The Illest
2013 single by Far East Movement featuring Riff Raff or Schoolboy Q
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"The Illest" is a song by American hip hop group Far East Movement. The song was co-written and produced by Norwegian music producer and songwriter Axident and Wallpaper. aka Ricky Reed, and features a guest appearance from American rapper Riff Raff. It was released digitally as a single on July 2, 2013 and has since peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard Hot Rap Songs. "The Illest" was featured as a bonus track and a single from the 2013 Special Edition release of their fourth studio album Dirty Bass (becoming the album's fifth single overall).
(for version w/ RiFF RAFF)
April 16, 2014
(for version w/ ScHoolboy Q)
| "The Illest" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||
| Single by Far East Movement featuring Riff Raff or Schoolboy Q | ||||
| from the album Dirty Bass and Ktown Riot | ||||
| Released | July 2, 2013 (for version w/ RiFF RAFF) April 16, 2014 (for version w/ ScHoolboy Q) | |||
| Recorded | 2013 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:40 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producers | ||||
| Far East Movement singles chronology | ||||
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| Riff Raff singles chronology | ||||
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| ScHoolboy Q singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "The Illest" on YouTube | ||||
Background
"The Illest" was originally featured on Far East Movement released a mixtape titled GRZZLY that was released on May 29, 2013. Then a few days later the group released a new version of the song, now featuring rapper Riff Raff.[2] On July 2, 2013, the new version was released for digital download as a single by Cherrytree Records and Interscope Records.[3][4] Far East Movement then created a Tumblr titled FuckYeahIllest to help promote the song.[5] The song was then featured on their EP Murder Was the Bass, which was released on December 9, 2013.[6] They also have said the song would be featured on their upcoming fifth studio album.[7]
Music video
The music video was directed by Mike Clattenburg and filmed at Los Angeles Center Studios. It was released on July 23, 2013, with a cameo appearance by Hugh Jackman.[5] It features a blindingly dull office getting raided and destroyed by Far East Movement and Riff Raff, in a manner that nods to Office Space and Workaholics.[8] Additionally the music video features cameo appearances from Lil Debbie, Dumbfoundead, Jeffree Star, Nice Peter, Watsky among other popular YouTube personalities.[5][9]
A second music video was released on April 15, 2014 in support of their Ktown Riot EP. The video was inspired by the Koreatown riots of 1992. Snoop Dogg makes a cameo appearance, as well as Los Angeles / Koreatown residents Tokimonsta. Riff Raff is also seen performing his verse.[10]
A video was also made using a mash-up of the Deorro and Victor Niglio remixes. It was published to YouTube through the group's Vevo channel on December 10, 2013, and features scenes from The Illest Tour.[11]
Remix
On March 4, 2014, the official remix, mixed by DJ Eman, was released. The remix features guest appearances by Schoolboy Q and B.o.B, as well as Riff Raff's verse from the original.[12][13] On April 16, 2014, an alternate version of the song, featuring a slightly altered arrangement and vocals from Schoolboy Q, was released as a digital download.[14][15][16] This version was included as the lead track on their late-2014 EP Ktown Riot.
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Illest" (featuring Riff Raff) | Andreas Schuller, Eric Frederic, Kevin Nishimura, Jae Choung, James Roh, Virman Coquia, Horst Simco | Axident, Wallpaper. | 3:40 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Illest" (featuring ScHoolboy Q) | Andreas Schuller, Eric Frederic, Kevin Nishimura, Jae Choung, James Roh, Virman Coquia, Quincey Hanley | Axident, Wallpaper. | 3:40 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Illest (DEORRO Remix)" (featuring Riff Raff) | 3:35 |
| 2. | "The Illest (Victor Niglio Remix)" (featuring Riff Raff) | 4:20 |
| 3. | "The Illest (Kronic Remix)" (featuring Riff Raff) | 4:42 |
| 4. | "The Illest (Rell The Soundbender Remix)" (featuring Riff Raff) | 4:42 |
| 5. | "The Illest (KTown Shekki X Savagez Remix)" (featuring Riff Raff) | 6:19 |
Credits and personnel
- Lead vocals – Far East Movement
- Producers – Axident, Wallpaper.
- Writers – A. Schuller, R. Reed, K. Nishimura, J. Roh, J. Choung, V. Coquia, J. Christian
- Label: Cherrytree Records / Interscope Records
Chart performance
| Chart (2014) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Germany (Deutsche Black Charts)[17] | 20 |
| US Bubbling Under Hot 100 (Billboard)[18] | 7 |
| US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[19] | 18 |
| US Rhythmic Airplay (Billboard)[20] | 21 |
Release history
| for version w/ RiFF RAFF | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Date | Format | Label |
| United States Canada |
July 2, 2013[3][4] | Digital download – single | Cherrytree Records, Interscope Records |
| February 4, 2014[21] | Rhythmic contemporary radio airplay | ||
| April 22, 2014[22] | Digital download – Remixes | ||
| for version w/ ScHoolboy Q | |||
| Country | Date | Format | Label |
| United States Canada |
April 16, 2014[15][16] | Digital download – single | Cherrytree Records, Interscope Records |