTGOOD)
- Alexander Sowinski – songwriter, producer (as part of BADBADNOTGOOD)
- Matthew Tavares – songwriter, producer (as part of BADBADNOTGOOD)
- Leland Whitty – songwriter, producer (as part of BADBADNOTGOOD)
- Kamasi Washington – strings
- Kaytranada – additional vocals
- Rat Boy – additional vocals (sample)
Technical
- Derek Ali – mixing
- Tyler Page – mix assistant
- Cyrus Taghipour – mix assistant
Charts
| Chart (2017) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Hot 100 (Billboard)[20] | 35 |
| Czech Republic Singles Digital (ČNS IFPI)[21] | 86 |
| France (SNEP)[22] | 122 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[23] | 36 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[24] | 72 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[25] | 36 |
| Portugal (AFP)[26] | 34 |
| Slovakia Singles Digital (ČNS IFPI)[27] | 45 |
| Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[28] | 94 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[29] | 52 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[30] | 43 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[31] | 25 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[32] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
| Canada (Music Canada)[33] | Platinum | 80,000‡ |
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[34] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[35] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||