Smoke & Retribution
2016 single by Flume featuring Vince Staples and Kučka
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"Smoke & Retribution" is a song by Australian DJ and record producer Flume. It features vocals from American rapper Vince Staples and Australian singer Kučka. It made its debut on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show and was released on 29 January 2016, by Future Classic.[1] The track is taken from Flume's second studio album, Skin.[2]
| "Smoke & Retribution" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Single by Flume featuring Vince Staples and Kučka | ||||
| from the album Skin | ||||
| Released | 29 January 2016 | |||
| Recorded | 2015 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:01 | |||
| Label | Future Classic | |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producer | Streten | |||
| Flume singles chronology | ||||
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| Vince Staples singles chronology | ||||
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| Kučka singles chronology | ||||
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Background
Flume explained that he had started work on this song in the back of a van on the way to Las Vegas in mid-2015. Flume said, "It wasn't originally intended to have rap on it. Vince and I got to meet in person for the first time in L.A. in September, and that's when I showed him the beat... a few weeks later he sent back new verses for it. I was really happy, I love the tone of his voice... Similar story with Kučka's involvement in the track... she's got a lot of talent and I'm hoping to work a lot more with her in the future."[3]
Critical reception
In a positive review, Ryan Middleton of Music Times said "In 'Smoke & Retribution' Flume continues to show growth away from his oft-copied Australian synth-heavy sound for a track that is more conducive to a rapper, but also remains familiar to what Flume fans know the Australia producer for. He adds in quirky 8-bit synths, video game sounds and a jerky beat that molds to the sensibilities of Staples and Kučka."[4] Eric Torres of Pitchfork described the track as a "thrilling makeover" of electro music.[5]
Consequence of Sound said "Here, synths flicker and flare as guest collaborators Vince Staples and Kučka unfurl lines both swaggering and hypnotic."[6]
Charts
| Chart (2016) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[7] | 23 |
| New Zealand Heatseekers (Recorded Music NZ)[8] | 6 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts Company)[9] | 183 |
| US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard)[10] | 18 |
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[11] | Gold | 35,000‡ |
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‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||